410 Sundancer/Express Cruiser and 400 Sundancer/Express Cruiser **Official Thread**

[Stee6043]

I snagged my chain from Defender Marine. 5/16" G4 was $4.04 per ft delivered to my door from CT to MI, $3.04 before delivery charges. West Marine wants $5.99 per foot, before tax, for the same chain.

When I priced out replacing my rode with 50' of chain (like I had previously) and then 200' of 5/8 line, the cost was within a $200 +/- of all chain. Seemed like a no brainer in the grand scheme. And I've never owned a Sea Ray where the windlass handles the transition from rope to chain without manual intervention. So this all-chain gig has me pretty excited...

 

[Stee6043]

Nope. It's the real deal. Happily at anchor this morning.

Nothing says "ideal boating day" quite like no waves, no wind and an anchor rode going straight down! Looks awesome!

 

[h_gerry]

The deed is done.

Here's what 200' of chain looks like in your 400 anchor locker. A lot more compact than I would have expected. Takes up quite a bit less space than the line it replaced.

Curious, do you have the bitter end of the chain directly attached to the boat or are you using a short length of rope? Some say that you should use a short piece of rope so that you can cut it away in an emergency.

Thoughts??

 

[Stee6043]

Curious, do you have the bitter end of the chain directly attached to the boat or are you using a short length of rope? Some say that you should use a short piece of rope so that you can cut it away in an emergency.

Thoughts??

I did a survey in my marina last week. I asked 5 all-chain boaters, all with larger, vastly more valuable boats than mine, and all had their chain connected directly to the boat. So that's how I did mine.

Pro - if my windlass fails I have a better chance of keeping my chain and anchor. Con - if I'm stuck in a Michigan hurricane and can't release pressure on the chain I'm going to be screwed.

 

[h_gerry]

I did a survey in my marina last week. I asked 5 all-chain boaters, all with larger, vastly more valuable boats than mine, and all had their chain connected directly to the boat. So that's how I did mine.

Pro - if my windlass fails I have a better chance of keeping my chain and anchor. Con - if I'm stuck in a Michigan hurricane and can't release pressure on the chain I'm going to be screwed.

Let's hope you are never stuck in a Michigan hurricane to begin with but I suspect that if you are on the boat you are screwed anyway.........

 

[John Aikenhead]

I might be able to help you with this. Give this number a call as they just took a complete loss of a 1998 370 Sundancer
and might be parting it out.
Bills Boatworks
187 Wilmuth Ave.
Lackawanna, NY 14218

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at Works

Hi Chuck;
Many thanks for your message much appreciated;
I wish I could get over to see what he has available but I can't get over the Peace Bridge right now because of the Covid 19 restrictions in place, I'm less than an hours drive away up the QEW but will have to wait until the bridge is opened before I can get over.
In meantime I will contact them by Email to see if he might have the cover I'm looking for.
I'm sure there are a few other things I might be interested in buying as well for my 370.

Cheers/Thanks; John.
Beamsville Ontario

 

[jamus]

New to this forum and thread and hoping for some guidance.

Just finished structural survey (this guy went above and beyond - 8hrs w/ us) on ‘99 400 Sundancer. LOVE THIS BOAT & LAYOUT!

Everything was going well until we hit the foredeck. Probable leakage in a couple spots. Bow equipment has been pulled and reseated/sealed at the bow (approx 4sf) where the anchor, windlass, spotlight and other equipment is attached. Additional soft deck around starboard and middle hatch (approx 10-15sf). Don’t know if the hatches were resealed and previous owners were not the type to be up on the deck. One estimate from a fiberglass guy next door was $20-$30K because he’d want to do the entire foredeck.

Other than that, some normal stuff about hoses, blown exhaust gasket on the generator (that they never used), inverter problems (never used), water pump needs to be replaced, vacuflush rebuild of the valves, 1/2 of the electronics are in need of updating, and spotlight moves but doesn’t shine. Oh, and it looks like a drip from the riser gaskets on both engines. All in all, I’m generously guessing $10K if I hire it all out.

Here’s the kicker: Repowered with recent Horizon 8.1 - total hours... 20

We’re already at a decent price, but the deck work is considerable and I’ll be saddled with the devalue when I resell. Trying to figure out if I walk, or ask to drop the price another $20K (or more) to let the previous owners walk away. I’m not looking to take advantage of their misfortune, but the work that the deck needs seems scary.

Caveat: I am not the fix it guy. I’m the guy who writes the checks. I don’t anticipate doing much of this work, other that with my buddies who are excited to get under the hood.

Thanks for your consideration. Hope to join your ranks as an owner sometime soon.

 

[jamus]

New to this forum and thread and hoping for some guidance.

