SR 370DA with Diesels, need straight talk info.

[Asureyez]

I sold my 460 last week and am looking to move down to a 370 with diesels, vintage 1995-1999. I'm hopeful of finding a few owners here in CSR that will give up the good,. the bad and the ughly on this model.

Chad

 

[RubberDuckeeToo2]

I know that diesel models in that range are pretty rare. As far as the boat goes, it is AWESOME!!!! (IMHO) I admit that I am biased, but the Official 370 Sundancer thread is one of the largest and most active here on CSR. When I was tracking the 370s for sale in my search for the boat, I only found just a few. Good luck in your search.

Gene

 

[Sea Gull]

Chad,

I owned a 1998 370DA with gassers for a number of years. They had a slight model change in 1998 that made that year and the 99 slightly more attractive to me than the earlier models. The major change for me was the height of the arch. I am 5'10" tall and on a 1997 model I could not stand at the helm without my head hitting the bimini. On the 1998 I had no issue.

I ended up moving away from the 370 and into a 410DA just to get diesels, but overall the 370DA is a great boat and with diesels it would get my vote for one of Sea Ray's best ever designs.

 

[douglee25]

Say it ain't so Chad! Why the sale?

Doug

 

[Hampton]

Aarrh and Aarrh is a 370 with diesels. Perhaps Jason will chime in here. I think it's an awesome boat. I know they love it. It is an absolute bear to get to the genny for an impeller change, if I remember correctly (maybe engine impellers?). That's the only complaint they've ever had. Runs good, and pretty fast. If it's in your sights, I don't see any reason not to pull the trigger.

 

[osd9]

Just a few observations from back when I was looking at 370DAs:

-Factory diesels for the 370DA are CAT 3116 300HP. Those motors, at that hp rating, are barely breaking a sweat and under a light load.
-As noted above, the arch was raised in model years 98 and 99
-I think model year 97 (maybe 98)was first year for the hydraulic operated enigne hatch. Earlier models had 3? hatches that had to be manually lifted
-Whenever I looked at a diesel powered 370DAs they never seemed to have the vitracore interior....

 

[fwebster]

I ran Jason's boat a lot for her previous owner. Great boat, fast, decent ride (but it isn't a 460), reasonably dry, very efficient...figure 16-18 gph @ 2250 rpms, 20 gph @ 2400. There were no design flaws or systemic problems with the 370DA, other thEngine space is tight and some service points are difficult to get to, (and the older and stiffer you get, the worse it becomes) Generator location is horrible since the generator must be unbolted and moved out to get to the water pump.

I wish you luck finding a diesel.........scarce because it made a $200K boat cost $300K and not many buyers opted for the diesel power option.

 

[Warren]

Chad: I'm sure that you have done your homework on the 370DA, I was originally looking for a 380DA with 3116TA CATS and found a nice one on the exterior but it was poorly maintained and lacked personal attention. It ran well but the engine weight is a factor and I found it ran too bow high for my liking. Also for me there is very little room between the engines for routine maintenance like strainer inspection, checking belts, etc.

I stumbled on a '98 400DA which was pristine and I am still totally in love with this boat and it's handling. The interior space, performance & economy, 2 heads, nice shower, huge cockpit, easy ER access all make a huge difference to me. And probably at not too much extra cost. Make sure that you check out this boat before you buy a 370DA, Chad.
Warren

 

[Asureyez]

You fellas are the best, I'm still searching. The past two weeks I've been fighting Bhronchitis and haven't been in the mood to get out there, but after Father's day Look out.

I sold the 460 because at 50 feet over all it was becoming too big to safely single hand. I always have passengers who seem to to have better bikini's than boating skills. I had a 96 370 for a few years and yes it was a perfect size boat for these waters, but it was a gasser and i was always uneasy. The arch did cause zero head room at the helm which I didn't like as well, but as for fun, it was a good ride.

The 40 DA suggestion is a good one. Should you learn of any boats in that 36-40 size let me known, I'll truck to Florida to get the right boat at the right value.