Sundeck 220 - best year?

[mattias]

We are considering a Sundeck 220 - we have been looking at the 2004 / 2005 models. In the 220 models - what is your opinion on the best year of 220 Sundeck (why?). We could really use the help as we are considering this vs. the Crownline EXs in the same size...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Leardriver]

The Sundeck has a better layout and bow area.
2004 started Smartcraft gauges, which are very useful. 2005 changed the switches from rockers to toggles. The best change was around 2007-08 when they went to DTS. Shifts and throttles smooth as silk.

 

[mattias]

Great info - thanks!

At what year did the Sundecks put the optional rear facing subpad on the boat. We used to spend a lot of time sitting on the back of our boat watching the kids swim in the water...

 

[ColoSR]

I have a 2003 Sundeck 220, love the boat. Lots of space for seating and storage. Everyone that comes onto the boat mentions that they love the layout compared to other boats.

There are limited differences between the 2003-2008 220 Sundecks, I would look at condition first, engine, then model year because most of the changes were cosmetic and can be retrofit. Cosmetic changes on later boats included stainless steel cupholders, ss grab handles, gelcoat color from the rubrail to waterline, and newer radios.

About 2009 or 2010, Sea Ray decided to use overall length including the swim deck rather than bow to transom length. The 2003-2008's have an overall length of 23 1/2 feet while the newer ones are 22 feet. Unfortunately, the rear facing sunpad is only on the newer boats.

The 2003&2004 Sundecks used a microprocessor switch called the EIM to control the bilge pump, blower, lights, etc. while the 2005+ boats used toggle switches. Many of the EIM's are on their last leg, but can be replaced with normal toggle switches for about $1K using a kit from Flounder Pounder. As leardriver mentioned, the 2003 boats were smartcraft ready but most of the boats didn't get smartcraft gauges until 2004. The vessel view mobile plugs into the 2003 engines, you could probably retrofit any smartcraft gauges on them. I don't have any experience with DTS, although it does sound nice.

The engine and drive is another key difference. Most years offered a 5.0L (260HP), 5.7L (300HP), and 6.2L (320HP) MPI engines and either the Alpha I or Bravo III drive. I have the 6.2 MPI with Bravo III drive and she moves along quite well. Some people on CSR say that watersports are not as easy with the 5.0, but I don't have any personal experience to compare to.

 

[Espos4]

I have a 2003 Sundeck 220, love the boat. Lots of space for seating and storage. Everyone that comes onto the boat mentions that they love the layout compared to other boats.

There are limited differences between the 2003-2008 220 Sundecks, I would look at condition first, engine, then model year because most of the changes were cosmetic and can be retrofit. Cosmetic changes on later boats included stainless steel cupholders, ss grab handles, gelcoat color from the rubrail to waterline, and newer radios.

About 2009 or 2010, Sea Ray decided to use overall length including the swim deck rather than bow to transom length. The 2003-2008's have an overall length of 23 1/2 feet while the newer ones are 22 feet. Unfortunately, the rear facing sunpad is only on the newer boats.

The 2003&2004 Sundecks used a microprocessor switch called the EIM to control the bilge pump, blower, lights, etc. while the 2005+ boats used toggle switches. Many of the EIM's are on their last leg, but can be replaced with normal toggle switches for about $1K using a kit from Flounder Pounder. As leardriver mentioned, the 2003 boats were smartcraft ready but most of the boats didn't get smartcraft gauges until 2004. The vessel view mobile plugs into the 2003 engines, you could probably retrofit any smartcraft gauges on them. I don't have any experience with DTS, although it does sound nice.

The engine and drive is another key difference. Most years offered a 5.0L (260HP), 5.7L (300HP), and 6.2L (320HP) MPI engines and either the Alpha I or Bravo III drive. I have the 6.2 MPI with Bravo III drive and she moves along quite well. Some people on CSR say that watersports are not as easy with the 5.0, but I don't have any personal experience to compare to.

Good Info here.

Avoid EIMS, get toggle switches

DTS was an option beginning around 2007, not all boats had it.
Makes for very smooth docking.


Also, you didn’t mention more recent years, but around 2010 or 2011, catalytic converters appeared on the marine engines.

I would avoid these, as the oxygen sensors can be problematic.