Good Morning
A good friend of mine is looking at a 2016 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer with 2 ECT 8.2 MAG AX BR3X
I sent him this thread but also wanted to ask, from the collective experience, is there anything specific he should be checking?
I know to check servicer history, manifolds, risers, heat exchangers... Anything else specifically?
What about electronics? Hull? etc.
Thank you guys!
Shaps
Hey Shaps,
That is basically nearly exactly our boat. I wish I could give a solid recommendation, but I honestly can't. While we do enjoy our boat and love the aesthetics and features, it is a continual problem.
The autopilot thing seems to have suddenly just stopped, so that isn't an issue now. The electronics, GPS, AIS, and related features are great overall.
We have had many problems with trim sensor issues (which were replaced once and require replacement again), the vessel view 4 system, a runaway engine stuck in gear with an Axius malfunction, etc.
Currently we are dealing with a generator shutdown error on the Kohler generator, which they have been having trouble figuring out for the last few weeks, along with an overheat error (again on the vessel view), which is limiting the engine. The Merc dealer came out and said the engine never overheated and they think it may be a "computer glitch" or harness issue.
I am also told on the 350 SD in order to change the port engine spark plugs, they need to pull the engine (at around 250 hours, which we are unfortunately quickly approaching).
We bought the boat last Fall and had a survey done, during which they allegedly looked things over, changed bellows, etc. From what the merc. dealer is saying we are due for manifolds, risers, plugs, and all the other 250hr maintenance stuff, which we are hoping we can hold off until after the first of the year. He gave a rough estimate of around 25k to overhaul all that is needed. (in addition to the ~20k I have put into it over the last 12 months for problems and repairs).
We have only 1 Sea Ray dealer in the west (right down the street in Newport Beach where we live), but they will not service us at the marina in Long Beach where our boat is.
Brunswick refused to honor our extended warranty and Sea Ray honestly could care less. Sea Ray used to be a great boat, but with the acquisition by Brunswick and discontinuing the bigger boats in the line, I would stay completely away if I had to do it over. I would look at another manufacturer (Tiara, Prestige, Cruisers, etc)
We bought a newer Sea Ray (2017) thinking we would keep away from all of these problems and have had nothing but problems. Once the dust settles, we are definitely out of this one and into something a lot more reliable, probably with inboards, in the 40-45ft range.
In fairness, I would possibly consider it if keeping it in fresh water (like the Great Lakes), but we have learned the hard way in salt water and with Sea Ray having no presence really.
Good Luck and I hope this helps.