I moved from an 06 340 to an 06 44DA (420). Has the door to Master room and separate shower. The separate shower makes a big difference. Hardtop makes a big difference. Diesel power makes a big difference. Extra two feet wide is very nice. Cockpit air - big difference. If you have any specific questions PM me. I still like the Sundancer model but some day may move to Sedan Bridge... Good luck.

 

I'd vote for the 420DA. With the hard top I think the 420/440DA is one of the best looking boats around in that size/style.

Though I did watch a late 90's 560DA pull away from a marina this weekend. That was a beauty as well...

I went from a 340 to a 400 this year with three younger kids. The cabin doors and the shower situation are life changing. Life...changing...

 

Do it once Dean - get the 48 - third stateroom a huge plus - I cant imagine the maintenance costs are much different on the three you listed....

 

Do it once Dean, and become very friendly with the bridge operator (heehee) a 420 DA will become tight as well soon with 3 kids.
Go as big as you can. Good luck pal.

 

We just went from a 320 to 2005 500 (basically the 480) sedan. Not looking back! Mike

 

The only boat on your list that will solve the sleeping issue is the 480DB. The only boat on your list that will have an issue with the bridge is the 480DB. Choose your poison.

 

I bought my 410 in December of 2016 and we were moving up for a lot of the same reasons you are.
My wife insisted on a separate shower, I wanted the privacy door for the master, and with a 16 year old boy and a 19 year old girl we needed the privacy that the sliding door and second head in the aft berth provided for her.
My kids turned 21 & 18 this season and neither one has slept a single night on the boat.
We absolutely love the space and amenities our 410 offers, and still like the idea of the privacy the aft berth and head provide in case another couple travels with us, but factoring kids in to the equation was a waste. We overnight (and love it) more now that they’re both away at College. We’ve spent every weekend since they left late last month on the boat.
When they’re home they want to spend the day on the hook with us and a bunch of their friends, but want to be back at the dock at night so they don’t miss any get together. I’m more like a chauffeur and my wife is a cook, they float around with their friends in blow up toys tied to the back of the boat.
Your kids are younger than mine were when we were boat shopping, but time goes by quickly.
Your 15 year old already probably won’t sleep over too much and in three or four years your daughter won’t either.
If I were you, and had the bridge clearance issue, I would go for the 420/440 Sundancer and let your daughter sleep in the salon when the 15 year old is along for the night sleeping with his little brother. When he is not around give her the aft cabin and the little guy the salon.
Or you can go with the 480 Sundancer and let her and her little brother sleep in separate twin beds in the aft cabin and let the 15 year old sleep in the salon on the very rare occasions he actually goes with you on overnights.

 

I bought my 410 in December of 2016 and we were moving up for a lot of the same reasons you are.
My wife insisted on a separate shower, I wanted the privacy door for the master, and with a 16 year old boy and a 19 year old girl we needed the privacy that the sliding door and second head in the aft berth provided for her.
My kids turned 21 & 18 this season and neither one has slept a single night on the boat.
We absolutely love the space and amenities our 410 offers, and still like the idea of the privacy the aft berth and head provide in case another couple travels with us, but factoring kids in to the equation was a waste. We overnight (and love it) more now that they’re both away at College. We’ve spent every weekend since they left late last month on the boat.
When they’re home they want to spend the day on the hook with us and a bunch of their friends, but want to be back at the dock at night so they don’t miss any get together. I’m more like a chauffeur and my wife is a cook, they float around with their friends in blow up toys tied to the back of the boat.
Your kids are younger than mine were when we were boat shopping, but time goes by quickly.
Your 15 year old already probably won’t sleep over too much and in three or four years your daughter won’t either.
If I were you, and had the bridge clearance issue, I would go for the 420/440 Sundancer and let your daughter sleep in the salon when the 15 year old is along for the night sleeping with his little brother. When he is not around give her the aft cabin and the little guy the salon.
Or you can go with the 480 Sundancer and let her and her little brother sleep in separate twin beds in the aft cabin and let the 15 year old sleep in the salon on the very rare occasions he actually goes with you on overnights.

