Upgrading Our Boat!?!?

[skolbe]

Check out our members boat "Bottomline" it was just featured in Sea Ray Living.

 

[randerson]

Here's a NICE one !!!......................Its mine !!!

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1995/Sea-Ray-370-Sundancer-2129238/Lindenhurst/NY/United-States

Lookin to step up to a 400DB..........

I agree, why stop at the 30-33' range, above is a great boat for sale by a CSR member that is relatively close to you. When we moved up to 37' it changed our lives. Entertaining, cruising, separate shower, working in the engine room, privacy door to the master stateroom, tons of storage . . . this list goes on and on. Best news yet? Very near your price range! Good luck in your search!

 

[Alegria]

I upgraded from a '79 260 Da last year to a '97 330 for the same reasons as you ( 3 young children) for much less than your high end. I looked @ www.northeastboatsales.com and national liquidators to find lower priced boats then scoured the tristate area craigslist and am very happy with my purchase from the jersey shore craigslisting. I went to the northeast liquidators on my way to Maine once and they have a fair amount of boats in very good shape. the boats on national liq tend to be in poorer shape as the owners mostly stripped them in anticipation of repo. I also went from a single i/o to twin inbd v-drives. It wasn't too difficult except for one windy Labor day incident. ( I am still looking for a port bilge vent cover by the way LOL).

Ditto! Right down to the 330....

I still agree that you should get the most boat you can afford. So if you can get an older larger model that was taken care of you will hold off on the urge to move again so soon.

I think the 95-99 370's can't be beat.

You will want to check out slip fees, storage, insurance, and some left over for normal maint. You will most likely have a more complex water system, 2 engines, generator, AC (1 or 2 units), and then any electronic upgrades... etc...

 

[Russ Calasant]

Here is one for you -


MODEL: 340 Sundancer
POWER: Twin Horizon V8 MPI (FWC)
HOURS: 457
LOA: 34'
BEAM: 11'5'
DRAFT: 2'5"
FUEL CAP: 225 Gallons
CRUISE: 20 kts TOP SPEED: 30 Kts
DISPL: 13,000 Lbs.
INCLUDES: A/C and Heat, Charger, Head, Ice Maker, Microwave Oven, Stove, Refrigerator, Screens, Shore Cord, Shore Power, Television, Stereo, Stern Platform, Trim Tabs, Water System (cold, hot, shower), Windlass, Genset (westerbeke 666 hours), Convertible Top, AFT Curtain, Side Curtains, Depth Sounder (raytheon raydata), Radar (raytheon rl70), GPS (raytheon nav398), VHF, Compass, Hour Meter, Synchronizer, Tachometer, Engine Alarm, Fire System (halon), Spotlight
BOOK VALUES
ABOS $92,300
BUC $99,200
NADA $90,550
ASKING PRICE: $59,000

Handsome express in good condition. Motors and genset run well. The average asking price is $88,000 and the average selling price is $80,000 on Yachtworld.com

:thumbsup:
www.northeastboatsales.com​

 

[Alex F]

That's a good link Russ. Thanks for sharing. What a deal on Cruiser Yacht 32' 2006, $79K is a steel. However, I like my 320 design much more, even though it's 2yrs older. 390 MY looks very cool. I assumed that these 26K lbs yachts go with diesels and was surprised seen it with mercs.

 

[M&M's_Beach_House]

Ditto! Right down to the 330....

I still agree that you should get the most boat you can afford. So if you can get an older larger model that was taken care of you will hold off on the urge to move again so soon.

I think the 95-99 370's can't be beat.

You will want to check out slip fees, storage, insurance, and some left over for normal maint. You will most likely have a more complex water system, 2 engines, generator, AC (1 or 2 units), and then any electronic upgrades... etc...

Thanks everyone for all the info. It's great having this resource. The above is exactly the reason we wanted to stay in the 31-33' Range. It's just going to be more affordable to take care of and run too.

