Sundancer 450 for a couple?

DowneastSeaRay

DowneastSeaRay

Member
Jan 24, 2021
72
Downeast Maine
Boat Info
1998 450 Sundancer
H&H Marine Lobster Boat
Engines
Cat 3126, Honda outboard, Tohatsu outboard
I know that this is a very subjective question and clearly depends on personal skill-set, however, how do you guys feel about a Sundancer 450 for a couple? We're in downeast Maine and are both boaters (albeit never on a Sundancer) and have a sheltered deep-water mooring and dock (12' at low tide), so we won't be in and out of tight slips all the time. Just curious to hear from the folks who are familiar with this model. We plan on 2-3 day trips up and down the coast of Maine and up into Canada during the Summer season. We love the 450 for its roominess and floor plan, sea-keeping reputation and just it's great looks. Any thoughts? Thanks - Joe

Edit: I should add that we're also considering the Formula 41PC, however I like the Sea Ray's layout better
 
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I think that would be a great boat for you in your area. I've not been aboard a 450 but did own two 330's and was pleased with the construction, layout, performance and handling.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to CSR.
 
Thank you very much for your quick replies! We are looking in the 1996-1998 range (bet $80k-$120k). On an embarrassing note: I just spent the last few minutes googling what internet slang for "DESR" means. It's me. I'm DESR. I think I just got old.
 
Sorry just quicker! You will find a Ton of information on that model year 450DA. Do a search on here it will be very helpful. In addition there is/are a lot of owners who currently own one. Any particular questions just ask away. Good luck. JC
Maybe I am getting hip in my old age?
 
I think it is a great boat for a couple. My wife and I have a 400, we were shopping for a 400, 410 or 450. The only thing I did not like about the 450 was the height of the arch. We are tall, so it was important. The boat in the foreground is a 450 and in front of it is our 400. The picture doesn’t do total justice, but the 450 makes the 400 look like a toy.
 

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Having owned a '98 450DA for the last 14 years I might be a little biased, but my wife & I love ours, and I single hand it all the time. It's perfect for 2 and great for 4 and ok for 6...
 
This past winter we have gotten rid of the berber in the helm/cockpit, replacing it with infinity woven vinyl and replaced the interior curtains with 1" mini wooden blinds.
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Thanks for all of the input. Last night, we crossed the Fountain 41PC off the list. We like the Sea Ray layout better, for sure.
Mark, your interior is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the pics. I'll start pouring through this site - but if you have any low hanging tips, tricks and pitfalls you just have to get off of your chest, feel free to share! As they say, "you can't teach experience" - and it sounds like we're looking at a very similar 450.
BGIII said:
but the 450 makes the 400 look like a toy.
Click to expand...
BGIII, wow! I know the perspective of the photo plays tricks, but you aren't kidding!
 
Oh man, I just realized that last night while perusing this forum (clearly a lot happened last night). It's a bit above the range I was trying to stay under. However, I was recently burned on the purchase of a Kubota on craigslist. The guy was pretty slick on hiding major mechanical issues (and I'm a A&P mechanic once upon a time). Within 10 hours of ownership, the tractor had to be split in half, cab pulled off and all internal seals replaced. My point being that my wife and I are very sensitive to a vehicle with an unknown mechanical background. To the contrary, the 450 of which you speak (and her Captain) have pages of accolades on this forum - which we have been weighing heavily in our decision.
This was probably way more info than needed, but this has been the sole topic in our house. I'll be making my pitch tonight. After a bottle or three or wine. As always, any input is welcome.
 
I've been shopping for about 5 months and it seems like the range on these 95-98 450 SunDancers is from the low 90's to about 115 at the most (although I don't know of one that has sold for that much recently). Keep checking boat trader, on here and also yacht world. There are a lot to chose from right now!
 
DowneastSeaRay said:
I know that this is a very subjective question and clearly depends on personal skill-set, however, how do you guys feel about a Sundancer 450 for a couple? We're in downeast Maine and are both boaters (albeit never on a Sundancer) and have a sheltered deep-water mooring and dock (12' at low tide), so we won't be in and out of tight slips all the time. Just curious to hear from the folks who are familiar with this model. We plan on 2-3 day trips up and down the coast of Maine and up into Canada during the Summer season. We love the 450 for its roominess and floor plan, sea-keeping reputation and just it's great looks. Any thoughts? Thanks - Joe

Edit: I should add that we're also considering the Formula 41PC, however I like the Sea Ray's layout better
Click to expand...

Coming from a guy who sold his Formula 41 PC for the Sundancer 460, let me give you my own input. There is no comparison as far as space goes. 460 has a ton more room, is a lot heavier and rides nicer. Don't get me wrong, I loved the 41 PC but you're comparing apples vs. oranges. My 460 has quite more beam and can handle a lot more foul weather.

My wife and I love our 460....... truly enjoy longer runs and on the hook.
 
Good feedback - can't hit closer to home than that I suppose! I hope to join the ranks soon.
 
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