Converse48
Well-Known Member
I'm in the Jennifer Aniston vs. Courtney Cox age bracket. I'm sure that still dates me for the younger crowd!
54 Sundancer or 52 Sedan Bridge
- Thread starter CPT2012
- Start date
HUMPH
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2009
- 7,618
- Boat Info
- 2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
- Engines
- CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
We originally wanted a 400DB but the more we thought about it the more we liked the idea of entertaining in the cockpit so people don't spend as much time in our "living space". I also like how much cooler the cabin stays on hot days without the air conditioner on. That being said, I am eyeballing a 560DB as my potential next boat. my friend needs to be done using it before I get my shot at it though!
We have young kids and with young kids come young guests. With a Bridge boat, those guests are in your boat, not on your boat. With a Dancer, the guests are on your boat and can be locked out of your boat. Imagine having a vacation home and your young guests walking all over your furniture and beds, eating cookies in your bedroom, and spilling juice boxes on your living room carpet. Where everyone, including kids, recognizes that would be inappropriate in a land-based home, for some reason because it is a boat it within the range of normal behavior. We can remove the cockpit carpets in the Dancer and hose it out after a weekend of guests. We can also prohibit access to "our house" and still provide plenty of real estate for everyone to run around and be in clear view. It would drive me crazy to be on the bridge of a DB and have kids running up and down the stairs and going in and out of my house when I can't see what the hell they are doing.
Last edited:
Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Great points made so far and as you know, even though two different models will handle the seas fine (way much better than your 350) it's critical to know how YOU will be using the boat.
When I was making the move up from 320DA I originally wanted 420DA. However, the more I thought of my day to day usage I quickly realized that extra living space of a DB was much more important. We have two kids (girl and a boy), so two separate beds in the guest stateroom was on the must have list.
My 420DB doesn't roll any more than 320DA did, so this is not an issue at all. But, what you get from a bridge is simply awesome, especially if it's climate controlled. While DA gives you more cockpit space for entertaining larger party you don't loose it on a DB. You get it slightly smaller, but on two different levels. We have plenty of cockpit space and we love the u-shape seating on the bridge. All of this is only larger on the 500/520DBs. We enjoy 90% of the meals up on the bridge with spectacular 360 views, not to mention that it's one of the primary entertainment areas. While underway, pretty much we all up on the bridge and everyone has a great view. Going up/down the stairs is not an issue for us at all. But, I see how it can be a big concern for older people. I feel that it's much easier navigating from the bridge due to the greater view from the top. It's easier to spot lobster pot and other object in the water. This also makes a difference in poor visibility (at night, fog or rain).
Moving down to salon area you get almost 360 view as well, which make a huge difference between any DA. Stateroom accommodations are much better in a DB, IMO.
Access to most of the components in the ER is better in a DB. The space between the engines is much greater as well as the whole ER compartment in general.
As far as I know usually DBs are heavier in similar size range and having all that DBs have to offer you pay the price when it comes to performance. A DA will out perform a DB of similar size. But, I'm sure that it's very much acceptable to most of the DB owners.
Handling, I ran my boat solo on number of occasions, but it doesn't really matter b/c even with my crew on board the only help I get is communication/direction. There's no physical involvement. As you can imagine once you move to the 40+ footer it's not easy to stop these heavy beasts, so it's pretty much all up to the captain to put them in the right spot. Once she's in a slip it's not a big deal to take few steps down to tie the lines. You biggest issue docking DB is visibility, but since you're looking at 520/520DB where the helm is moved back this will not be an issue as it exist in smaller models where the helm is moved forward.
Good luck with your decision. Ask specific questions and you'll get the answers that will help you make the choice.
When I was making the move up from 320DA I originally wanted 420DA. However, the more I thought of my day to day usage I quickly realized that extra living space of a DB was much more important. We have two kids (girl and a boy), so two separate beds in the guest stateroom was on the must have list.
My 420DB doesn't roll any more than 320DA did, so this is not an issue at all. But, what you get from a bridge is simply awesome, especially if it's climate controlled. While DA gives you more cockpit space for entertaining larger party you don't loose it on a DB. You get it slightly smaller, but on two different levels. We have plenty of cockpit space and we love the u-shape seating on the bridge. All of this is only larger on the 500/520DBs. We enjoy 90% of the meals up on the bridge with spectacular 360 views, not to mention that it's one of the primary entertainment areas. While underway, pretty much we all up on the bridge and everyone has a great view. Going up/down the stairs is not an issue for us at all. But, I see how it can be a big concern for older people. I feel that it's much easier navigating from the bridge due to the greater view from the top. It's easier to spot lobster pot and other object in the water. This also makes a difference in poor visibility (at night, fog or rain).
Moving down to salon area you get almost 360 view as well, which make a huge difference between any DA. Stateroom accommodations are much better in a DB, IMO.
Access to most of the components in the ER is better in a DB. The space between the engines is much greater as well as the whole ER compartment in general.
As far as I know usually DBs are heavier in similar size range and having all that DBs have to offer you pay the price when it comes to performance. A DA will out perform a DB of similar size. But, I'm sure that it's very much acceptable to most of the DB owners.
