We’ve had boats all our lives until the past 15 years or so, the largest being a 24’ open bow with an 8.1 Mercruser I/O. Since we sold our lake house years ago we want something we can spend the weekends on and have found what appears to be a very well cared for 1990 420 Sundancer with 3208’s. We’ve not done a survey or oil sample yet but will. This purchase is a little intimidating because I know from motorhome experience how quickly repairs can get out of hand, no matter how new or old. I’m excited to find this forum because it appears to be a knowledgeable group with an excitement for all things Sea Ray. We enjoy the same camaraderie in our Foretravel coach forum.
We hope to become a Sea Ray family
- Thread starter Johnstons
- Start date
Todd320
Well-Known Member
- Jul 21, 2016
- 1,508
- Boat Info
- 2007 Sea Ray 320DA
- Engines
- Twin V-drive 5.7L 350 Horizon
Welcome! I cant offer much advice regarding the 420, but I did something similar, owned a 24’ deck boat for 14 years that I trailered all over the place, but I wanted a cruiser to be able to spend the weekend and take week long trips. Ended up with 07 320 and we absolutely love it, I am sure you will love the 420... It’s not just the repairs, it’s also the maintenance and upgrades. Research deferred maintenance on here, the more information you can find out about the maintenance done on the engines, the better you will feel. Hopefully, the previous owner has detailed records. If/When you put an offer on the boat, require they provide you with Maintenance records. This is a good way to determine what you will need to do going forward. A certified CAT technician to do an engine survey is also a must. I would almost do the engine survey + oil samples first? But others can chime in...
Cap'n Scuba Steve
Active Member
Welcome aboard CSR! I've spent some time on a friend's 410, and I can assure you that you will enjoy that 420! Lots and lots of room, making it a great boat to spend the weekends on and not feel cramped!
As Todd mentioned, it will be important to have a CAT certified tech check out the engines and if they are good to go then I would proceed with the rest of the survey. Best of luck with the purchasing process!
As Todd mentioned, it will be important to have a CAT certified tech check out the engines and if they are good to go then I would proceed with the rest of the survey. Best of luck with the purchasing process!
JimG
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2008
- 6,085
- Boat Info
- 2007 310 DA
Kohler 5ECD
- Engines
- Twin 350 Mags
Raw Water Cooled
V-Drives
Some reading for you:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/420-da-thread.1273/
Best of luck and welcome to CSR!
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/420-da-thread.1273/
Best of luck and welcome to CSR!
duffman04
Active Member
- Apr 20, 2020
- 148
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sundancer 340
- Engines
- Twin 454 MPI Mercruiser V-Drive
I have spent allot of time as a passenger on a '91 420 with 3208's as well as helping working on it. It is a great boat. Those cats like to smoke a little though, not a big deal just FYI. Owner had some motor problems which turned out to be the injectors. Replaced them and now it runs great! Good luck!
