- Aug 20, 2021
- 1,323
- Boat Info
- Started out as MAYBE A DANCER
Became a Dancer - 12/23/21
- Engines
- 450 DA Sundancer running CAT 3126
No insult intended.
Could someone, anyone please comment on Sea Ray's highs and lows in engineering, design, build and overall quality?
I was a 21 year, 1983 Trojan 10 Meter International owner who admittedly scoffed out loud at those Sea Rays of compatible years.
After delving into the mid 1990's 450 series and now as an owner, I have come to find that this particular series has very significant improvements over the Trojan.
Admittedly there are 15 years between the two which saw numerous engineering and technological industry wide advancements, however I should note the following areas of significant improvement:
IMHO deficient areas are limited to the sealing practices where hatches/hardware go through balsa cored areas, cleats, which are less accommodating than those on my '83 ten meter and a galley sink that dumps into a collection box sump.
These are very minor issues as the overall result is far superior to what I was anticipating, exceeding expectations by a longshot.
As far as the 450 DA is concerned:
maintenance will be a breeze compared to the 10 meter with the twin Yanmar turbodiesels
Her intelligent layout, tremendous storage, smooth, dry ride and lack of bowrise make her a very sweet and versatile dream to use, operate and own.
As compared to the mostly aluminum Yanmar components, the 3126 CATS have heavy, HEAVY (yes I know how heavy, I dropped one on the engine room floor, taking out a chunk of glass) ..... bronze, YES BRONZE risers/elbows.
At my current age of 65, I can for the forseeable future handle my own maintenance, this engine room is big enough to have a party in and the components are all easily accessible (except for the port side turbo, which I'll leave to professionals when the time comes. Other than aftercoolers and the 250 hour service I have now brought her mechanicals up to baseline standards. Genset is next
So having stated my own findings, was there a high point, a low point a timeframe of greatness for the production of the larger Sea Rays?
I am aware that Brunswick attempted to sell off the brand, then almost killed it before the latest revival.
I'm new to the BRAND and would like to learn something about it.
BEST !
RWS
Could someone, anyone please comment on Sea Ray's highs and lows in engineering, design, build and overall quality?
I was a 21 year, 1983 Trojan 10 Meter International owner who admittedly scoffed out loud at those Sea Rays of compatible years.
After delving into the mid 1990's 450 series and now as an owner, I have come to find that this particular series has very significant improvements over the Trojan.
Admittedly there are 15 years between the two which saw numerous engineering and technological industry wide advancements, however I should note the following areas of significant improvement:
- efficient channeling of rain/washdown cockpit water overboard, resulting in amazingly dry bilges
- superiorly well thought out, designed and executed electrical system
- superior plumbing system
- superior portlights and all hatch hardware
- superior gel-coat quality, durability and thickness
IMHO deficient areas are limited to the sealing practices where hatches/hardware go through balsa cored areas, cleats, which are less accommodating than those on my '83 ten meter and a galley sink that dumps into a collection box sump.
These are very minor issues as the overall result is far superior to what I was anticipating, exceeding expectations by a longshot.
As far as the 450 DA is concerned:
maintenance will be a breeze compared to the 10 meter with the twin Yanmar turbodiesels
Her intelligent layout, tremendous storage, smooth, dry ride and lack of bowrise make her a very sweet and versatile dream to use, operate and own.
As compared to the mostly aluminum Yanmar components, the 3126 CATS have heavy, HEAVY (yes I know how heavy, I dropped one on the engine room floor, taking out a chunk of glass) ..... bronze, YES BRONZE risers/elbows.
At my current age of 65, I can for the forseeable future handle my own maintenance, this engine room is big enough to have a party in and the components are all easily accessible (except for the port side turbo, which I'll leave to professionals when the time comes. Other than aftercoolers and the 250 hour service I have now brought her mechanicals up to baseline standards. Genset is next
So having stated my own findings, was there a high point, a low point a timeframe of greatness for the production of the larger Sea Rays?
I am aware that Brunswick attempted to sell off the brand, then almost killed it before the latest revival.
I'm new to the BRAND and would like to learn something about it.
BEST !
RWS