Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

[snowbird3]

Good Day all,

After sitting on the sidelines for a few years I have finally found a boat that intrigues me. Before a lay out the cash I wanted to seek some advice on what I can do to this boat. It's a 1994 Searay Sundancer 290. It is reported as having "valve issues" and is going for a very cheap price. It looks like it has been left exposed and the aft seats have rotted. So I was looking for advice on the following:

• resources for obtaining new deck seats/upholstery
• Where to purchase new canvas all around
• How to recover the tired interior cushions
• Any advice to turn this old girl into a beauty

I was considering the idea of using Tekdek decking to give it a rich teak looking floor. Possibly adding a big swim platform as well.

I look forward to your advice/comments.

SB3

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

I would definitely invest in a survey. If you're familiar with bad stringers in transoms in runabouts and cuddies, big cruisers are the same thing, just bigger and worse.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

Yeah, a boat that big... I'd have a survey done.

If it's going for a very cheap price there are more than likely other issues that the seller isn't talking about.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

I'm curious...is this your first experience with a large powerboat?

If so, I highly recommend three things to consider during your research and before making your purchase decision.

1. A vessel of this length and width will perform far better with twin power...especially for a pilot with no experience.

2. Take a boating safety course, in person (not online) with USCG instructors (not local DNR guys doing an extra shift for the overtime pay)

3. Hire a professional captain to show you how to operate the vessel's systems and pilot it for you on its maiden voyage. Otherwise, you may be in for a world of expensive and or injurious hurt.

Good luck!

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

So where is it and how cheap is cheap ???
Cheap enough to but a new motor or what?
if thats the case....

 

[snowbird3]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

Fellas,

Thanks for all the great info. Once again I am humbled by how responsible and honourable the members of this forum are. I definitely pursue a survey on the boat before I commit any serious funds towards it. And you nailed the lack of experience on the head. I owned a 21 foot runabout for a while but I've never piloted a boat of this size. I had been looking for a twin engined boat for the manoeuvrability aspect but I couldn't pass this one by given the asking price.

So to answer your question about how cheap is cheap...the asking price is just shy of $9000. It's located on the north shore of Lake Ontario. So it's a fresh water boat with what I hope is to be a little cosmetic and some mechanical work.

Thanks again for all your great advice...keep it coming!

SB3

 

[oops!]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

the motor is gonna cost you 6.

canvas... 1.5.

the interior... 1

so look at 20 to get you on the water.

if i remember correctly.. the boat is worth around 35.

the single screw is the big issue. its a really big issue.

does the boat have a genny?

personally... i would more than likely jump on that deal,,,, esp if a trailer is involved.
a little tlc and a quick flip later.... $$$

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

wow, Oops! still exists

back to the boat. is the single screw a big block, a 300hp small block, or diesel?

If your handy, you may be able to be on the water for a bit less than Oops's prices, however dont count on it.

I always loved the sundancers.

I do recommend a survey.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

It may have a single screw, but it is a bravo 3!! Those are some really nice handling outdrives, and are more like having 1.5 screws.

 

[oops!]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

wow, Oops! still exists

Yep... it has been a very very busy summer....

but im back now with a vengance. ! there might be some very exciting things to come here for the guys in the restoration forum....

cheers
oops

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

Don't know where abouts you are, but here are some guys that can help you out in my area.

These guys are top notch for canvas and interior work. A complete new canvas for my boat was 4000

If you are into DIY, give these guys a shout.

Some of the boaters up here have used these folks in the past for engines. Super customer service.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Worth the effort? 1994 Searay Sundancer 290

On that 29 footer, you will want a big block 7.4L Chevy engine. Actually a lot of 30 footers have twin 5.0 SBC, and they really should have 5.7L SBCs, so power worries me a bit.