99/00 44 Hardtop express thoughts, opinions, reviews, etc

[bud37]

Source of the post We are all over paying in this market but a 2000 400 SeaRay is not worth 140k.

There is the real problem for now........market has X amount of boats and 3X buyers.......a huge problem for someone looking for any sort of deal. Imo, most boats are over priced for what they are.....like I said before, in a while the market will go the other way when all the first time folk that bought boats find out what is involved in owning these things...... but that does you no good for now. The trouble with the no sale boats in my mind would be there is a reason and would require some comprehensive inspection and surveys to make sure all is well especially with cored hull side models.....brokers probably will not reveal or even know what the details are unless there has been failed surveys previously.

It is an interesting discussion never the less....

[Cooler]

There is a guy in my storage unit that has a 42' Sea Ray Sundancer. Last year he said he was gonna sell this year, but then Covid happened and I think he wants to keep it another season, due to lack of use. I know this guy pretty well, and he is really picky about his boat. If his spark plug wires get dusty, he replaces them. Twin 8.1 or 7.4 Mercs. Would that interest you? I can reach out to him and ask his plans. I think it's a 2000. He asked me to install some under water lights over the winter. It is a fresh water boat only, so you may need to convert the cooling sytem for salt. At least it is in the U.S. and should be easier to transport. If this does anything for you, PM me a phone number, and I will send some pics. er

[Cooler]

Oops! Strike that. Just talked to him and he is keeping it. His thought to sell was based on an opportunity to move up little, but that boat got sold. Things can change though. er

[SeaNile]

Thanks for the heads up. Definitely has to have diesels in this next boat.
Called the 159k 44 Express broker 3x week and sent 3 text and got 1 reply...."call you later." I've been trying for 3 weeks to see this boat in Jersey City, NJ and apparently it's just not going to happen.

Looking at a 2000 4160 Regal tomorrow and an 03 Regal 4260 next weekend. I'm not stopping until I find the right boat.

[tomschauer]

Not sure how you plan to use your boat, but if you do not plan a lot of long distance cruising, maybe consider gas. Diesels are great for better fuel economy and longevity (if taken care of properly) but can cost 4x $ if you need to repair or replace them.
You will also find a lot more gas powered boats on the bay for this reason. Many with very few engine hours.

[SeaNile]

I've had diesels in the past and absolutely loved them. That was when I was running charters and heading out 40-90 miles to the canyons. Now I'm looking at a 10 mile ride with family and friends to the local hang out on the Bohemia River.

[SeaNile]

Checked out a 4260 Regal today and like the layout. Definitely liked it more than the 400/410 Sea Ray layout. Of course I'd love to compare it to a 44 Express but for the life of me I can't find one to see, let alone for sale.

[tomschauer]

We are on the Sassafras at Skipjack.
If your just looking at day trips, I wouldn't rule out gassers.
Friends of our have a great little 2010 regal 3860 with the volvo 4 cylinder diesels. I say little, because their 38 is 5 foot shorter than my 35. It will run forever on a tank of fuel, but if we try to cruise together I have to stop every hour and let him catch up, or stay off plane and plow water.

[SeaNile]

The 4260 looks like a small 42' boat to me. Looks like they are including the swim platform and anything else they could. Whereas the 99-02 400/410 Sea Ray is 45' LOA. I do like the layout of the Regal more so than the Sea Ray. At this point I'm buying the best deal out there unless it has major issues.

We are at Summit North Marina and venture as far as the Bohemia! LOL, we don't go far as of yet. I searched for gas boats as well and there are no bargains out there. Diesel 99-02 40 Sea Ray is about 95-115 if I look at an 03-05 gas they are 180ish

I'd love to see this 44 Express in Jersey City but the broker is absolutely refusing to get back to me.

The Regal in Cape May is tempting and I will look at it this weekend. Has an electrical component issue with the one engine (probably an easy fix) and the guy is desperate to sell. Heard it needs a little TLC but if the price is right I am a sucker. Has the 480 hp Volvo TAMD 75 EDC engines.

[Cooler]

SeaNile - not sure if you checked this out, but apparently there is a forum similar to this for Trojan owners. You may want to sign up there and see if there are any 440's in your area to just inspect, or if someone is "thinking" about selling. trojanboats.net er