Just finished structural survey (this guy went above and beyond - 8hrs w/ us) on ‘99 400 Sundancer. LOVE THIS BOAT & LAYOUT!

Everything was going well until we hit the foredeck. Probable leakage in a couple spots. Bow equipment has been pulled and reseated/sealed at the bow (approx 4sf) where the anchor, windlass, spotlight and other equipment is attached. Additional soft deck around starboard and middle hatch (approx 10-15sf). Don’t know if the hatches were resealed and previous owners were not the type to be up on the deck. One estimate from a fiberglass guy next door was $20-$30K because he’d want to do the entire foredeck.

Other than that, some normal stuff about hoses, blown exhaust gasket on the generator (that they never used), inverter problems (never used), water pump needs to be replaced, vacuflush rebuild of the valves, 1/2 of the electronics are in need of updating, and spotlight moves but doesn’t shine. Oh, and it looks like a drip from the riser gaskets on both engines. All in all, I’m generously guessing $10K if I hire it all out.

Here’s the kicker: Repowered with recent Horizon 8.1 - total hours... 20

We’re already at a decent price, but the deck work is considerable and I’ll be saddled with the devalue when I resell. Trying to figure out if I walk, or ask to drop the price another $20K (or more) to let the previous owners walk away. I’m not looking to take advantage of their misfortune, but the work that the deck needs seems scary.

Caveat: I am not the fix it guy. I’m the guy who writes the checks. I don’t anticipate doing much of this work, other that with my buddies who are excited to get under the hood.

Thanks for your consideration. Hope to join your ranks as an owner sometime soon.

Oh man. Did I just commit a newbie faux pas by asking about buying a boat on this thread. I’ll remove and move it over to the newbie thread if that’s better. Excuse the noob.

 

[dtfeld]

Oh man. Did I just commit a newbie faux pas by asking about buying a boat on this thread. I’ll remove and move it over to the newbie thread if that’s better. Excuse the noob.

I dont think so. Its a 400, so your in the right thread.

Having found water in the deck and that extent is a major problem. Working on an old boat is similar to an old house, once you open it up there are unforeseen issues that have to be or should be addressed while your "in there". Read $$$$. In this case, you never know how far the water has run, and your fiberglass guy is correct to think the whole thing needs redone.

All of these boats are going to be a mixed bag of some really good/nice/cool, and oh shit that costs HOW MUCH!!??

With that much work to be done on the foredeck, I might keep looking. Right now there isnt a great inventory as it seems a lot of people bought a boat this summer. If you give it some time, you might get a better boat and a better deal.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/boating-bubble.99239/#post-1145328

 

[JVM225]

The deed is done.

Here's what 200' of chain looks like in your 400 anchor locker. A lot more compact than I would have expected. Takes up quite a bit less space than the line it replaced.

And here's what the Lewmar Delta anchor looks like. She sits a little higher in the saddle (the shank) than OEM but launches and retrieves perfectly...at least sitting at the dock, so far

Nice! You’re going to love the all chain rode.

 

[JVM225]

Curious, do you have the bitter end of the chain directly attached to the boat or are you using a short length of rope? Some say that you should use a short piece of rope so that you can cut it away in an emergency.

Thoughts??

My all chain road is attached directly with no rope. No issues.

 

[Stee6043]

As luck would have it I broke a windlass foot switch cover within days of losing my anchor. So yet another opportunity to spend unplanned dollars in 2020...

For anyone in the market these switches are direct drop-in. In fact my original switches were in great shape so I saved the switch body and only installed the covers. Frustration-free install.

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2235463

 

[Stee6043]

New to this forum and thread and hoping for some guidance.

Just finished structural survey (this guy went above and beyond - 8hrs w/ us) on ‘99 400 Sundancer. LOVE THIS BOAT & LAYOUT!

Everything was going well until we hit the foredeck. Probable leakage in a couple spots. Bow equipment has been pulled and reseated/sealed at the bow (approx 4sf) where the anchor, windlass, spotlight and other equipment is attached. Additional soft deck around starboard and middle hatch (approx 10-15sf). Don’t know if the hatches were resealed and previous owners were not the type to be up on the deck. One estimate from a fiberglass guy next door was $20-$30K because he’d want to do the entire foredeck.

Other than that, some normal stuff about hoses, blown exhaust gasket on the generator (that they never used), inverter problems (never used), water pump needs to be replaced, vacuflush rebuild of the valves, 1/2 of the electronics are in need of updating, and spotlight moves but doesn’t shine. Oh, and it looks like a drip from the riser gaskets on both engines. All in all, I’m generously guessing $10K if I hire it all out.

