RobC4Sea
New Member
- Jan 7, 2022
- 17
- Boat Info
- Boatless (Sundancer)
- Engines
- Boatless
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.
Rob C
- 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?
Rob C