It's tough to say w/o seeing the service records so I could only speculate.

For the one with 50 hrs, was it a total replacement (ie: turnkey crate engine) or more like a new new long block with all of the old accessories moved over?

When I bought my 2004, both engines were replaced but not at the same time. It turns out -- after getting a hold of the paperwork -- that they were replaced for different reasons.

So it could be that only one was replaced due to an accident, or engine failure, threw a rod ... take your pick!

As long as it comes with good records of what's been done, I see an engine replacement as a plus in a used boat, but that's just me.

 

I would let a qualified surveyor and marine mechanic make the call…..

Bennett

 

Thanks yea that's being scheduled... I guess he was getting an alarm for each engine after startup every time that he would have to clear... This was after installing a new Simrad MFD that is somehow tied in to the vesselview I assume. The marine was allegedly able to rectify it today however... The price of the boat is very good so even if I'd have to put another engine in it at some point in the near future I'd still be ahead. It looks very clean from the photos, we have an agreement on price and putting a deposit to the seller/scheduling surveyor for next week.

 

Hmmm...if a boat is selling for a "very good price" at this point in 2021, it sounds like something might be amiss. I can't imagine why a seller would not want top dollar in a market like this.

Don't settle for just a hull survey. Have a mechanic check those engines. Compression for sure. Maybe even oil samples?

 

From sad experience, I will never put sn offer in without seeing all maintenance records first! Value of boat depends on its care. Survey and engine survey too. Two of three surveys missed major items but found others. Bottom line for me.If the PO can't brag about the maintenance, walk on.

 

Appreciate all the advice. The seller does state all service records are available since new as it’s been at the same marina it’s entire life. Definitely going to get an engine survey also.

 

That is a beautiful model boat. I would caution however that if its 8.1's, that boat may be a serious gas hog. Usually that size boat has diesels for ample power and efficiency. It may even be underpowered and I'm surprised Searay would offer 8.1's as an option. My fuel burn with 8.1's at 3500 RPM which is the most efficient RPM/speed ratio is 35-40 GPH. Needless to say, that hurts at todays fuel prices and may be why your getting a good deal on it. On the upside, you could also replace the engines with Diesels and re-sell the 8.1's, at least the one with 50 hours as thats practically new. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!

 

Ummm….hmmm…that’s a lot to digest right there.

 

I was quoted 100K to repower with diesels 10 years ago.

 

Right. Repowering with diesels is a huge undertaking and the ROI is horrible. You're talking generator as well. If you want diesel, buy a diesel for the $40-50K upcharge.

Depending on how you'll use the boat the 8.1s can be fine. If you're doing The Loop, well, maybe not. They're typically rock-solid reliable with the exception of a few known, fixable issues (Cool Fuel Pump) and reasonable to replace if the worst happens. They're a fraction of the cost to repair/replace compared to diesels if something goes wrong. Don't get me wrong, for long distance traveling I'd only want diesels. My 420 at 3500 rpms cruised at 20 mph and got .55 mpg. That's probably 7mph slower than best cruise on a base diesel and 40% to 50% less efficient.

The 390 vs 420 are awfully similar and are GREAT boats. Layout inside and outside are wonderful. I loved the split shower/toilet arrangement. Lets 2 people use at same time and the shower was such a comfortable size for bigger people. I really liked the 2nd head of the 420 but it wouldn't be a deal killer for me if I didn't have a lot of guests traveling with me. If you do have guests it's really nice to have your own space.

 

I owned a 05 with the 8.1's and never found it to be under powered. Yes did it burn a good amount of fuel when you were pushing it yes like they all do how ever just cruising around i found it to be pretty decent i guess it depends on the type of boating you plan on doing. Good luck

 

Thank you all for the advice... I am paying $132,500 including shipping from Florida to Massachusetts, it just had all of the seating surfaces reupholstered and looks fantastic. Engine room is very clean. Blue hull just got a fresh detail also. I was able to get all of the service records and last year when the engine was replaced and the boat was hauled it got a full bottom job, running gear and tabs were stripped and recoated, and alignment was completed for both motors. Looks like the owner had the marina do every minor thing the boat needed so we'll see how the survey goes on Tuesday. I think we're getting a great deal on the boat. The engine was replaced after the owner reported oil coming out of the dipstick at high RPM's, it still ran well at low RPM's but the marina advised the engine needed replacement, so that's what they did.

