Recent "to be owner" of a 1998 330 Sundancer

[BradleyOverby]

Would love to have soem feed back from you long time owners of Express Cruisers. I am about to purchase a 1998 330 Sundancer that is in extremely good condition, original 1 owner boat, and always dry storage and has recently had brand new 8.1 mercuries installed in the boat. I'm working on setting up a survey of the boat prior to making the final payment so i'm sure i'll get a fairly reasonable review of the boat and i have had smaller boats for 20 + years. My concern (that i asked the broker) but didn't have an answer, was a "slight" oder of mildew inside the cabin? My question, since this boat is 12+ years old and has been stored inside is this normal or could it be a larger problem with the boat. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Brad

 

[300SR]

Have a surveyer yet?

Try Henry W. Pickersgill & Co. Inc. - Brookesville/Tampa, FL (800) 348-8105

Did 3 of my boats and is very good !!

 

[BradleyOverby]

I have the survey scheduled for the 21st

 

[BradleyOverby]

Thanks i'll check them out

 

[fwebster]

The mildew, moldy smell means the interior has moisture in it. You or your surveyor needs to find it's source before you close on your purchase. The mildew odor is likely coming from a vinyl covered piece of trim or from interior fabrics. On that model, common places moisture gets in are the oval stainless port lights .......they need to be removed and rebedded after the 6th or 7th year. Moisture can get behind the frames and run down into any wood or fabric in the cabin. Rebedding isn't usually expensive, but the damage left by the leaks can get involved.

The show sump box is also a source of moisture as is any of the freshwater fittings under the cabinets or anywhere on the boat.

This is also a cored deck boat so be sure the surveyor check the deck around and mounting for windshield, stanchions, windlass, lights, switches, etc. for high moisture content.

Just be sure the surveyor is aware of the mildew odor.....which is not normal for a Sea Ray, but may be for other boats he has surveyed. You or the surveyor need to find the source of the leak before you close on your purchase. It would be better to deal with it now while the seller is on the hook for the damage rather than to wait. Wet boats never dry themselves out and the damage is always worse if the repairs are delayed.

The 330DA is a great boat........enjoy it.