Newbie - Looking to purchase a 2000 Sea Ray 380 AC

[KevinJ]

I am new to this forum, but I have always said my next boat purchase will be a Sea Ray. I have a few friends with Sea Ray's (2003 410 SD and 2001 460 SD) and I really love their boats. We have finally found a boat that we like a 2000 380 aft cabin, its pretty much loaded with 7.4 MPI mercruiser horizons, 250 hours, bow thruster, extended swim platform with dingy, this boat is in great condition. I have done a search on this forum and haven't found any information on the 380 ac and even a search on google and haven't found any reviews or much of anything on this boat. We plan on keeping this boat for somewhile if we purchase it, the only thing that bothers me is if the motors ever go bad they seem to have to come out through the salon, which seems like it would be a fairly large job or almost impossible. If anyone has any pros or cons on this boat or any experience with this boat, I would love to hear them.

thanks in advance.

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[AMFM3]

Nice boat!

if you like the boat, know what you want and this boat meets the criteria, go for it. Worrying about removing the engines is futile. I've been boating for years, and that's never been a consideration. If you want an SB...goes with the territory. The great thing about gas engines is they can almost always be fixed in the boat.

Let us know how you make out.

Mark

[Billfletcher]

Kevin, we have quite a few of 380's in my marina, of the same vintage you are looking at. I dont know many of the owners of those, so i can't tell you much about their experiences. But, i have the 360, which is fairly close in size and we really like the boat. The cabin room has been great for our family of 4, and we are all tall. I have the 8.1's, but I am mostly a slow speed cruiser. It does seem like a lot of boat to be pushed around by 7.4's, but i am no engine expert, so i will leave that topic for others. Bottom line, i think the 380 is a great boat, especially if you plan to overnight, and want the extra space to be comfortable down below if you are hanging out for a few days/sleeping on board.

[rcknecht]

It you don't plan on going on long trips, the gas engines will be slow, but they will get you where your going. The critical thing to check is for moisture in the hull and decking. I have a friend who as a 420AC that had to be brought back to Merrit Island and have large parts of the hull removed due to not properly sealed through hull fittings. Make sure you do a complete survey...

[skolbe]

My dock neighbor has a 40' Cruisers Aft Cabin that they had the gas engines removed and Cats installed. Don't worry about that issue, unless you know the engines have issues and need replacing. They use a crane and can get the engines out. I watched them do it.

[Gimme Time]

We have a 2001 420AC with Kitty Cats any typically cruise in the 18-20 knot range 2250-2300 RPM so we are no speed demon either. The AC has more room and comfort than just about any boat with the same LOA and Beam. Don't really know anything about your engines but seeing how you are on Lake Michigan you probably have a fairly short boating season so I wouldn't worry about the few mileage. I typically tell people if the fuel cost goes up another thousand dollars over the previous year, don't worry about it as in general that's one of the lowest overall cost of ownership compared to everything else involved IMHO.

[rusty higgins]

Kevin,

If you will PM me a good number to contact you, I will be happy to discuss this model of Sea Ray with you. I am very familiar with the 380AC and may be able to provide you with good info. Can you obtain the HIN serial number for this boat. It is embedded in the gel coat on the starboard aft corner of the hull. If you have that number, we will then be talking about that boat and not any other 380.

I will be on the water the next four days so if I do not get back to you before Monday, I will then.

Rusty

[Jack380AC]

You should absolutely follow-up with Rusty. He is amazing..

That said, We have a 2000 380AC and LOVE IT! I love to go to boat shows to climb all over new boats and dream of the next one. On e the way home the admiral and I always agree - we're happy with what we have.

PM me and I'll give you my phone number. Be glad to share my thoughts and answer any questions you may have.

How much do they want for it?

Jack