Used Sundancer Questions

[RobC4Sea]

I am a "land-lubber" who is going to make the plunge into cruiser boating. It's something I've always wanted to do. I'm looking at DA380s up to a 500, the year range is 1995 to 2001 or so based on budget. Larger is better if family goes that's 6 ppl for overnight, plus I'm lucky to be 100% telework so I may stay on it for a few weeks at a time throughout the year. I'll dock out of Florida or Kemah/Galveston. My dream is to be able to do the island hop one summer all the way to the Bahamas.I'm trying to find info on the galley and salon height, I'm 6'4 so that's a factor.

• Does anyone have feedback on which specific Sundancer model may be best? '95-2001?
• I read a review from a noted surveyor that the '98 DA500 was brutal in 3 foot chop. Any that handle well in rough water?
• What engines from those years to avoid, etc.?
• What are the ballparks on annual maintenance, assuming 128 hours a month of operation. Maybe more if I use it as my getaway for teleworking.
• Somewhat subjective, but at what point do most diesels need a tear down? I don't want to be cruising across the Gulf current and find out my engines needed it "last month".
• Some have been freshwater only, or say "freshwater cooled" can those be sea going too?
• Some appear to have swim decks big enough for a PWC, yeah or nay on that?
• Newbie question: I know there's engine access, but do the cockpit panels come off if you need to get to interior to remove fridge and loungers etc. for refit/update?

Thanks, be gentle -I'm trying to follow a dream and make educated choices. I'll tour whatever boat I pick and will hire a surveyor to make sure it's seaworthy.

Rob C

 

[Pirate Lady]

Your plan is feasible.
Newbie with that size as first boat. There are schools / captains you can hire for a couple days that will teach you how to dock and operate safely. The cost to repair a bad gash from docking is way more than the cost to learn from a pro.
Believe me when I say, you do not want to try docking a 40’ twin engine yacht as your first boat without guidance.
128 hours a month sounds crazy high. 1500+ a year. Don’t know too many people rack up that many hours.
I would not plan on a Bahamas cruise until you have had a couple years under your belt. It’s very shallow and coral / rocky. Reach out to member ocgrant Bahamas master.

 

[MonacoMike]

Focus on a 400/410 Sundancer with diesels and start from there…

 

[FootballFan]

Start reading and researching on this forum. Even those threads that are not specifically on a selected model.

Tremendous amount of knowledge is available on this site.

No idea about your boating experience, maybe do a couple of bare boat charters to get your feet wet (pun intended). The more time you spend on a boat, the more you will learn what you prefer and what you do not care for.

best of luck, searching and learning can be fun.

 

[bbwhitejr]

For 6ppl and the kind of time you are talking about spending on the boat, I would sure take a look at the Sedan Bridges. Cabin and bridge height is excellent as well. The bridge gives you another “room” so to speak. You also want 2-heads and 2-separate cabins I would think. That puts you in the 40 plus. Just my thoughts…

Bennett

 

[Jus Cruisin]

For 6ppl and the kind of time you are talking about spending on the boat, I would sure take a look at the Sedan Bridges. Cabin and bridge height is excellent as well. The bridge gives you another “room” so to speak. You also want 2-heads and 2-separate cabins I would think. That puts you in the 40 plus. Just my thoughts…

Bennett

That's a lot of boat to handle in the wind as a first time boat owner. Personally a lower profile helps.

 

[bbwhitejr]

That's a lot of boat to handle in the wind as a first time boat owner. Personally a lower profile helps.

Just my opinion, but our 44DB with bow thruster was easier to handle in the wind than the current 420DA without. Diesels also make a huge difference. Either way, some time is definitely needed on a a boat this size before striking out for parts unknown….

Bennett

 

[Pirate Lady]

That's a lot of boat to handle in the wind as a first time boat owner. Personally a lower profile helps.

I got say, been boating 30 years, 6 SRs, and there is no way ‘I’ would be comfortable docking a 40+’ boat. But as Dirty Harry said “a man has to know his limitations”.
I cant imagine trying it as a first boat. Good Luck.