Here’s the kicker: Repowered with recent Horizon 8.1 - total hours... 20

We’re already at a decent price, but the deck work is considerable and I’ll be saddled with the devalue when I resell. Trying to figure out if I walk, or ask to drop the price another $20K (or more) to let the previous owners walk away. I’m not looking to take advantage of their misfortune, but the work that the deck needs seems scary.

Caveat: I am not the fix it guy. I’m the guy who writes the checks. I don’t anticipate doing much of this work, other that with my buddies who are excited to get under the hood.

Thanks for your consideration. Hope to join your ranks as an owner sometime soon.

I'd echo DT's comments - you won't find many "mint" boats of our age. Most will have a little issue here and there with moisture and a litany of other things throughout the boat. New engines would be a huge plus, maybe even balancing out the wet deck in the grand scheme?

Were I in your shoes I'd go pretty aggressive on price. If the generator has little use it'll be an issue. Once you jump into vacuflush and risers it'll start adding up quickly. Maybe try to get the critical items fixed as part of the purchase, not just a discount.

FWIW - I had a 340 that had the foredeck peeled back and repaired for moisture. Total bill was $14k (that I did not pay, prior owner).

My last thought - wet boats do sell. But it will be harder. If you stick around here long enough you'll come to learn that some see gas engines in a 400 as almost as bad as a rotten deck...but they still sell every day

 

[dtfeld]

As luck would have it I broke a windlass foot switch cover within days of losing my anchor. So yet another opportunity to spend unplanned dollars in 2020...

For anyone in the market these switches are direct drop-in. In fact my original switches were in great shape so I saved the switch body and only installed the covers. Frustration-free install.

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2235463

BLING!!!!!

 

[John Aikenhead]

Hi Searay Chuck;
I spoke to the boatyard just now;
They say that the 98-370 boat in question is impounded at the yard by "BoatUS"
No one is allowed near it or on it, I guess its due to Insurance matters or possibly USCG is also conducting an investigation who knows.
Apparently she hit the Buffalo breakwater in fog but luckily for those on board she
remained stuck on the breakwater otherwise she would have gone to the bottom,
so guess she has extensive bottom damage. They are supposed to call me back
when any decision is made about repairing or salvaging out for spares.
Rgd's; John.
Beamsville Ontario.

 

[Stee6043]

Hi Searay Chuck;
I spoke to the boatyard just now;
They say that the 98-370 boat in question is impounded at the yard by "BoatUS"
No one is allowed near it or on it, I guess its due to Insurance matters or possibly USCG is also conducting an investigation who knows.
Apparently she hit the Buffalo breakwater in fog but luckily for those on board she
remained stuck on the breakwater otherwise she would have gone to the bottom,
so guess she has extensive bottom damage. They are supposed to call me back
when any decision is made about repairing or salvaging out for spares.
Rgd's; John.
Beamsville Ontario.

I've heard of boats being caught in salvage/insurance limbo for years. I wouldn't hold your breath waiting on that call, John

 

[RollerCoastr]

Apparently she hit the Buffalo breakwater in fog but luckily for those on board she
remained stuck on the breakwater

Yeah, it just happened recently. Was posted on FB. The starboard vent cover is already missing. I can't tell in the port pic, but that side may be gone as well.

 

[Ezsteps]

The deed is done.

Here's what 200' of chain looks like in your 400 anchor locker. A lot more compact than I would have expected. Takes up quite a bit less space than the line it replaced.

And here's what the Lewmar Delta anchor looks like. She sits a little higher in the saddle (the shank) than OEM but launches and retrieves perfectly...at least sitting at the dock, so far

Ok I'm Jealous. Looks awesome Stee....

 

[Searay Chuck]

Hi Searay Chuck;
I spoke to the boatyard just now;
They say that the 98-370 boat in question is impounded at the yard by "BoatUS"
No one is allowed near it or on it, I guess its due to Insurance matters or possibly USCG is also conducting an investigation who knows.
Apparently she hit the Buffalo breakwater in fog but luckily for those on board she
remained stuck on the breakwater otherwise she would have gone to the bottom,
so guess she has extensive bottom damage. They are supposed to call me back
when any decision is made about repairing or salvaging out for spares.
Rgd's; John.
Beamsville Ontario.

I know the owner very well and was a sad day for him. I did go over and look at the boat
and both sides were missing. So either they were already missing or someone grabbed them
and off they went.

 

[Strecker25]

Well after years and years of searching we’re finally under contract on our dream 410. Fingers crossed for surveys. It’s a 2002 with 350hp 3126’s and about 800 hrs

we know the owner did valve check and adjustment, injector timing, impellers, filters (fuel and oil), and something with fuel cups that I don’t know details yet but will get the records tomorrow. All service is on record with CAT since new. She’s been fresh water her whole life right on Lake Ontario