Decision Time Between 350 Sundancer and 400 Express Cruiser

All other things being equal, the 400EC rides great! We owned one for ten years and it's a blast to drive in 3-4 swells in the ocean due to the low center of gravity and straight shaft design. It is extremely well balanced and rocks less than a sundancer which has a higher center of gravity. Many 40' boats would not run well with 7.4 but the EC runs great with gas engines due to the narrower (13') beam and the strait shafts. The V drives on a DA push a lot of the boat weight aft so the EC planes easier and runs incredibly well.
If both boats have issues that you are uneasy with you may want to keep looking...
Best of luck, the hunt can be exciting.
 
Thanks Gary, I've heard similar things. I looked at a 1990 390 ec today in great condition. Only 700 freshwater hrs and teak, cushions, cabin in great condition. Only disappointment was owner said the couch didn't pull out into a bed. I couldn't see how it would either. Here's a picture. Does anyone have intel on this or has anyone replaced with a couch that does convert to a bed? I've heard while straight shaft they don't handle as well as the 400 express due to hull differences, kind of floats a little more. The cabin just felt a little darker than the 400 ec too.
 
IMG_3125.JPG
 
I've never been a big fan of the 390/400 Express boats because of the 2nd cabin forward. No other reason than I just don't like it. Seems funky to me but I know many people love the layout.

I am in agreement with the other guys on the oil in the coolant. That isn't caused by hoses. There was oil in the coolant of a 1985 Cobalt that I am restoring when I first bought it. A compression check revealed low compression on one cylinder which turned out to be a blown head gasket. The engine survey, if performed properly should reveal any engine issues.

I'm a fan of the 350/370 boats. They have a great beam and I've heard they are stable and ride well. You haven't mentioned your budget but the early '90s 420/440 is an option as well.

When I'm looking I am mostly concerned about the mechanical condition of the boat and the running gear as well as the age and function of the electronics. I tend to not get too excited by pretty upholstery and TVs. While nice to have in good condition, those are items I'm usually going to change to my taste and style anyway.

Lastly, while I'm not suggesting you randomly get boats surveyed, if you have to get one done to find out it is a polished turd, that may be the best money you ever spent. I've spent as much as $1600 for a survey plus 2 plane tickets for a boat I didn't buy. Best money I ever spent.

Good luck
Shawn
 
We'll I got some clarification on the "oily sludge in the reservoir". After current owner got the boat he took it to his mechanic who said there was a coolant leak (that he since fixed) and that there wasn’t oil in the coolant reservoir, there was a black residue and He was told it was from the hoses that were deteriorating and he since replaced. He said since they deteriorate over time the heat causes the black residue from the hoses. Several of the hoses in the survey were noted as cracking and needing replaced.
That explanation (more details rather than just "hoses getting backed up") sounds more plausible to me. Doesn't change the fact the previous owner didn't keep up with things though so that's a little worrisome.
 
Welp, I passed on this one this morning, cancelled the survey. Too many unknowns. Now deciding between a 92 400 express 950 hrs on the upper Chesapeake and a 1990 freshwater 390 ec with 650 hrs. Both in good condition with a reliable history though I did find a 1 sq ft soft spot in the cabin floor by the salon couch in the 390. Same situation here, 400 is about $10k more than 390. Hoping to get more details on the 400 today.
 
The 92 400 sure does look good. There are some good upgrades on her, if the one I found listed online is the boat. The only things I noticed in the pics were the water stains in the forward master wall. The cloth they used in those early 90s years was terrible for showing stains once it got wet. I could never get them out of our 90 sundancer. No matter what I tried. Hopefully they have all been addressed and all that is left behind is the stain. That then lead to rotted coring in the top deck if left unaddressed... Also the long side windows always were a source of leaking due to their long length and folks constantly walking around on the bow.

Good Luck!!
 
I don not believe the 400 EC Has any coring in the hull or deck. Too bad that don't still make them that way.
 
As the owner of a 1994 400EC I can attest to the fact that the 400's are a great boat. Handles well, the ride is very comfortable and I can single hand her when needed. Mine is a 13' beam so she is very stable as well. If you have any specific questions that I can help with, ask away. You should also check out, if you have not done so already, the 400EC specific thread under Sport Yachts. It has a lot of good information.
 
Thanks Gerry I know I'll have questions and have started reading that thread...all that information is like boat porn for me lol.
 
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