BTW, I heard that Sea Ray changed the hull design from 98-99 on all their models talking with a friend yesterday. Is this true and does the 99 vs the 98 and older have much difference? He basically said it's head room mostly but was wondering what else was different and if I should stick with a 99 or newer boat?

 

[Alex F]

So we are looking to upgrade our boat to something in the 29-33' range. However, we have a spending limit and it's close to $60,000. I may be able to eek out a little more but it's close to this. We also owe probably what we can trade out 240 in for so not much to put down from our boat either.

We are looking at the 2000-2003ish 300DA's but was wondering if others had some suggestions for us?

M&M's_Beach_House,
You're going through the same situation we had few years ago. So here's my advice based on my exoerience. To get most our of your 240DA sell in on your own. Anytime you trade-in you get wholesale or below that for your boat while on the new boat dealer is asking for retail price. So, theoretically you loose on both ends. If you manage to sell on your own you’ll put yourself in the best position, which is a cash buyer or at least partially cash and then you may add some financing. As for the new boat, you’re acknowledging the fact that you’re ready to change your boating style and move from trailerible boat to “floating condo” or “floating summer house”. Since you’re in NJ waters, as others mentioned above you need V-DRIVES. If you’ll get another boat with I/Os you’ll be sweating to keep up with maintaining them, especially BIIIs. I had listened for advices I got from this board and got the boat of our dream (at the time) 320DA. The first model that comes with v-drives is 310, so it was one of the reasons we crossed 300DA from the list, although we liked very much the looks of 2002 and up 300s. So, another suggestion you’re getting from members is to buy the biggest you can get. This is very true. You’ll be using this boat as a summer house and just like with regular houses, or apartments for that matter, they become small real fast. So, if you go the cheaper and smaller route you only might find yourself in the position when 1-2 seasons down the road you’ll be ready to upgrade again and that’s only mean it’ll cost you more than do it on one shot. I understand your point about operating costs and overhead expenses like ins., marina fees, etc. but it’s not a huge difference between 33’ (as you know 300DA is 33.5’) and 40’ (anything from 310 to 370DA would fit under 40’ range). So, in any event taking the same things in to considerations we got 320, but also b/c we loved the design of this model. You may like other designs, so the most importantly is to choose the “right” boat for you and go for it. Having said that, we own our 320 for 3 years and I can see myself keeping it for another 3-5 yrs, b/c it gives us what we had accepted. $60K will not get you 320DA 2002 and newer, but as others pointed out there’re other great boats like 330 or 340 a little older, which might give you even more boat for the money. So, if you like the style and willing to go older to meet your $$$ target, then consider those boats. Just like 280, IMHO 320 and 340 are very popular models b/c they give you pretty much everything that you get in the larger yachts, but still within very reasonable price range and operation cost.

Lastly, driving twin v-drives is something you'll love once you'll get hang of it. It wont be too long. Lots of peope went through the transition, so you'll do just fine.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[rcknecht]

Great advice from Alex... Totally agree... :thumbsup:

M&M's_Beach_House,
You're going through the same situation we had few years ago. So here's my advice based on my exoerience. To get most our of your 240DA sell in on your own. Anytime you trade-in you get wholesale or below that for your boat while on the new boat dealer is asking for retail price. So, theoretically you loose on both ends. If you manage to sell on your own you’ll put yourself in the best position, which is a cash buyer or at least partially cash and then you may add some financing. As for the new boat, you’re acknowledging the fact that you’re ready to change your boating style and move from trailerible boat to “floating condo” or “floating summer house”. Since you’re in NJ waters, as others mentioned above you need V-DRIVES. If you’ll get another boat with I/Os you’ll be sweating to keep up with maintaining them, especially BIIIs. I had listened for advices I got from this board and got the boat of our dream (at the time) 320DA. The first model that comes with v-drives is 310, so it was one of the reasons we crossed 300DA from the list, although we liked very much the looks of 2002 and up 300s. So, another suggestion you’re getting from members is to buy the biggest you can get. This is very true. You’ll be using this boat as a summer house and just like with regular houses, or apartments for that matter, they become small real fast. So, if you go the cheaper and smaller route you only might find yourself in the position when 1-2 seasons down the road you’ll be ready to upgrade again and that’s only mean it’ll cost you more than do it on one shot. I understand your point about operating costs and overhead expenses like ins., marina fees, etc. but it’s not a huge difference between 33’ (as you know 300DA is 33.5’) and 40’ (anything from 310 to 370DA would fit under 40’ range). So, in any event taking the same things in to considerations we got 320, but also b/c we loved the design of this model. You may like other designs, so the most importantly is to choose the “right” boat for you and go for it. Having said that, we own our 320 for 3 years and I can see myself keeping it for another 3-5 yrs, b/c it gives us what we had accepted. $60K will not get you 320DA 2002 and newer, but as others pointed out there’re other great boats like 330 or 340 a little older, which might give you even more boat for the money. So, if you like the style and willing to go older to meet your $$$ target, then consider those boats. Just like 280, IMHO 320 and 340 are very popular models b/c they give you pretty much everything that you get in the larger yachts, but still within very reasonable price range and operation cost.

