looking for info 42 Sundancer 2003/2005

[Eastbay Breeze]

I am currently looking at 2003 to 2005 or so 42 / 44 Sundancers. I am not new to boating, but haven't had any Sea Ray input in several years. do any of these era hulls have any issues with water intrusion in any part of the coring in the hulls? How much coring is used in the building process?. If I found one that was a fresh water boat, what service would be required on the cummins as far as Aftercoolers Ect. any other info would be helpful.

 

[copb8tx]

Just an FYI, if you're looking at 2003 to 2005 then you're only looking at 420's, not 44's. The 44's started in 06 and can be identified by their large hull side windows. Other than a few other items they're the same.

I spent 10 years on a fresh lake with mine and had zero issues regarding water intrusion. it past it's survey with flying colors.

Now that my boating is on the coast I'm toying with getting a 44 with diesels.

If there are any drawbacks I'd say the following

• headroom around the master berth is very limited and I feel a bit claustrophobic.
• No portholes in the master berth area. Only a hatch.
• Swim platform is very high off the water. A hydraulic lift would have been great.
• Little visibility down below, even with the bigger window 44's, but they're much better than 420's
• Cabin companionway door is a little fussy to use. I preferred a one piece slider
• Watch your head entering/leaving the day head. Holy smokes, that can hurt!
• Not crazy about the design of the shower sump. Always needs attention.
• Galley sink is much smaller than it needs to be

Honestly, even with the above I haven't seen another boat in it's class I'd prefer or that looks better. It's aged beautifully.

 

[Eastbay Breeze]

Just an FYI, if you're looking at 2003 to 2005 then you're only looking at 420's, not 44's. The 44's started in 06 and can be identified by their large hull side windows. Other than a few other items they're the same.

I spent 10 years on a fresh lake with mine and had zero issues regarding water intrusion. it past it's survey with flying colors.

Now that my boating is on the coast I'm toying with getting a 44 with diesels.

If there are any drawbacks I'd say the following

• headroom around the master berth is very limited and I feel a bit claustrophobic.
• No portholes in the master berth area. Only a hatch.
• Swim platform is very high off the water. A hydraulic lift would have been great.
• Little visibility down below, even with the bigger window 44's, but they're much better than 420's
• Cabin companionway door is a little fussy to use. I preferred a one piece slider
• Watch your head entering/leaving the day head. Holy smokes, that can hurt!
• Not crazy about the design of the shower sump. Always needs attention.
• Galley sink is much smaller than it needs to be

Honestly, even with the above I haven't seen another boat in it's class I'd prefer or that looks better. It's aged beautifully.

 

[Eastbay Breeze]

That's great input! Thank you.

 

[copb8tx]

Oh, and make sure you get one with a hardtop. They're a game changer. I couldn't believe the difference it made over my 400's canvas. Much better insulation from the heat. Much quieter whether on the hook or underway. Much easier to deal with the remaining canvas. Costs more up front but you'll get that back when you sell

 

[brewster16]

I agree that the hardtop is awesome. Well worth it for the protection it offers. Water intrusion is not an issue on these boats...at least not that I've ever heard of. I know there are gas versions out there but I would not consider one based on size and weight. Cummins Diesel engines have proven to be very very reliable engines. However you should certainly have any engines surveyed prior to purchase. The 420/44 is an excellent boat for family and recreational boating and cruising. The 2 heads, separate master shower, full galley and 2 cabin layout are features that stand out in this model. Standard maintenance on my Diesel engines has been the key to problem free years of boating. We've cruised all over the northeast US going on 8 years with our 44DA.

 

[Blueone]

I agree that the hardtop is awesome. Well worth it for the protection it offers. Water intrusion is not an issue on these boats...at least not that I've ever heard of. I know there are gas versions out there but I would not consider one based on size and weight. Cummins Diesel engines have proven to be very very reliable engines. However you should certainly have any engines surveyed prior to purchase. The 420/44 is an excellent boat for family and recreational boating and cruising. The 2 heads, separate master shower, full galley and 2 cabin layout are features that stand out in this model. Standard maintenance on my Diesel engines has been the key to problem free years of boating. We've cruised all over the northeast US going on 8 years with our 44DA.

+1

 

[bbwhitejr]

I have a different take on the hard top and did not really want it nor the structure that holds it up...but my use is different. We are on a big inland lake and traveling at one time amounts to 1-1.5 hours max. I like the feeling of being "outside" so to speak that the bimini offers. For shade, I leave the top for the camper canvas on all year so the cockpit is fully shaded. Being on the coast or the great lakes where travel was an option, I would likely feel different....just my opinion.

Bennett

 

[Bob U]

Newbie here, also looking at 40DA and the 420/44.

Were can I find the normal and eco cruise performance (Spd, GPH, MPG) for a 420/44 with 417hp diesel engine and V-drive.

Thanks,
Bob