 

[RobC4Sea]

128 is me spitballing use @ 24 cumulative hours a week. Actual use would vary, again I'm looking at living on the boat for part of the year and hopping around on weekends to the next spot.
Agree on experience, this is a different animal than 18 & 20ft fish and skis. I just wanted to include my future intent for use. Advice would be different for something I only wanted for freshwater or coastal use where people drop anchor right outside their harbor.

 

[RobC4Sea]

Thanks! I have a couple of pilot/surveyor friends who will be doing lots of training with me before I tried it solo.

View attachment 118149
I got say, been boating 30 years, 6 SRs, and there is no way ‘I’ would be comfortable docking a 40+’ boat. But as Dirty Harry said “a man has to know his limitations”.
I cant imagine trying it as a first boat. Good Luck.

 

[RobC4Sea]

That's a lot of boat to handle in the wind as a first time boat owner. Personally a lower profile helps.

I was thinking the Sundancer or Express would be better for wind. I'm also not a fan of the fly bridge height, on some boats I've been on I don't like the extra swaying motion. My sister has a 2006 Motor Yacht 40 and it's not terrible, just a higher profile than I would prefer.

 

[Pirate Lady]

You are doing it right as I can tell. Seriously, it’s a really big step and the last one is a doozy. Go slow. It’s more like buying a house than a car.
As Jim Ignatowski said …

 

[RobC4Sea]

I don't know how much time we would spend below deck. Also most of the time it will just be 2 people. I was thinking if I go with an older boat it leaves cash to refit the dinette into bunks or pullout/ jacknkife sofa. I had seen where that was done for better overnight sleeping arrangements. You just use the table behind the cockpit to eat on.

For 6ppl and the kind of time you are talking about spending on the boat, I would sure take a look at the Sedan Bridges. Cabin and bridge height is excellent as well. The bridge gives you another “room” so to speak. You also want 2-heads and 2-separate cabins I would think. That puts you in the 40 plus. Just my thoughts…

Bennett

 

[Pirate Lady]

Rob,
Know this..
You will use it less than you think (hours)
It will be more expensive than you can imagine.
Everything is broken, you just don’t know it yet (I love that line).
Welcome to boating and I do mean it, there is nothing better.

 

[Golfman25]

Alright I’m here to pee on your Cheerios. That’s a lot of boat for a new boater. Check with insurance companies as I have read they aren’t likely to insure that size with inexperienced owners. Personally I think you’re better off starting small and transitioning into a larger boat. Even if you make the change in 12-18 months you have a boatload of experience under your belt.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Rob, instead of buying a boat and immediately remodeling/refurbishing it, why not look for one that fits your needs from the onset.

I've always said a person should buy their second boat first. By that I mean, many people buy a boat, use it for a year or two and realize it doesn't suit their needs. So they sell it and buy one that does. That gets VERY expensive.

 

[Stee6043]

What's yer budget? The difference between a 380 and 500 can be pretty dramatic...

 

[RobC4Sea]

What's yer budget? The difference between a 380 and 500 can be pretty dramatic...

That's what I'm seeing. I have been researching for several months. For the 500s, I'd have to go with an older boat. For the 380s, I can actually pay cash. I'm looking to stay under $200k overall.

 

[RobC4Sea]

That's generally what I want to do. I'm just acknowledging that there are inexpensive options to improve these older boat cabin layouts.

Rob, instead of buying a boat and immediately remodeling/refurbishing it, why not look for one that fits your needs from the onset.

I've always said a person should buy their second boat first. By that I mean, many people buy a boat, use it for a year or two and realize it doesn't suit their needs. So they sell it and buy one that does. That gets VERY expensive.

 

[RobC4Sea]

No offense taken, fortunately I have access to experienced pilots and trainers. I'm taking some of the hands on certification courses that are both educational and set up insurance discounts. For the record, I've owned freshwater "small" boats bit never did anything beyond lakes and rivers. Because I want to jump to sea going size and wanting to spend time on the water, I'm gathering info.

Alright I’m here to pee on your Cheerios. That’s a lot of boat for a new boater. Check with insurance companies as I have read they aren’t likely to insure that size with inexperienced owners. Personally I think you’re better off starting small and transitioning into a larger boat. Even if you make the change in 12-18 months you have a boatload of experience under your belt.