Looking for Sea Ray before end of season

[Jeff Spyke]

I am trying to acquire a Sea Ray before the end of the season. I recently viewed a 2002 550 sundancer. I'm coming out of a Formula 400SS and 39 Cigarette so new to the Diesel world. I would like a boat length in the mid 50's or 60's and no fly bridge. Any pro's/Con's on a 540, 550, 580, 600? Is one diesel better than another: Cat, Cummins, MANN? year range is 2000-2004. Any held or advice is appreciated.

 

[Larry Sturm]

I have had Cats and Cummins. I personally like the Cummins the best and found they were less expensive to maintain.

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

where are you at Jeff?

Rusty

 

[Todd320]

The sea ray 48 from 05-08 is a 51’ Boat, on the lower end of your length but slightly newer. I don’t know much about the Diesel engines, other than I think they are electronic rather than mechanical.

 

[Brett H]

Jeff,

Check out the following previous thread (Post #4);

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/540da-or-500da.73939/

Brett

 

[RollerCoastr]

The largest marinized Cummins engine is the 11-liter, common-rail, inline-6 QSM-11.

That's probably all you need to know about that engine with your parameters. You're much more likely to find boats with Cats and MANs. (one "n")

The Cat 3196 became the C12. It's a solid engine, but it's reputation suffered from a faulty after-cooler design. The 3406 is a long-time "sweetheart" in both boats and trucks.

MANs have a rep of being typically German: very-well engineered, and costly to maintain and repair. (google: MAN 1,000 service. Pour a cocktail first)

A 2000 model might have the last of the Detroit 2-Strokes. I would expect the price of the boat to reflect the ancient engine design. Detroit Diesel Electronic Control, aka DDEC will include what I think are the best-feeling shifter/throttles to ever be installed on a boat. Unfortunately, those awesome levers are accompanied by higher-output engines, which as a result aren't known for longevity.

You might also find a boat powered by MTU/DD. The phrase Em-Tee-You-Pockets refers to that whole German cost thing... On the bright side, these modern engines can be paired with the controls mentioned above.

All the boats you mentioned handle great. The 580/600 IMO doesn't "get on plane", it levitates. The first time I drove one, everyone aboard took turns levitating, then dropping back down just for the fun of levitating again.

 

[Jeff Spyke]

where are you at Jeff?

Rusty

Spring Lake, MI

 

[Jeff Spyke]

Jeff,

Check out the following previous thread (Post #4);

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/540da-or-500da.73939/

Brett

Thank you

 

[Jeff Spyke]

The largest marinized Cummins engine is the 11-liter, common-rail, inline-6 QSM-11.

That's probably all you need to know about that engine with your parameters. You're much more likely to find boats with Cats and MANs. (one "n")

The Cat 3196 became the C12. It's a solid engine, but it's reputation suffered from a faulty after-cooler design. The 3406 is a long-time "sweetheart" in both boats and trucks.

MANs have a rep of being typically German: very-well engineered, and costly to maintain and repair. (google: MAN 1,000 service. Pour a cocktail first)

A 2000 model might have the last of the Detroit 2-Strokes. I would expect the price of the boat to reflect the ancient engine design. Detroit Diesel Electronic Control, aka DDEC will include what I think are the best-feeling shifter/throttles to ever be installed on a boat. Unfortunately, those awesome levers are accompanied by higher-output engines, which as a result aren't known for longevity.

You might also find a boat powered by MTU/DD. The phrase Em-Tee-You-Pockets refers to that whole German cost thing... On the bright side, these modern engines can be paired with the controls mentioned above.

All the boats you mentioned handle great. The 580/600 IMO doesn't "get on plane", it levitates. The first time I drove one, everyone aboard took turns levitating, then dropping back down just for the fun of levitating again.

 

[Jeff Spyke]

Great info thank you. I should have taken your advice on the cocktail before looking at the 1,000 hr inspection. About the same price as rebuild on my 700’s but at least it’s every 1,000 hrs, not 300

 

[J.Wilt]

I am trying to acquire a Sea Ray before the end of the season. I recently viewed a 2002 550 sundancer. I'm coming out of a Formula 400SS and 39 Cigarette so new to the Diesel world. I would like a boat length in the mid 50's or 60's and no fly bridge. Any pro's/Con's on a 540, 550, 580, 600? Is one diesel better than another: Cat, Cummins, MANN? year range is 2000-2004. Any held or advice is appreciated.

Call Keenan Marina in Spring Lake, they have a 550DA for sale.