Not sure which boat to buy??

C

Cheedro

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Sep 8, 2020
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I am looking at purchasing a 34-41 foot sea ray. Years from 2000-2010. We plan on staying on our boat when we use it. Its just 3 of us. Going to be at the Lake of Ozarks. Are there any of those boat models or years that you should stay away from due to issues? I want the 8.1 engines and would prefer the V drives. I have had various sales people say if we get the 340 sundancer it would be too small and we would just want to move up in size. Any advice??
 
Have spent time climbing on boats in that size range?

My opinion plan on the boat feeling a bit smaller when all your “stuff” gets moved on.

340 in the 03-08 range may one of the best boats SR ever built.

Potential issues you might experience on 340 is lack privacy, shower is in with the toilet.
 
WE have a 380 Aft cabin. It has full head and separate shower in Aft cabin and head with a shower toilet combination in front cabin. Boat works well for 2 couples. Lots of privacy in aft cabin.
 
Do you have a target budget? The age and size range you stated has a quarter million dollar or more range in purchase price. That’s pretty broad :)
 
The 340 is a great boat. I think it could work well for you.
 
Cheedro said:
I am looking at purchasing a 34-41 foot sea ray. Years from 2000-2010. We plan on staying on our boat when we use it. Its just 3 of us. Going to be at the Lake of Ozarks. Are there any of those boat models or years that you should stay away from due to issues? I want the 8.1 engines and would prefer the V drives. I have had various sales people say if we get the 340 sundancer it would be too small and we would just want to move up in size. Any advice??
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My opinion if your thinking of the 340 go right for the 400. You will save money in the long run, A year from now and your into doing Weekends you don't want to say I SHOULD OF Thats if its in your budget ! And don't get me wrong the 340 is beautiful, very nice boat. But the 400 is nicer!
 
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On an inland lake like the LOTO I would look at a nice sized houseboat and buy three jet skis to go along with it. You could cruise to restaurants, plus enjoy nice hot showers and good sleeping accommodations. Anchoring out in a cove would be easy as well. Much more comfortable than a 34-40 foot cruiser.
 
sbw1 said:
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On an inland lake like the LOTO I would look at a nice sized houseboat and buy three jet skis to go along with it. You could cruise to restaurants, plus enjoy nice hot showers and good sleeping accommodations. Anchoring out in a cove would be easy as well. Much more comfortable than a 34-40 foot cruiser.
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Did you feel like a dinghy with that bow looking down on you in that pic?
I agree completely on the house boat but would prefer a 240 Sundeck to run around on instead of the 3 jet skis...maybe one jet ski
 
Thanks everyone for the info!! So I think I am narrowing it down to a few early 2000's 410 sundancers. I know it all depends on how the boat was taken care of but at 20 years old will most items need replacement (if not already replaced)?? I know engines can go a good 1500hrs if maintained well, but hoses, pumps, bearings, etc..??
 
It all depends. If you find one you like get a survey done and take it for a nice long cruise to she how she rides. If everything checks out go for it. No guarantees, that’s boating.
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 94707
On an inland lake like the LOTO I would look at a nice sized houseboat and buy three jet skis to go along with it. You could cruise to restaurants, plus enjoy nice hot showers and good sleeping accommodations. Anchoring out in a cove would be easy as well. Much more comfortable than a 34-40 foot cruiser.
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Trust me you do not want a house boat on LOTO. I’ve had my boat on the lake and we preferred no wet head and more space. Great place to leave the dock and anchor for a few days. You can still get your big boat in most of the restaurants.
 
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Charlesoceanone said:
Trust me you do not want a house boat on LOTO. I’ve had my boat on the lake and we preferred no wet head and more space. Great place to leave the dock and anchor for a few days. You can still get your big boat in most of the restaurants.
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Why not?
 
The confused wakes of all the boats make the ride terrible. LOTO is famous for the bathtub effect. I had a dock neighbor that brought in a 60 foot houseboat and moved it off in the same summer. They were great at party cove back in the day though.
 
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Blueone said:
Did you feel like a dinghy with that bow looking down on you in that pic?
I agree completely on the house boat but would prefer a 240 Sundeck to run around on instead of the 3 jet skis...maybe one jet ski
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The big blue bow was owned by an automotive person from Detroit. Very nice crew who gave us flowers every time they entertained guests aboard. We were usually the dingy on the main dock in Harbor Springs.
 
Cheedro said:
Thanks everyone for the info!! So I think I am narrowing it down to a few early 2000's 410 sundancers. I know it all depends on how the boat was taken care of but at 20 years old will most items need replacement (if not already replaced)?? I know engines can go a good 1500hrs if maintained well, but hoses, pumps, bearings, etc..??
Click to expand...

If you're considering early 2000's 410's you may also want to consider late 90's 400's. They are exceptionally similar....
 
You are overlooking the best midsized cruiser Sea Ray ever built.....the 1996-1999 450 Sundancer . They have exactly the same components and mechanicals as the 410DA so the maintenance cost will be the same, except for services you have to buy by the foot.
 
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