I have the three kids as well. With the 48DA we have 2 kids in the aft cabin and oldest sleeps in the salon which is actually the best berth on the boat! We came from an 04 420 DA and could not do this with the 3 kids. But as you suggest as they get older they run their own agenda!! You can probably find a nice 06 48da close to $ 340k if you can swing it.

 

We had an 88 390 EC many years go and it was a great boat! many fond memories . Such a great layout. Spend a few bucks and find a quality one and you won't be sorry.

 

So we are starting the process of looking to upgrade. We current have a 320 which is up for sale. The reason for the upgrade is that we have 3 kids and we are mostly out of room. The 320 has served us very well for the past 5 seasons as we've had some great long distance trips aboard. We plan on keeping our next vessel for at least the next 5 years and hopefully beyond. We are giving a lot of thought as to how our family dynamic may change over the next 5-10 years and would like to pick our next boat accordingly. Our kids are now 15, 10 and 7. The 10 yo is a girl so sleeping next to her little brother is more and more out of the question. Our 15 yo tends to not want to come with us on much of our trips. According to him he needs his own space. My wife's top requests are a door for the master cabin and a separate shower that doesn't wet the entire head like our existing 320. Besides not breaking the bank my only requirement is that I have to get under a bridge which has a clearance of 19' at high tide and 25' at low tide. I can call for the bridge to be opened but rather not be tied to the bridge operator.

I've zeroed in on the below models and have read up on most of the official forums. We are located in the Northeast and spend 99% of our time on the hook or on a mooring as we rarely take a slip. We currently own our slip which allows for up to a 50'-55' vessel. Each of the below models have their appeal but like I said we would like to hold on to this one for a while and i can foresee our youngest being the only one making trips with us at some point. But from what i'm told they go away but they eventually come back and with friends. Would love to hear some opinions on going big or going too big.

1. 04-06 420 DA
2. 04-06 42 SD
3. 00-02 48 SD

As of one hour ago we closed on a new to us 2008 470 Sedan Bridge so, our 420 Sedan Bridge is up for sale. Maintained with an open checkbook and truly a "Turn Key" boat. Looking for any reasonable offers. Come look at the boat and if it's not accurately described I will pay for your plane ticket. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004-sea-ray-420-sedan-bridge-103330820

 

Hey Keith,
Congratulations!
Were getting close on a 450 DA. Look to get set up in Ft Myers around November. If your in the area sometime give us a call.
Best of luck with your new 470!
Bob

 

Our first Sea Ray was a 340 Dancer. Then we went to a 47DB, now on our current boat.

Some people prefer the Dancers, some a flybridge.

If you are looking for space - a Flybridge boat will give you much more usable inside space in my opinion. Having the level with the salon and galley up where you have large windows really opens things up. You can be inside, yet feel like your not down inside.

The only Dancer that truly allows you to be inside and still have the above water view is the 60 Dancer.

I would say look at what your time on the boat looks like. If you do mainly day cruising with a few trips wiht acouple of nights - you may prefer the Dancer style. For us we were spending 9-11 days at a time on the boat, we wanted the space.

Have you climbed around on a 44DB or larger? If not you owe it to yourself to get on a couple and evaluate.

Regarding bridges - if you have fixed height, non opening bridges then that is definitely a strike against a flybridge.

Opening and going through bridges is not that big a deal where we boat.

 

Exquisite!

 

Dean,
As Joe said, go as big as you can. I think a sedan would suit you guys very well. You like to travel and have no problem spending time on the boat. If you have a rainy day you can still enjoy your time aboard a Sedan Bridge without dealing with wet canvas. If you make the experience better with more space you may be surprised that the kids will want to be there with you regardless of the age. At least that is how I am justifying it to myself as we are looking Sedans bridges.

 

We went from a 260DA to our 44DB and love it. As Football Fan says above, there is a ton of room. The salon, galley, and bridge are very bright and we love the ability to see out. Even in the winter, the bridge enclosure in the sun heats up nicely on the coldest of days. We love ours!