As far as the 8.1's go..... I would love to have diesel but I can't find a 390/40 with diesels for under $230k. We only average about 100 hours per season and rarely run more than 80 miles in one direction. Our days are usually spent anchoring off the beach nearby or shooting down to Cape Cod for a few nights here and there. I think gas motors will be fine for us. The 420 is about 5,000 pounds heavier than the 390 and she has more hull in the water to drag her down so I am surprised gas was even an option on that boat! I'm going from a gas outboard 35' Four Winns that got (at best) 1.1 statue mpg's, but loaded with fuel/people/gear about .9 mph...

 

Personally, I would continue to shop. Are you sure you want gas? A comparable diesel powered boat will burn damn near half that amount. My 450 (which is for sale) burns about 23-24gph total at cruise speed! I had 8.1s in a 340 SunDancer and the fuel burn got to me very quickly!!

 

With my use, higher maintenance cost of diesels, and the deal I am getting.... the $100k extra for a diesel powered 390 just doesn't make sense.. Don't get me wrong, if I had money to burn I'd say screw it and get diesels.

 

Extra 100k? You should be able to find a diesel powered boat for under 150k and definitely less than 175k. In my experience with gas and diesel boats the diesel powered boats have always cost me less. Less to maintain, less to run, and better on resale.

 

I am limiting my search to 39-43’ boats no older than 2004 and vdrive only. I agree I can get a diesel boat for $150k but just for styling preferences I don’t want one that old.

 

I don't think you'll find a diesel 2004 390 for $150K or $170K unless it also has a story. Diesels in the 390 are rarer than they are on the 420s and above. This assumes he's limiting his search to the years and style of the boat he has under contract.

He's probably going to get 34-36 gph at a cruise of 24 mph on that 390 compared to maybe 20-21 gph on a diesel? If 60% of his hours were at cruise and the other were at idle/trolling that would be around 1,000 gallons per year. At $4 a gallon he'd spend an extra $4000 a year for the gassers. He'll save some of that on maintenance but recoups some, not all, of the extra initial cost at resale.

If he pops a 8.1 it'll cost him $15K all-in. If it's a diesel that'll be $50K

Point is, there's a good argument for gassers depending on how you use the boat and what boat size/cost compromises suit you.

 

We go slow, 6 knots 90% of the time and burn 1MPG including running generator 2 hours a day.

 

When we purchased our 44DA we had originally wanted a 39/40 but I really wanted diesel. They are so rare that the 2004-2005 420's of the same vintage were only about 20k more at that time. That lead us to looking at 420/44's and ultimately deciding the newer 44 was a better fit for us even though it was another jump up in price.

OP - if you budget allowed I would say look at the 420's, otherwise it sounds like you have a good boat there and it will work fine for your use with gassers. The main thing I think you may see is you will play with the throttles a lot coming out of CC canal into Buzzards Bay to keep a comfortable speed, where the diesels are set it an forget it, they will run all day at the same setting.

The only other major difference is I would always prefer a diesel generator over gas.

 

I really wanted to increase the size range to the 44 but my marina maxes me out at 42 feet, my slip is 40’ and I can overhang 2’…. To move in to a larger slip is probably a 5 year wait.

And regarding the diesel genset… I have a hatred of gas gensets so that reason alone makes me want to find a diesel boat haha.

 

I really wanted to increase the size range to the 44 but my marina maxes me out at 42 feet, my slip is 40’ and I can overhang 2’…. To move in to a larger slip is probably a 5 year wait.

That's great that they're flexible. We're on 35 foot slips, and the slip opposite me is empty but once in a while the marina will park 42-45 footers in there for a day or two. It makes for some fun docking

 

I agree with Stee6xxx, get engine and trans oil samples. Has saved me from two wrong purchases.

 

390 w gas 8.1s are fine and much power needed. If you're that concerned with fuel burn dont go boating. Although my personal opinion I happen to have owned a 300/ 340 and now a 390 8.1 gas... no issues great buy unless you plan to take long trips.