Trying to decide on which model Sea Ray

koviak

koviak

Member
Aug 14, 2015
32
Pasadena Maryland
Boat Info
1995 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
Engines
454 mercruisers 310hp
Looking at the 370 and 400 models (1993 -1999) and cannot decide which would be a better choice. Wife likes the interior lay out of the 370 with the aft cabin and I like the interior of the 400 (especially the larger refrigerator).
Most 400's need cockpit combing replaced as the backing is rotted. Have also seen a few with water in the forward bilge near the galley, how does that get there ? Most 370's we looked at have sun faded helm and rusted fuse panel under the helm, common issue ? I know straight drives are more efficient but also have owned (2) boats with vee drives. Looking for positive or negative for each.
 
Last edited:
koviak said:
Looking at the 370 and 400 models (1993 -1999) and cannot decide which would be a better choice. Wife likes the interior lay out of the 370 with the aft cabin and I like the interior of the 400 (especially the larger refrigerator).
Most 400's need cockpit combing replaced as the backing is rotted. Have also seen a few with water in the forward bilge near the galley, how does that get there ? Most 370's we looked at have sun faded helm and rusted fuse panel under the helm, common issue ? I know straight drives are more efficient but also have owned (2) boats with vee drives. Looking for positive or negative for each.
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We love our 370 Aft Cabin, for cruising and staying weekends at different places it's perfect for what we need. I now want an old tug so it's up for sale. I noticed your profile says you are from Pasadena MD. you are more than welcome to come check out ours
 
romanservices said:
We love our 370 Aft Cabin, for cruising and staying weekends at different places it's perfect for what we need. I now want an old tug so it's up for sale. I noticed your profile says you are from Pasadena MD. you are more than welcome to come check out ours
Click to expand...
Actually meant to say 370 Sundancer.
 
I haven't owned either boats but I have been on many of both. I really like the 370. It has a huge beam for the length and a comfortable cabin. I never really cared for that sofa/berth arrangement forward on the 400 (and the 390 before it) but I don't have any real reason why. My wife, who is a bit claustrophobic, doesn't like the long? corridor to the master cabin. Her thoughts, not mine.

You don't say what years you are looking at but the 400 is only 8" wider that the 370. If it matters to you I think a 400 was easier to find with diesels. You also don't say what you budget is but on Yachtworld on your side of the country 370s start at $30k, 400s follow close behind and there are even several 370 Sedan Bridge models. The 44' Sundancers start at $65k for one with 3408 Cats. The 440 would actually be my preference.

Unless you are looking for a deal and a project I would stay away from the boats you mentioned with the issues unless you could get the seller to address them correctly. There are just way too many really good boats out there.

Good luck with the search and have fun.

Shawn
 
Seems like you are in the 50 to 65k range on budget. I like the sundancer layout more then the express. We have owned 3 sundancer from 28 ft up to our current 41. You mentioned issues you have seen I can attest that they are the most common unless addressed by the owners. On our 33 we added camper canvas, replaced the helm panels, and replaced all the cockpit vinyl and foam. Total cost was around 7500. Something to factor into on going maint. Also we spent around 6000 on the cooling system/fuel pumps on both engines over the course of three seasons to bring our 33 back up to decent running shape.

The 370 is a good size and with the 7.4L engines she should cruise at 21 knots and burn a little more than our 330 mid 30 gph. The added beam and weight make for a nice ride.

Just saw you are in MD, your more then welcome to check out a 410 if you have more room in your budget! LOL sounds like I'm trying to sell I'm not! Just for you to compare the larger sundancer layout!

Good luck!
 
NorCal, wife made the same comments about the 400 and the forward stateroom. Looking at model years 1993-1999.
Mid Atlantic are prices are from $42k and up. I also like the 440 but out of my budget range.
 
Seriously guys! We have to start using model numbers and years or we'll be talking in circles. In 1997 for example, Sea Ray made 3 distrinctly different 400's: DA, EC, and DB. (Sundancer, Express Cruiser, Sedan Bridge)

All of which were several feet longer than 40' btw.

If you want a mid-late 90's SeaRay with a tall fridge and a mid-cabin stateroom, look at the 400DA and the 380DA.
 
Okay so we put a deposit on a 1995 370 sundancer. Boat is very clean and well maintained. 7.4 mercruisers. Local boat in the Magothy River Maryland. Sold the 270 in 3 weeks.
 
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