Official 370 Sundancer thread

[Tony Rogers]

Hello out there. I am new to the site. We are looking for a boat to enjoy take from West Palm Beach to Exuma islands Staniel Cay and back. Is this model good for handling 4-5 foot waves across the Atlantic Gulf Steam. The boat we are looking at has twin 7.4 L MPI MerCruiser Horizon, holds 275 gas, should we pass on this due to range capability? Should we be looking only at diesel.

 

[Chesapeake 370]

I have an update on this, now that rainy season is back, and we "lost" 2018 due to red tide.
The leak is not from the stanchion above. I think that condensation was some 20 years worth of this spot leaking. The leak is still not known, but I do know exactly how it is getting into the bolster on the port side, for me. Others have had this issue on the Starboard side.
When I went to remove the portlight trim ring, I found water pooling in the bottom of the portlight. If water is there, it is saturating the wall covering of the shelf down to the exit point of the back of the bolster. Ok, so how did water get into the portlight?
After I removed the trim ring inside and the portlight outside, I found the bottom of the portlight cutout (the picture above) was fiberglass/gelcoat on the outside, and fiberglass/shelving (inner liner) on the inside. What was probably some kind of plywood strip between them was totally waterlogged and rotted out, but only on the bottom. Not the top, not the sides, just the bottom. I explored with a screwdriver and I believe that the hull "feature" under the portlight, that spans the length of the hull is compromised wood wise. I am baffled about where it's getting in.
I vacuumed out what I could using some very inventive adapters to a shop vac, and caulked the space between the outer hull and the inner liner a lot. It all dried, except the very bottom of the cutout as it rained on me later that day. My goal at the moment is to block the leak from coming into the cabin. I don't believe that the compromised wood is structural at all. It's more about creating that lip between the boot stripe and the hull. Next move will be to run a moisture meter all around that area until I find the entry point. Could be the windshield. I seriously doubt the fittings nearby like the water fill, windless foot switches, etc. I have re-bedded everything close by. I'll have to wait for fall, though. We'll be 100% humidity for the next 3 months.
I'll report back after the next deluge to see if I was successful in blocking the leak to the cabin.

 

[Chesapeake 370]

Did you ever figure the this out as I have the same exact leak going on?

 

[JJ Parsons]

So next question, how does the aft "bed" break down? Where do the two plywood boards and cross bar go when not in use? Thanks in advance.

@Golfman25 when I found our support boards they were (if you're looking aft) under the right side cushions in the empty compartment.

 

[370Dancer]

So next question, how does the aft "bed" break down? Where do the two plywood boards and cross bar go when not in use? Thanks in advance.

I put mine in the port side storage under the settee seating.

 

[370Dancer]

Did you ever figure the this out as I have the same exact leak going on?

It appears that I have stopped the leak into the forward berth through the fixed portlight. But water is still making its way into the bilge void. since the boat is moving towards 25 years old, I am assuming I probably have more than one entry point. Still experimenting with mitigation strategies in the void.

 

[JJ Parsons]

Woo Hoo!!!! After much searching I believe I found our current boat under a previous name on the 370sundancer.com site!!!! 1996 named "Imagine That". Same brown canisters, same stickers on the pilot side window and same bow cushions.... I'm 99.9% sure it's the one! Huge shout out to @RubberDuckeeToo2 again for the immense amount of time it must have taken to compile all the photos and information!!!! Finally got to see Beach House and a lot of the work involved there as well @370Dancer

 

[370Dancer]

Woo Hoo!!!! After much searching I believe I found our current boat under a previous name on the 370sundancer.com site!!!! 1996 named "Imagine That". Same brown canisters, same stickers on the pilot side window and same bow cushions.... I'm 99.9% sure it's the one! Huge shout out to @RubberDuckeeToo2 again for the immense amount of time it must have taken to compile all the photos and information!!!! Finally got to see Beach House and a lot of the work involved there as well @370Dancer

And, that's old stuff.
Just got my Port short block today. Couple more months, and I won't be driving in circles anymore.
Real job keeps getting in the way.