Bennett

 

If you're into some light DIY work the aft-cabin on the DA's are pretty well suited for fabbing up your own bunk for that third kid. I did it on my 340, worked like a charm. I'll be doing it again this winter on my 400. It's a great option to keep all three kids in the same room...

 

How do you think your use of the boat will change with more room/comfort and having more size/range that the larger diesel boats will give you? If your going to go on longer trips the bridge clearance becomes less important since you will cross it fewer times but the added storage and room of the sedan bridge is VERY nice to have.

The other question is if you had three staterooms in the 480DB, would your kids be more likely to bring friends and therefore be more likely to join you?

We LOVE or 44DA, but after spending as much time on her as we did this summer, and wanting to do at least as much or more next year, then add the extra of bringing it south for the winter we really want the storage, comfort and view (both from the main salon and the bridge) we are very actively searching for our next boat. We also want a third stateroom to have the option of friends and my parents along for overnight trips. Were not sure what direction we are headed in yet but the 03 and up 48/50/52/520 DB is most definitely on our list, as is offerings from a few other brands.

 

My 410 has a drop down bunk in the aft cabin that would work for a third kid if they were small. Can’t remember if that feature continued in the 420.
I weigh about 180 and tried it out of curiosity for a brief minute when I first got the boat and although it was narrow for me, it held my weight.
Aside from your bridge limits, another reason you may want to go for a Sundancer is the cockpit seating.
Personally, I love the sedan bridges, but they wouldn’t suit us for the way we use our boat with our 21 & 18 year olds when they come out with us.
They like to bring a bunch of friends out with us for the day and we typically use all of the seating in the cockpit.
The 420 cockpit is about the same as mine, but the 480 is even nicer with a lot more space. I think the difference in the LOA of the two boats is mainly behind the helm seat giving the 480 all that extra cockpit room.

 

If it were just the wife and I we would give serious thought to the 420. Part of me likes the thought of just running down to the marina and heading out at a moments notice without the worry of tides or bridges. However the space on the bridge boats is very attractive. The 42 and 48SD in the listed years are in the same price range hence why we are considering it. So realistically it’s between the 2. I think once we get down to it we’ll just bring the whole family to look at them both to get a feel for being aboard.

We would definitely spend more time aboard if we had the room and I think the kids wouldn’t mind it either. Last year we took a 2 week trip aboard our 320 and it was great except for those who were late sleepers vs early risers.

I also can’t get a good sense of the 48 SD clearance from the waterline to the hardtop. Have been searching but can’t find the specs.

 

If it were just the wife and I we would give serious thought to the 420. Part of me likes the thought of just running down to the marina and heading out at a moments notice without the worry of tides or bridges. However the space on the bridge boats is very attractive. The 42 and 48SD in the listed years are in the same price range hence why we are considering it. So realistically it’s between the 2. I think once we get down to it we’ll just bring the whole family to look at them both to get a feel for being aboard.

We would definitely spend more time aboard if we had the room and I think the kids wouldn’t mind it either. Last year we took a 2 week trip aboard our 320 and it was great except for those who were late sleepers vs early risers.

I also can’t get a good sense of the 48 SD clearance from the waterline to the hardtop. Have been searching but can’t find the specs.

48 SD? Are you looking at the 48 DA (Sundancer) or DB (Sedan Bridge)? not sure what the SD is?

 

Does your bridge you go under have preset times they will open (for example only on the half hour)? Or on demand?

I don't know the height of the possible models of fly bridge boats you might consider, but guess mid tide or lower you are ok. That means only a few hours each tide cycle that you have to open.

Time when you leave the dock so you are at the bridge on their opening schedule.

We open a lot of bridges when we are on the AICW. Thinking from Palm Beach to where we used to keep the boat just south of Fort Lauderdale there is 15 or so bridges to open... That is major pain.

Dealing with a single bridge that you can control the outbound at least - not that big a deal.

I would focus on the layout of the boat - whether that is dancer or flybridge - not on the 1 bridge. Find what works best for your family.

Just my thoughts

 

480DB height is around 21’ give or take a foot depending on electronics.