Handling, I ran my boat solo on number of occasions, but it doesn't really matter b/c even with my crew on board the only help I get is communication/direction. There's no physical involvement. As you can imagine once you move to the 40+ footer it's not easy to stop these heavy beasts, so it's pretty much all up to the captain to put them in the right spot. Once she's in a slip it's not a big deal to take few steps down to tie the lines. You biggest issue docking DB is visibility, but since you're looking at 520/520DB where the helm is moved back this will not be an issue as it exist in smaller models where the helm is moved forward.
Good luck with your decision. Ask specific questions and you'll get the answers that will help you make the choice.
All valid points really. I'll have to sell the 350 first and see what comes up, just listed it through Marinemax brokerage.
Been trying to learn something about marine diesel engines and the options in the newer Searays seem to be between the Cummins and MAN engines.
Anybody has experience with MAN ? Looks like maintenance is very expensive for that type of engine.
Been trying to learn something about marine diesel engines and the options in the newer Searays seem to be between the Cummins and MAN engines.
Anybody has experience with MAN ? Looks like maintenance is very expensive for that type of engine.
Good points have been made in this thread. I had a similar decision back in '07 in choosing between a 480DB and a 460DA. Many people assume you are either a bridge or a 'Dancer owner but there are advantages to either and the choice is difficult.
Your question about Cummins vs MAN is a timely one. The choice is dictated by the power requirements of the model. Three of my acquaintances all have had major engine service on their MAN diesels (6, v8 and v10) due to gasket issues in the past two weeks, but that is just a fluke. Performance Diesel out of N.C. were right there to help so great service is available for MAN. However my Cummins and my friend's Cats have been quite problem-free and inexpensive to maintain.
Your question about Cummins vs MAN is a timely one. The choice is dictated by the power requirements of the model. Three of my acquaintances all have had major engine service on their MAN diesels (6, v8 and v10) due to gasket issues in the past two weeks, but that is just a fluke. Performance Diesel out of N.C. were right there to help so great service is available for MAN. However my Cummins and my friend's Cats have been quite problem-free and inexpensive to maintain.
I agree with almost all of the points made. Just went through this decision process myself, 52DB vs 54DA vs 58DB. I went for the 52DB, the way we use it will mean a lot more living space for the family over the weekends (and a 3rd bedroom the 54 didn't have - the third bedroom was key for us as this allows each of my kids to have their own room). Also looked at some 58DBs, loved the full beam master but wasn't thrilled about the visibility from the bridge and I have to admit (not to start a fight here as I know there are always pros and cons) I felt a lot better about the QSM11s in the 52DB. We'll see how it goes though, for sure moving from a Dancer platform to a Sedan Bridge will be an adjustment.
First_Mate
New Member
I made a similar move from a Four Winns 348V (just like a 350 DA) to a 420DB about three years ago. Haven't looked back for even one second...
We boat every weekend - for about 8 years - with a crowd (all having similar aged kids) that have: '05 390DA, '03 480DB, '06 48 DA, '00 540 DA, '03 560DB, '05 520 DB, and an '03 420 DA. Plus a few other non Sea Rays.
When we are underway, all the action is on the bridge. In the DA's the action is in the back of the cockpit. When at anchor (rafted up as a group), the action is in the salons of the DB's when the weather is hot, cold, rainy or buggy. We watch DVDs in our salon at night surprisingly often. When the weather is nice and the drinks are pouring, everyone is on one of the DA's.
Nobody EVER hangs out in someone else's cabin in a DA. Ever... It is like intruding on their personal space.
Plus, the DB has lots of zones where people can find personal space. 2 separate cabins, salon, bridge, cockpit, bow sunpad. You can always find somewhere quiet to read a magazine.
When you have 15 friends and want a booze cruise, a 54 DA is hard to beat. For extended trips, the DB is a clear winner. Handling is very similar between your two options. FWIW: Cummins QSM-11 diesels are very desirable if either of your options has them. Possibly the best engines in the fleet.
We boat every weekend - for about 8 years - with a crowd (all having similar aged kids) that have: '05 390DA, '03 480DB, '06 48 DA, '00 540 DA, '03 560DB, '05 520 DB, and an '03 420 DA. Plus a few other non Sea Rays.
When we are underway, all the action is on the bridge. In the DA's the action is in the back of the cockpit. When at anchor (rafted up as a group), the action is in the salons of the DB's when the weather is hot, cold, rainy or buggy. We watch DVDs in our salon at night surprisingly often. When the weather is nice and the drinks are pouring, everyone is on one of the DA's.
Nobody EVER hangs out in someone else's cabin in a DA. Ever... It is like intruding on their personal space.
Plus, the DB has lots of zones where people can find personal space. 2 separate cabins, salon, bridge, cockpit, bow sunpad. You can always find somewhere quiet to read a magazine.
When you have 15 friends and want a booze cruise, a 54 DA is hard to beat. For extended trips, the DB is a clear winner. Handling is very similar between your two options. FWIW: Cummins QSM-11 diesels are very desirable if either of your options has them. Possibly the best engines in the fleet.
