1996, 1997, 1998 40' Sea Ray Sedan

[trawlerdeejay]

I'm seriously thinking of purchasing a 40' Sea Ray Sedan (1996-1998) with CAT 3116 diesels. I've only been on one (at the dock) and loved the looks, inside layout, steps to bridge, etc. I've looked at only 2 of these boats so far- in my price range.($100,000). Newer models of this Sedan are way out of my price range. I currently own a 1996 Albin TE with a Cummins diesel and have owned a trawler with twin Perkins diesels. Love diesels and want to stay with them!!

I'd love to have current, or former, owners of this 40' Sea Ray respond- citing any/all things they like, or dislike, about the boat. I'd especially be interested in hearing from owners who have the CAT 3116's in their Sedan. Would also like to know about fuel consumption for these diesels (GPH at cruising speed or below).

Anything you might mention would be new information for me. THANKS!!!

 

[katricol]

I know of 2 dockmates with 400's and they love them. The GPH with the cats can't be beat in a boat this size. At a slow cruise of about 18-20 kt....16 to 18 GPH.

 

[fwebster]

At recommended sustained cruise of 2400 rpm's, the engines will burn 22.6 gph............18 gph is about 2250 rpm.

 

[NorCal Boater]

If you can find a 40 DB with diesels for $100K you better snap it up fast....after a survey of course.

 

[jmunro123]

I had spend about 3 month seriously looking at that boat. You will read a number of comments about the Cat 3116 mostly bad. From what I have heard and read and researched it was a good engine. There were some problems so just get an engine survey from Cat before you close. The 3116 is a dry sleave engine so as long as the hours are not to high it should be OK. Frank from this board would be able to comment more.

They are nice boats , but in the end for us we could not find one that was reasonably priced so went with the 390MY which we absolutely love. I can't say enough good things about our boat. But that is a pesonal thing. Good luck on your search. Buying the boat is the most fun of all.

 

[trawlerdeejay]

Thank you so much for the responses! Anyone else out there to comment on the 40' Sedan Bridge? Any owners?

 

[BillG72340]

We just purchased a 99 400DB with 3116's rated at 300hp which was the base diesel. I was expecting somewhat sluggish performance but was really impressed by the tourque and cruise for this setup. The sea trial was in 2-3 foot chop and produced the following numbers.

2800= 29.3 mph
2600= 27.6 mph
2400= 24.3 mph
2200= 20.7 mph

I do not have the burn rate yet as we ran out of boating weather here in Ohio but expect around 22-24 gph at 2400 rpm. We moved up from a 98 330da which had a little faster cruise but actually burned more fuel with T310 Mercs. Good luck.

 

[Alex F]

.....Anything you might mention would be new information for me. THANKS!!!

These threads may help you:

Looking for knowledge and opinions on a 400DB

400DB Upgrade Went South – Buyers Be Aware

Good luck,
Alex.

If you can find a 40 DB with diesels for $100K you better snap it up fast....after a survey of course.

I disagree if OP is going as far as 1996.

 

[sundancer340]

My wife and I are looking at the same. Having trouble finding one near the $100k with Cats. There are a few with gas but I would stay away. 30-40 GPH burn with gas. We looked at a couple in the $130-$150k range but in need of TLC. There a 96 in my area that can be bought for close to $100 but my wife does not like the 96 bridge lay-out and interior. Watch out for wet cores on some models. Make sure you survey. Good luck on your search.