Have you considered a 480MY? I know they aren’t the prettiest but tons of room and no height issue.

 

Actually I think the 480MY is a cool looking boat...

 

We are in a similar situation Dean but, the kids are so active in sports that it encompassed almost the entire summer this year. This is why we are going back & forth on moving up, moving out or doing nothing. If we stay with the 330 DA we are basically giving up the trips & settling for day trips & an overnight here & there. Decisions, decisions......... Good luck with yours!

 

Hey Todd,

The options you've listed are kind of self explanatory:
1. moving out - depressing.....
2. doing nothing. If we stay with the 330 DA we are basically giving up the trips & settling for day trips & an overnight here & there. - Boring........
3. moving up - Now that's exciting!!!!

Let me guess which option 100% of the forum will vote for?

Dean,
You're clearly up against a tough choice. DA vs DB and which one.....
Obviously, 99% of bridge boats owners will advise you to go with the DB. We were DA lovers until we switched. However, it doesn't mean that DB/MY is for everyone. I can tell you all the benefits, but only you and Tammy can see what feels like home for you guys.

420DB vs. 480DB:
Start with basics. What fits the crew best 80-90% of the time. You said it yourself that 15 y/o is jumping the ship. So realistically, you're a crew of 4 and on a occasion, your older one will pay a visit for a day or maybe take a one long trip. If this is realistic outlook, then 420DB will sleep your crew in comfort.

The Money - similar purchase price is true. However, once that's over, you're dealing with daily maintenance, operational and ownership cost. IMO, 480DB is about 25-30% more for everything.

Obviously, you get more boat for the money with 480, but there's a difference in style since 420 is a newer model. If you really like 480 design, that only makes the decision easier. If the fact that 480 will be few years older is not a concern, that makes the decision even easier.

We love our 420 no less than any 480 owners love theirs. However, I'll say something unusual.....In a way, I'm glad that we don't own something like 480/500DB only b/c it makes our upgrade decision so much easier. During our upgrade we never considered keeping our 420 forever. As our need for upgrade is slowly accelerating, moving up from 420 is so much easier than from 480. In other words, 5-7 years from now you'll be having a hard time justifying making a big move from 3 stateroom 50+ footer, which doesn't owe you anything on to something larger and much more expensive.

Definitely a tough call, but as basic boat buying rule states, buy the biggest you can.

Good luck!

 

I have a 13.5 geni on my seedan bridge 48 does anyone have any idea what the hourly fuel burn would be

Steve

 

We have considered Bridge boats and Sundancers for the last year. Both have their pros and cons. I asked many of the same questions from folks on this site. There is NO easy answer. I spoken to both kinds of owners who are looking at trading in their boats for the opposite. One of my best friends just bought a bridge boat. Im very close to closing on a Sundancer. (his is a 50', mine a 45'.). I copy and pasted arguments into the notes section of my browser along with multiple other suggestions regarding boats and engines. Here is what I have referenced from others :
Downside to Sedan Bridge: aggravated wave motion, the sacrifice of cockpit space, and bridge clearance in one direction I typically head the most. When heading to the ocean I'd have to either call and wait for a bridge to be open or head the other way and go out a different inlet which is in the other direction from where I usually head and a little trickier to navigate.

Going up and down to and from the bridge isn't too appealing to me anymore. I had a bridge boat back in the late 80's and usually found myself alone up there acting as a chauffeur while everyone else was down in the cockpit.

I think the most sage advice spoken earlier was "How are YOU going REALLY use the boat >50% of the time?? If you are trying to forecast whether you will have kids, relatives, friends on the boat you will need to employ a crystal ball. I came to the conclusion that it would be my wife and I and we would be cruising as apposed to utilizing it for a water-board condo. Our adult children are ecstatic about "Dads Yacht" and can't wait to come aboard BUT, I know that will abate quickly over time, once the novelty wears off. Big purchase-think wisely . Ask people on this Great site. They are so helpful!

