Thoughts on liveaboard - mid 90's 'Dancer 500

[BerettaRacer]

Hi, just a feeler on your thoughts about liveaboard on a mid 1990's 500DA.
I'm a CG licensed marine engineer/captain, 60yo, based out of Ft Lauderdale, probably retiring within next few years and looking at different options. I've done design, construction, refit and liveaboard operation on many vessels over the last 25-30 yrs, but all considerably larger, usually in the 120'- 200' range, and with full crew.
The 90's 500's are plentiful and can be had for a decent price, about the same as a condo, but it's a lot easier to move if I don't like the scenery or neighbors, lol. With some creature comfort mods, look like it's big enough for 1 or 2 people to live on, but can still be single handed in decent weather and/or short trips. Plans would be to go with a galley and appliance upgrade, and some engineering modernizing. Have some idea's on re-utilizing some spaces but can't get to carried away because that would kill resale value. I'd probably look into renting one for a few days or a week before purchace to get a better feel for space and limitations. The single generator instead of a dual setup is a little worrying, but doesn't matter dockside and I think I can offset that somewhat with upgrading alternators, batteries and modern inverters for cruising. I can usually handle most mechanical and electrical work, but would need help on finish carpentry.
Any input from people who have spent extended cruising / liveaboard on this or similar SeaRays would be appreciated.
Thx
BR

 

[bahamabreisus]

My wife and I retired to ours 6 yrs ago. The 500 has a great king size bed, good bathrooms and showers. I'm 6'2" and have plenty of headroom. We tend to use the 2nd bedroom as a walk in closet. Galley storage a little light, but other than that, we relay enjoy. We also have full enclosure, kinda like a sunroom.

 

[BerettaRacer]

My wife and I retired to ours 6 yrs ago. The 500 has a great king size bed, good bathrooms and showers. I'm 6'2" and have plenty of headroom. We tend to use the 2nd bedroom as a walk in closet. Galley storage a little light, but other than that, we relay enjoy. We also have full enclosure, kinda like a sunroom.

Thx. Yea, I was thinking about stealing some of the space from that port cabin for galley storage. Also closing in the top bunk into lockers/storage, but keep the bottom open for guests or delivery crew.

 

[bahamabreisus]

Not a bad idea, for the side bunk. We have everything on the lower. 90s Dancers are awesome boats, they are built like tanks. We have been in 9ft seas with it, ugly, but solid. We have thought a 500 Sedan might be better. Would love to trade with someone.

 

[jxg]

Let me know where you can rent something like this to try out. I have searched and have not seen any rentals.

 

[BerettaRacer]

Let me know where you can rent something like this to try out. I have searched and have not seen any rentals.

While they may not be "For Rent" to the general public market, there are around 50 of these boats on the "Sale" market right now. I'm sure a potential buyer with money in hand probably won't have to much trouble finding one to spend some dockside time on, and even sea trial with the owners/sellers approved captain on board.

 

[jxg]

i have spent time on one here locally, incuding a sea trial'with me piloting for awhile. the big issue is trying a couple days overnite, to see if the mrs. could actually stay aboard.

 

[mquiet]

My wife and I retired to ours 6 yrs ago. The 500 has a great king size bed, good bathrooms and showers. I'm 6'2" and have plenty of headroom. We tend to use the 2nd bedroom as a walk in closet. Galley storage a little light, but other than that, we relay enjoy. We also have full enclosure, kinda like a sunroom.

I have known Bahamabreisus for a couple of years and can say they seem very happy living on the boat. I am jealous as we only get there on weekends and when we leave they are still enjoying. Something to be said about "less" and making life a little more simple and maybe more enjoyable.

 

[Ctsearay]

Oh you guys are making me really rethink my retirement that's still farther away and it should be. I look forward to this threads replies.

 

[CRUZ'N]

Hi, just a feeler on your thoughts about liveaboard on a mid 1990's 500DA.
I'm a CG licensed marine engineer/captain, 60yo, based out of Ft Lauderdale, probably retiring within next few years and looking at different options. I've done design, construction, refit and liveaboard operation on many vessels over the last 25-30 yrs, but all considerably larger, usually in the 120'- 200' range, and with full crew.
The 90's 500's are plentiful and can be had for a decent price, about the same as a condo, but it's a lot easier to move if I don't like the scenery or neighbors, lol. With some creature comfort mods, look like it's big enough for 1 or 2 people to live on, but can still be single handed in decent weather and/or short trips. Plans would be to go with a galley and appliance upgrade, and some engineering modernizing. Have some idea's on re-utilizing some spaces but can't get to carried away because that would kill resale value. I'd probably look into renting one for a few days or a week before purchace to get a better feel for space and limitations. The single generator instead of a dual setup is a little worrying, but doesn't matter dockside and I think I can offset that somewhat with upgrading alternators, batteries and modern inverters for cruising. I can usually handle most mechanical and electrical work, but would need help on finish carpentry.
Any input from people who have spent extended cruising / liveaboard on this or similar SeaRays would be appreciated.
Thx
BR

BR, FWIW... I've lived/ travel aboard anywhere from 1 yr to the 5-6 mo ( snow bird ) time frame from Md to the Keys. Most of the time it's been on my own. You can't see every pot hole coming at you, but mitigating most hazards can be achieved with a bit of common sense. I've never experienced any generator issues, which is good due to having the stores on board being stocked to the limit.
It's been an incredible adventure which I wouldn't trade for a more secure way of life. One of the best parts has been all the wonderful and interesting people that I've met ! Good luck, Tim