Lastly, driving twin v-drives is something you'll love once you'll get hang of it. It wont be too long. Lots of peope went through the transition, so you'll do just fine.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[HUMPH]

$60K will not get you 320DA 2002 and newer, but as others pointed out there’re other great boats like 330 or 340 a little older, which might give you even more boat for the money.

Not so fast chief! See my boat pics and take about $10K off of your last statement... There ARE outstanding deals out there due to the unfortunate circumstances people are in.

 

[tdschafer]

Hey Sparky. No I dont. Grams was 576,south of sunrise. Do u know Ralph Scheyder hes in the BFD.

 

[Alex F]

Not so fast chief! See my boat pics and take about $10K off of your last statement... There ARE outstanding deals out there due to the unfortunate circumstances people are in.

Awsome :thumbsup: (from buyers point of view). :smt089 OUCH, from boat owners and sellers point of view. If I saw a deal like that I would jump on it righ away, considering that besides looks all is in order and hours arn't skyrocking.

In any event, you must have found this deal on one of the special sites like liquidation sales, b/c when I get notifications from yachtsworld the range is much higher for avarage boats.

 

[M&M's_Beach_House]

M&M's_Beach_House,
You're going through the same situation we had few years ago. So here's my advice based on my exoerience. To get most our of your 240DA sell in on your own. Anytime you trade-in you get wholesale or below that for your boat while on the new boat dealer is asking for retail price. So, theoretically you loose on both ends. If you manage to sell on your own you’ll put yourself in the best position, which is a cash buyer or at least partially cash and then you may add some financing. As for the new boat, you’re acknowledging the fact that you’re ready to change your boating style and move from trailerible boat to “floating condo” or “floating summer house”. Since you’re in NJ waters, as others mentioned above you need V-DRIVES. If you’ll get another boat with I/Os you’ll be sweating to keep up with maintaining them, especially BIIIs. I had listened for advices I got from this board and got the boat of our dream (at the time) 320DA. The first model that comes with v-drives is 310, so it was one of the reasons we crossed 300DA from the list, although we liked very much the looks of 2002 and up 300s. So, another suggestion you’re getting from members is to buy the biggest you can get. This is very true. You’ll be using this boat as a summer house and just like with regular houses, or apartments for that matter, they become small real fast. So, if you go the cheaper and smaller route you only might find yourself in the position when 1-2 seasons down the road you’ll be ready to upgrade again and that’s only mean it’ll cost you more than do it on one shot. I understand your point about operating costs and overhead expenses like ins., marina fees, etc. but it’s not a huge difference between 33’ (as you know 300DA is 33.5’) and 40’ (anything from 310 to 370DA would fit under 40’ range). So, in any event taking the same things in to considerations we got 320, but also b/c we loved the design of this model. You may like other designs, so the most importantly is to choose the “right” boat for you and go for it. Having said that, we own our 320 for 3 years and I can see myself keeping it for another 3-5 yrs, b/c it gives us what we had accepted. $60K will not get you 320DA 2002 and newer, but as others pointed out there’re other great boats like 330 or 340 a little older, which might give you even more boat for the money. So, if you like the style and willing to go older to meet your $$$ target, then consider those boats. Just like 280, IMHO 320 and 340 are very popular models b/c they give you pretty much everything that you get in the larger yachts, but still within very reasonable price range and operation cost.