 

We had several discussions regarding this before moving up to the 340. We have two kids (right now 15/18) and they are big active boys. With college upon us for the next 7 years (or so) we did not want to commit to too big of a boat (because of upcoming expenses) and while the kids love the boat if we are not out with families with other kids their age they are "bored" (which I understand).

The wife and I both love the boat for relaxation - this kids look for the excitement. Right now given the choice I think my 18yo would opt for our 17ft center console to go run around the bay with to explore and fish. My 15yo already is begging for a jetski and I want to upgrade the center console.

Our saving grace is that our boys sleep on the salon couch and the mid cabin - giving all of us plenty of room. I don't think that they would be happy sleeping together in the mid-cabin together anymore. Now, there have been nights when we packed the boat with people sleeping everywhere because they wanted to have friends overnight but no one cared since they were all having fun. This would have been different if it was for a long trip.

This leaves our 340 with plenty of room for just the two of us down the road. Long term, we will probably move to a 42/44 simply to move up to diesels to extend our cruising and get some additional ammenities and space. I know our kids love boating so they will probably come and visit and do a weekend here and there so have the extra space will be beneficial. But this is probably 7+ years out for us. Do I dream of larger boats - sure - but I try to stay realistic and understand the purchase is only one part of the long term ongoing expense.

-Kevin

 

Dean, as you know combined we have 7 children and 2 grand Kids. We bought the largest boat we could the 500DB
This season not one kid came with us on the flotilla so the wife and I moved into the port side stateroom and we both had our own bathrooms for 14 days.
Now when they do come out either for the day or weekend room is not a problem.
It’s great to have all the added space even if it’s only the two of you for a while.
As for aggravated wave motion, we don’t experience that and the 500 is a full hardtop compared to the 420 with a 1/2 (less weight)
Evryone has their own plan and sometimes that changes we thought we would only keep this boat 5 years then snowbird
And get a smaller boat but now we’re taking it to FLA and doing the Bahamas,etc trips so no plans of selling now.
You stated that your on the hook a lot. Remember, 420 fridges are 110/12v dc where as the 480db is only 110 vac so Genny use is more just FYI
My point is, the bridge opening may be a hassle but the room you gain (granted you do sacrifice cockpit space a bit) is well worth the wait of the bridges.

 

Dean, as you know combined we have 7 children and 2 grand Kids. We bought the largest boat we could the 500DB
This season not one kid came with us on the flotilla so the wife and I moved into the port side stateroom and we both had our own bathrooms for 14 days.
Now when they do come out either for the day or weekend room is not a problem.
It’s great to have all the added space even if it’s only the two of you for a while.
As for aggravated wave motion, we don’t experience that and the 500 is a full hardtop compared to the 420 with a 1/2 (less weight)
Evryone has their own plan and sometimes that changes we thought we would only keep this boat 5 years then snowbird
And get a smaller boat but now we’re taking it to FLA and doing the Bahamas,etc trips so no plans of selling now.
You stated that your on the hook a lot. Remember, 420 fridges are 110/12v dc where as the 480db is only 110 vac so Genny use is more just FYI
My point is, the bridge opening may be a hassle but the room you gain (granted you do sacrifice cockpit space a bit) is well worth the wait of the bridges.

What your not going to honor the trade we worked so hard to negotiate this summer? I let you win the dinghy race and all I get is a notice on a public forum of "sorry were keeping the boat" even though we have a perfectly good 2 year newer 44DA that you wanted!

FINE keep your boat!

In all seriousness, the Chesapeake cruise may have turned very expensive for us, we became big fans of the added space of the bridge boats. Now just back from the boat show in Newport and the admiral fell in love with full beam masters - CHA CHING, there goes another few hundred grand!

 

Gathering some good data points on this thread. Thanks all. I think its time to get out the old matrix and work up the pros and cons and wants vs needs. Fortunately we have friends with each of these models so a visit and a short cruise may be in order....we'll bring the treats! Truth be told we've never been out on a diesel much less a DB.

 

Just don’t make the mistake of putting all the expenses of each boat in a spreadsheet to compare the costs of the various models. I made the mistake of doing that and wow, this is an expensive hobby when you put it on paper no matter what model you are talking about.