 

[Chesapeake 370]

It appears that I have stopped the leak into the forward berth through the fixed portlight. But water is still making its way into the bilge void. since the boat is moving towards 25 years old, I am assuming I probably have more than one entry point. Still experimenting with mitigation strategies in the void.

Thanks for the response I will look at the portlight next.

 

[RubberDuckeeToo2]

And, that's old stuff.
Just got my Port short block today. Couple more months, and I won't be driving in circles anymore.
Real job keeps getting in the way.

“Real job keeps getting in the way.” Ain’t that the truth although from my POV, it’s real life that keeps getting in the way
.
I have just gotten the site back up as I was unaware (preoccupied) that it was offline for so long. I have a boatload of material (pun intended) to add to the site that was accumulated over the past couple of years. Unfortunately health issues and now a pending retirement took my focus away. Now that the site is functional again, I can work on adding all that newer material. It will take time though.

Gene

 

[BigRay370]

“Real job keeps getting in the way.” Ain’t that the truth although from my POV, it’s real life that keeps getting in the way
.
I have just gotten the site back up as I was unaware (preoccupied) that it was offline for so long. I have a boatload of material (pun intended) to add to the site that was accumulated over the past couple of years. Unfortunately health issues and now a pending retirement took my focus away. Now that the site is functional again, I can work on adding all that newer material. It will take time though.

Gene

Your efforts are greatly appreciated mate.

Dave

 

[JJ Parsons]

So the wife and I spent our first night on the boat last night and I have a question for the seasoned experts here and just some general notes on what I'm seeing performance wise. All thoughts and feedback are welcome if anyone cares to share some insight.

1. Gas/Exhaust general bilge area smell throughout the cabin area: Is there any remedy for this or something to tame it? It never fails that every time I get down to the boat and open it up there is just a general whoosh of the Gassy/exhaust smell that builds in the cabin. It's not black water or holding tank sewage smell, I'm thinking its more likely general bilge area smell that travels through the numerous cavities and conduits throughout the boat into the cabin area. I am generally immune to it after a short time but the wife not so much. Is there any way to tame or counter that smell? With this being a 26 year old boat I am quite certain that the fabrics and carpet, along with every other cushioned fabric have soaked up a huge amount of that smell over the years, but again, wondering if there is anything that can somewhat neutralize it? This coming winter we are planning to pull the carpet up and redo the flooring with a good laminate or tongue and groove locking hard replacement so hopefully that will expel some of it along with gaining access to any and all through passages to the Bilge area and somewhat trying to block those off so not so much of that aroma can freely travel throughout the boat.

2. High RPMs low speed: Though I know this is not a speed boat and we generally don't care to go "flying over the water" in most instances, I can't help but wonder if something is going on below the water line that I'm not seeing. We went for an extended cruise up river yesterday and literally at 30,000-32,000 RPMs the boat is barely making it to 10-11 knots. Pushing it to higher RPM, there is an exaggerated vibration throughout the boat that makes me think there's a bent shaft or there's some serious garbage (eel grass etc.....) wrapped around a prop. Bottom paint was just redone in 2019/2020 but when speaking to the maintenance team at the marina there was no notice or mention of any damage to either of the props so I'm hoping that's not the issue. I'm pretty sure either I need to get down under the boat and do some looking around and/or plan for it to be hauled out at the end of the season so it can be pressure washed and checked out thoroughly. Speaking with the broker and a few others who also have boats at the marina on our dock, PO really did not take the boat out that often so I will add the possibility of undergrowth on the hull being an issue but to me it just seems a bit unrealistic that the bottom side would get that much growth on it in a 1 1/2-2 year span.

 

[Golfman25]

Ok, another "how the hell" question.

1) What do you do with the forward mattress when you work on the AC or the fresh water pump? I can prop it up, but not far enough to get good access to the pump and pressure switch assembly.

2) How the heck can you remove a stuck table pole? The cockpit table pole is really stuck and I can't get it to budge.

 

[370Dancer]

So the wife and I spent our first night on the boat last night and I have a question for the seasoned experts here and just some general notes on what I'm seeing performance wise. All thoughts and feedback are welcome if anyone cares to share some insight.

