It's been a while since I've posted!

[WahooUSMA]

We left the Sea Ray family about 8 years ago and bought into the battlewagon family of Bertram's. We've had our Bertram 37 convertible now since 2017, but am finding it somewhat a pain in the ass climbing the stairs to the bridge and just the general life of a true sportfisher. We now have grandkids, so while underpower everyone is hanging in the salon or cockpit while we are motoring and I sit alone - HA!

The last Sea Ray we owned was the 29 Amberjack and just loved the boat, but it's way too small. I was thinking the 37 express (Amberjack series) with the Cat motors. I know the Sea Ray will never compare or is even in the same category as the Bertram, but it is a nice compromise and to be honest not really looking for another battlewagon, just a nice family cruiser that can still raise some fish.

Any thoughts on the 37 Express?

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

IMHO, the express/Sundancer type of layout is the best way to keep the group "together".

With the circular seating clustered behind the helm, and the huge bench seat adjacent to the helm, the Cap is never excluded from the conversation, UNLESS HE CHOOSES TO

Also, when planning ahead, with the proper set up one can easily single handle almost any one of these vessels.

I have a 1996 450 Sundancer. The PO added bow and stern thrusters.

I recently added a remote that handles the thrusters and the cablemaster.

Talk about making docking and tying up a breeze..... EVEN IN A BREEZE !

I can stand on the swim platform or on the bow and tie up myself. ALL BY MYSELF !

Walk acxross the transom to the cock with the 50 amp cable in hand and the remote on a floating lanyard around my neck!

Plus the only steps are the 4 at the companionway, and the ladder at the engine room.

I'm 66 years old and expect to be able to single handle operate this vessel for a long, long time.

That said, I'll likely let CAT install the STBD impeller this year

BEST !

RWS

 

[Golfman25]

I'd do it in a heartbeat. Love the big A$$. But the admiral wanted all the cockpit comforts of U shaped seating and such. So we ended up with the Sundancer instead.

 

[Stee6043]

I slip next to a couple Oceans. Man those things are awesome. I think the only downside must be the solo-driving situation you described. Everything else seems pretty well perfect.

If you're considering a 370 perhaps also look at 400's (Express or Sundancer). It'll be a lot easier to find diesels in that size range. Sub 40' Sea Rays with diesels can be a pretty rare bird...

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

I've seen photos of CAT diesels shoehorned into smaller boats - a service and maintenance backbreaker !

In addition to my bridge clearance requirement, this is one of the things that so attracted me to the 450DA.

Appears there is a good selection available of mid-sized Express/Dancer style Sea Rays presently available that were built during that "Golden Age" of higher quality from Sea Ray

Plus NO PODS and NO ELECTRONIC HDPI technology !

Another significant advantage on this group of vessels is that they are at the BOTTOM OF THE DEPRECIATION CURVE.

Happy Hunting !

BEST

RWS