To purchase or not to purchase

[movinup]

We are in the process of purchasing a 34' 2000 Sundancer (private deal). Our survey was completed last week. The survey lists the boat to be in above average condition. It also lists a 6x8 area in front of the windshield that is wet and of this area 3x4 of it is slightly de-laminated (starboard) side. Our surveyor lists the approx. cost to repair $10,000. Is there a method available that is not as costly? If we remove the screws and apply sealer and rebed screws along the winshield will this stop the problem and will the deck dry out? The boat is in Long Island, NY and the survey was completed in the water. Is it possible for the moisture meter to be incorrect? How accurate are soundings? The boat has 2 new enginees, risers and mainfolds. Looking for any information we can get to help us make our decision to buy or not.

Jeanette

 

[fwebster]

Is that 6 in. X 8 in or 6' ft. X 8 ft.?

Repairing a wet and damaged core in a large area can be very expensive. The outer skin will need to be removed then the damaged core dug/sawn/ground out and replaced, the outer skin reglassed into place and the edge of the reomved piece regelcoated and faired. Your surveyor's estimate may have been low if the size of the area is 6 ft. X 8 ft.

If the area is inches, buy the boat and fix the leak.

No, sealing the screw holes only stops the water incursion, it won't stop the balsa core from rotting.

If you have your heart set on this boat, then get a Sea Ray dealer to give you a not to exceed cost for repairing the boat then renegotiate your deal taking this into consideration. You have the seller over a barrel now since he's not going to sell the boat to anyone in their right mind without lowering the price enough to fix the boat or until he fixes it hmself.

There are a ton of 340DA's on the market. My recommendation is to go find a good one that has no moisture problems.

 

[movinup]

wet area is 6'x8', de-laminated area 2'x3'

 

[fwebster]

During the late 90's -early 2000's, Sea Ray had some problems with bedding and gasketing in the factory that made the 34. If you do consider buying the above boat, factor into your cost removing and rebedding all the deck hardware, windlass, spotlight, nav lights, windshield mounting....everything that is mounted with holes sawn or drilled into the deck area since you already know this boat has a probelm.

 

[brimanst]

Boat Trader has 516 34' searays for sale. Make sure you need this one, or it is a great deal, or keep looking. Now is the time to buy. It is difficult to bring a boat back to what is was. It is easier to keep it the way it needs to be.

 

[douglee25]

6' x 8'?? That's almost the whole top of the deck isn't it?

Personally I would pass. The 34' Sea Ray is a dime a dozen.

Doug

 

[quality time]

Keep looking, the season's almost over anyway so take your time over the winter and find a 340 without problems.

 

[VinceR]

The owner of the boat has a problem. Not a small problem. Why take your money and buy his problem. Boat would need to be a "very good deal" for you to fool with and pay for the repair. Plus your resale will be difficult. A 340 Sundancer is a good boat. We love ours.

 

[eauty]

I have an '06 340 SDA, with warranties, for sale. You don't need to deal with any "water" issues other than what moves along side the boat when you push the throttles. Email me and we can discuss if you like.

 

[K-9]

:smt021 You forgot when and how long it will cost to repair$$$ time lost $$
keep shopping and buy the best boat you find and work the price down they want to sell not store the boat before winter.:thumbsup:

We are in the process of purchasing a 34' 2000 Sundancer (private deal). Our survey was completed last week. The survey lists the boat to be in above average condition. It also lists a 6x8 area in front of the windshield that is wet and of this area 3x4 of it is slightly de-laminated (starboard) side. Our surveyor lists the approx. cost to repair $10,000. Is there a method available that is not as costly? If we remove the screws and apply sealer and rebed screws along the winshield will this stop the problem and will the deck dry out? The boat is in Long Island, NY and the survey was completed in the water. Is it possible for the moisture meter to be incorrect? How accurate are soundings? The boat has 2 new enginees, risers and mainfolds. Looking for any information we can get to help us make our decision to buy or not.

Jeanette