1. Gas/Exhaust general bilge area smell throughout the cabin area: Is there any remedy for this or something to tame it?

2. High RPMs low speed: Though I know this is not a speed boat and we generally don't care to go "flying over the water" in most instances, I can't help but wonder if something is going on below the water line that I'm not seeing. We went for an extended cruise up river yesterday and literally at 30,000-32,000 RPMs the boat is barely making it to 10-11 knots. ...

1. I can give you my experiences. Early on when we first got the boat, we had the same issue. Marine Max, Mercury Marine and I scoured the boat looking for the breach between the engine room and the living space, which for the most part are completely isolated from each other for this very reason. I finally found the culprit. At the helm, there is a side panel that has a cup holder and bin for charts or whatever. You won't be able to remove it unless you also remove the helm seat base (big job). You can however, remove the sub woofer and go fishing. What you will find is every wire, cable factory and otherwise going through a hole in the locker to the cabin. It is "sealed" with a tube of clear silicone just gooped around all the wires, and the hole. Mine had released from the floor, causing an air gap that made its way to the salon behind and above the mid cabin locker. The hardest part is lying down in front of the helm seat, looking into the void behind the subwoofer.
Another note: The issue was exasperated when coming onto the boat where the air conditioner was not running, creating a positive pressure in the cabin. With the air on, this pressure was pushing against any fumes coming into the living space. In Florida, my A/Cs are on nearly non-stop.

2. When I came out of the water at Ditto after 1 year, it took 2 hours to pressure wash the thick film of algae off the hull with a gas washer. Also, boats like this that are in the water most of their lives are absorbing water. I was out during hurricane Irma for an engine swap. Wound up out for 3 months. When the boat went back in the water, I had gained 5 knots! Over time, that has diminished as water re-absorbs.

 

[370Dancer]

Ok, another "how the hell" question.

1) What do you do with the forward mattress when you work on the AC or the fresh water pump? I can prop it up, but not far enough to get good access to the pump and pressure switch assembly.

2) How the heck can you remove a stuck table pole? The cockpit table pole is really stuck and I can't get it to budge.

1. I believe there is another little access hatch forward of the moon shaped one specifically for the water pump and filter.

2. Leverage is your friend. Wiggle from the top back and forth in all 4 directions. Try a little PB Blaster in the cup if it's been on there for a very long time. I eventually removed that arrangement, and got a high/low base off a large yacht. That pole arrangement was way too wiggly for a bunch of wine drinkers. One bump, and glasses were going everywhere.

 

[BigRay370]

So the wife and I spent our first night on the boat last night and I have a question for the seasoned experts here and just some general notes on what I'm seeing performance wise. All thoughts and feedback are welcome if anyone cares to share some insight.

1. Gas/Exhaust general bilge area smell throughout the cabin area: Is there any remedy for this or something to tame it? It never fails that every time I get down to the boat and open it up there is just a general whoosh of the Gassy/exhaust smell that builds in the cabin. It's not black water or holding tank sewage smell, I'm thinking its more likely general bilge area smell that travels through the numerous cavities and conduits throughout the boat into the cabin area. I am generally immune to it after a short time but the wife not so much. Is there any way to tame or counter that smell? With this being a 26 year old boat I am quite certain that the fabrics and carpet, along with every other cushioned fabric have soaked up a huge amount of that smell over the years, but again, wondering if there is anything that can somewhat neutralize it? This coming winter we are planning to pull the carpet up and redo the flooring with a good laminate or tongue and groove locking hard replacement so hopefully that will expel some of it along with gaining access to any and all through passages to the Bilge area and somewhat trying to block those off so not so much of that aroma can freely travel throughout the boat.

2. High RPMs low speed: Though I know this is not a speed boat and we generally don't care to go "flying over the water" in most instances, I can't help but wonder if something is going on below the water line that I'm not seeing. We went for an extended cruise up river yesterday and literally at 30,000-32,000 RPMs the boat is barely making it to 10-11 knots. Pushing it to higher RPM, there is an exaggerated vibration throughout the boat that makes me think there's a bent shaft or there's some serious garbage (eel grass etc.....) wrapped around a prop. Bottom paint was just redone in 2019/2020 but when speaking to the maintenance team at the marina there was no notice or mention of any damage to either of the props so I'm hoping that's not the issue. I'm pretty sure either I need to get down under the boat and do some looking around and/or plan for it to be hauled out at the end of the season so it can be pressure washed and checked out thoroughly. Speaking with the broker and a few others who also have boats at the marina on our dock, PO really did not take the boat out that often so I will add the possibility of undergrowth on the hull being an issue but to me it just seems a bit unrealistic that the bottom side would get that much growth on it in a 1 1/2-2 year span.

