Shopping for a 400 Express Cruiser

[jonsm114]

Looking for a 400 for lake use, Lake of Ozarks. First cruiser and first Sea Ray. Thunderbird Formula prior to this. An tips?

Jon

 

[Henry Boyd]

Jon,

Welcome. Your first best resource would be to get started reading some of the discussions here. You might also want to touch base with Frank Webster. Frank is probably one of the most knowledgeable guys here on the big Sea Rays, and it is probably fair to say he is our expert on the 400/40 series platform.

I assume you are considering a used boat based on your statement. The thing to keep in mind is that while the 400s are generally the same, over the years there has been an evolution of hull dimensions, features, and amenities, so having a list of "must have", "don't care" and "would be nice" features becomes important. In our case we are planning to move up something in the 40 plus range when we both finally get around to retiring in the next year or so. But we have had eight years with the 280 to focus in on what we want (as well as don't want). I'll be real honest, we had the mechanical and electronic systems specd out pretty much after the first season, although the electronics do seem to be a moving target. What we have been going back and forth on have been the accommodations and stuff related to living on a boat for longer than a three day weekend.

I don't know your situation, but since you are new to cruiser style boats, you might consider finding something local, even if it may be smaller, for a season as a try out to determine what you want. i suggest a local boat because moving a 400 over land is not cheap, and if you get something you just can't live with, the transport cost to a buyer is a hit you will also take again when you sell.

Henry

 

[Air O'Nautical]

We love our 400EC.

It's a more classic look and timeless (to me) Searay design that was produced from 1991-1998.
You can spend hours looking at pics on yachtworld/boattrader and see the layout stayed mostly the same.

Visible differences I've noted;
The side windows changed to the oval ports in 1994.
Forward stateroom bed changed in 1997 to a centerline design.
Materials and canvas changed over the years but, that's prob been redone by now anyway.
Anchor windless changed to all chain 1997-1998 previous models are all line rode "Good" brand that seemed durable but, made adding any length of chain problematic.
Engines are either the 7.4L/454 gas Merc. with the newer ones being fuel injected and higher output with reported HP anywhere from 310-380.
Or diesels by Cat and Cummins. Cat's were 298 or 340HP...not sure about the Cummins.

I can offer the Gas version does Amazingly well for a big gas boat...and better than some smaller boats with the same engines! The weight and balance is better with the mid-engine layout the boat will cruise in the 20's and top out low 30 knot range.
I've run it with the 3116's too, and it's impressively powerful with much better fuel burn.

Keep in mind you looking at an older boat that will have needed proper maint over the years.
I still think the 400EC is a great buy in the used market and can be a deal for a big boat.

If you find one on your lake well taken care of and have any questions, just ask....

 

[endless seas]

I hear there is a really nice 450 DA for sale on the site. Ask Frank he knows a lot about many boats.

 

[Billfletcher]

If you want to buy new, you should check out the new SR 400. We need someone to post some reviews.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Are you shopping for a "400 Express Cruiser" (as I assumed) or any SR 40' express style boat?

 

[jonsm114]

400 express...96-98 years of production......looking at a survey of one now. It is noted that both a/c units are draining condensation into the bilge......it is recommended that a sump be installed to handle the water....anyone comment on this?

Jon

 

[Air O'Nautical]

400 express...96-98 years of production......looking at a survey of one now. It is noted that both a/c units are draining condensation into the bilge......it is recommended that a sump be installed to handle the water....anyone comment on this?

Jon

Yes, they should be draining into the shower sump box under the floor in the salon.
That's an easy fix.

 

[HUMPH]

Two friends have 400 Express's with gas engines. Another friend has one with CAT diesels. It's a great performing boat with gas engines but diesels makes it an amazing boat. The one with CAT diesels runs much faster than my 410DA with the same engines. I know that Rusty is a big fan of the hull used for this model...

 

[jonsm114]

Looking at 96-98 w 7.4 MPI engines. Wild variables in price....all fresh water boats from birth....most all needing some updating..

J

 

[jonsm114]

Thanks so much....still looking...ost of the boats I have looed at are over priced..

 

[bahamabreisus]

I think there are 2 or 3 on Lake of the Ozarks for sale now. Don't be afraid to offer what you think they are worth.