Upgrading to 400SS -- any special years to be looking for?


L

luriesd

Member
Good afternoon!

I own a 2000 280 SS, Merc 5.7 MPI, Bravo III. LOVE this boat, but want to get the full bed in the aft cabin and a little more space. As such, looking to purchase a 400SS. The budget is around 160K, so that puts me around 2002 - 2009 depending on motors, etc.

Are there any pitfalls here to look for? In other words, did the hull or anything like that change after 20XX so that I should be focused after a certain year? If it matters, the boat will be kept in Southern California in a slip in salt water.

Thanks for any thoughts!!!!
 
You'll love the 400SS especially coming from their 280SS. If you can move your budget up slightly, get one with the hardtop and diesels.
 
Almost all gas 400SS were built with Bravo3 drives. As a lake boat they are perfect. The 525 gas version with Bravo 3 drives must be drivin with extreme throttle management. If your unsure about throttles take a tres martin class. The 496 version is more forgiving in a pacific swell. The issue is the 525 engines make a lot of power, The boat is heavy and the bravo 3 does not slip. So hence drive life is shortened. It seems only to happen in the pacific ocean. The volvo duoprop DPH drive is twice as robust. I would suggest the D-6 power for this pacific ocean due to drives. If you do go diesel, Call Kyle at Harrys marine to do a engine survey prior to purchase. Good luck, Great boat!
 
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