Just another opinion, I was getting some exhaust fumes at the helm when underway. Ended up having a small exhaust leak from the gasket.
Replaced it and fumes are gone.

Here in AUS we get growth quickly and even a little knocks a heap of speed off. Keep the running gear as clean as you can. As you mentioned, it's a big boat for the power on offer, we need to give it every advantage

 

[JJ Parsons]

Ok, another "how the hell" question.

1) What do you do with the forward mattress when you work on the AC or the fresh water pump? I can prop it up, but not far enough to get good access to the pump and pressure switch assembly.

1a. Assuming you don't have the original mattress in the vbirth. Our mattress is the original and it actually was manufactured to fold. We have to be careful so as not to snag or break the ceiling hatch screen clips when folding it but, it folds right over and out of the way for us. Having said that however I have no idea what everyone else does if the original mattress is not available so needless to say I've typed a bit and provided you absolutely zero help..... :/

2) How the heck can you remove a stuck table pole? The cockpit table pole is really stuck and I can't get it to budge.

2b. Concur with previous assessment. Wiggle wiggle, pull pull, wiggle wiggle, pull pull, leverage, leverage, leverage. Not sure how long ours was in place and untouched but it was in there good and tight but I was eventually able to work it free just by taking time and wiggling it a lot. My next option was to either get some ice down in it from the top (assuming the table portion comes off) and hopefully get it good and cold to free it up, or (and be careful) get a heat gun and try to heat just the receiving hole to get it to expand and loosen it up. May be worth taking the hatch panel all the way off of the boat and working it on shore. Not going to lie, the sooner I can find a collapsible, sturdier base like @370Dancer, I'm grabbing it! These flimsy ass Table Tops / Table legs are ridiculous. Keep us posted!!!!

 

[370Dancer]

2b. Concur with previous assessment. Wiggle wiggle, pull pull, wiggle wiggle, pull pull, leverage, leverage, leverage. Not sure how long ours was in place and untouched but it was in there good and tight but I was eventually able to work it free just by taking time and wiggling it a lot. My next option was to either get some ice down in it from the top (assuming the table portion comes off) and hopefully get it good and cold to free it up, or (and be careful) get a heat gun and try to heat just the receiving hole to get it to expand and loosen it up. May be worth taking the hatch panel all the way off of the boat and working it on shore. Not going to lie, the sooner I can find a collapsible, sturdier base like @370Dancer, I'm grabbing it! These flimsy ass Table Tops / Table legs are ridiculous. Keep us posted!!!!

Shouldn't have to take the hatch out. Just unscrew the base and take it to a padded vise or rubber mallet the base.
High/Low bases are expensive at retail. Found mine at Marine Surplus in Bradenton, which lucky for me is only a couple of miles away. Been shopping there since the late 70's. Next time I'm there, I'll have a look in the tables section and see what they have.

 

[370]

Anyone with a late 90's 370 notice that little deck slice forward of the engine hatch being wobbly? Mine has a very noticeable wobble from end to end as though there is no arch in it to match the deck curve.

Just wondering what could have caused this as it all looks original. I am thinking of grinding an arch into the profile so it will sit flat again but wanted to see what you all thought. It does not show to be taco'd or something when I lay it flat on the deck. ???

 

[Golfman25]

Anyone with a late 90's 370 notice that little deck slice forward of the engine hatch being wobbly? Mine has a very noticeable wobble from end to end as though there is no arch in it to match the deck curve.

Just wondering what could have caused this as it all looks original. I am thinking of grinding an arch into the profile so it will sit flat again but wanted to see what you all thought. It does not show to be taco'd or something when I lay it flat on the deck. ???

I think it’s usually screwed down.