Lastly, driving twin v-drives is something you'll love once you'll get hang of it. It wont be too long. Lots of peope went through the transition, so you'll do just fine.

Good luck,
Alex.

THANKS Alex! Great advice. We may have uped our looking price into the $70-80,000 range but it's really pushing it for us. We'll see.

Not so fast chief! See my boat pics and take about $10K off of your last statement... There ARE outstanding deals out there due to the unfortunate circumstances people are in.

PLEASE post any opportunities that you come across from your contacts in regards to a boat like yours!! That's an amazing deal you got!!

 

[M&M's_Beach_House]

Just returned from the NYC boat show. Smaller than years past but still a nice amount of people. Boats were being sold, albeit slowly but things were moving a little more than last year.

 

[quality time]

THANKS Alex! Great advice. We may have uped our looking price into the $70-80,000 range but it's really pushing it for us. We'll see.

Only you know your financial position but if you feel like 70-80 would be stretching it, then I wouldn't do it. Nothing worse than getting the boat of your dreams and not being able to use it due to financial strains. Just my .02

 

[HUMPH]

Awsome :thumbsup: (from buyers point of view). :smt089 OUCH, from boat owners and sellers point of view. If I saw a deal like that I would jump on it righ away, considering that besides looks all is in order and hours arn't skyrocking.

In any event, you must have found this deal on one of the special sites like liquidation sales, b/c when I get notifications from yachtsworld the range is much higher for avarage boats.

400 hours and pretty clean! The only thing I really have to do other than regular maintenance is replace the A/C & pump someone took out.

 

[HUMPH]

[PLEASE post any opportunities that you come across from your contacts in regards to a boat like yours!! That's an amazing deal you got!![/quote]

They have a 2000 310DA I could probably get for $40K or so, a newer 300DA (not sure how much but could find out) and a 2007 340DA LOADED that could be had I am sure for less than $125K with more coming all of the time.

 

[rcknecht]

THANKS Alex! Great advice. We may have uped our looking price into the $70-80,000 range but it's really pushing it for us. We'll see.



PLEASE post any opportunities that you come across from your contacts in regards to a boat like yours!! That's an amazing deal you got!!

I just looked on boats dot com, and I think this currently the nicest boat in your price range:
34' 2001 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer - US$74,900.00


Russo Marine
Call: 866-690-9365
Please Ask for Russo Marine

Year: 2001 Insure It Length: 34 ft Survey It Price: US$74,900.00 Finance It Located in: Braintree, MA Transport It

Mass to NJ is an nice trip...

 

[M&M's_Beach_House]

Thanks. I've actually been in discussion with this dealer regarding this boat for a little while now! It's a beautiful boat (at least it looks like it) and they offered us a trade value we may be able to accept. Just looking into trying to sell our boat on the open market first before we take a trade in. If we sell it on the open market, we'll have to come up with less cash on our own (we hope) to get this one.

I'm sure it's wrapped up for the winter but we have an email in to ask. If so we'll have to wait until they take it out for the spring before we can even look at it I'm sure. Only concern I had was it had about 520 hours on the engines and similar hours on the westerbeke generator. What do you guys think of the hours on it? He said the manifolds and risers were replaced in 2008 too.

If you know anyone looking to buy a mint condition 2007 240DA, it's for sale!

 

[rcknecht]

Often its the boats with more hours that a better maintained... I would not shy away from an 9 year old boat with 500 hours... I would be more concerned with a 9 year old boat with 50 hours...

 

[M&M's_Beach_House]

Often its the boats with more hours that a better maintained... I would not shy away from an 9 year old boat with 500 hours... I would be more concerned with a 9 year old boat with 50 hours...

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense.