Hi guys,

I was hoping somebody out there has a 400ss and can give me some information. I absolutely love this boat and am looking at a new one to purchase for this summer. I heard that with boats that have a head and galley, you can write off the interest from the loan because it counts as a second home, any truth to this? Also, what things are necessary to have on this boat, ex. radar, underwater lights, cockpit A/C are all things that can be added on for additional costs. How does the raymarine plots work because I heard Garmin might be the better one to get. I would also like to get a dingy as well, has anyone managed to get one on the back platform of this boat? I am using this boat in the Great Lakes region, and mostly lake st. clair if that helps.

Thanks a lot!

don't have a 400 ss, but I can tell you that you can write off the interest as a second home. I was sued by the US Treasury Dept. over the issue. The boat has to be secured by a mortgage, most banks issue a ship's mortgage, so that's issue no. 1. It also has to support living on the boat, bathroom, sleeping, toilet, etc. The 400 ss surely does that. We also had to prove we slept on the boat at least 2 weeks per year. That issue is only supposed to come into play if you rent your second home (or boat), which we do not and most boat owners do not. I would still keep records of overnight stays. We ran into IRS folks in Atlanta that I guess couldn't understand that a boat could support living. Ended up hiring a tax attorney and going through the pre-trial negotiations with the USTD in Virginia. Had to write a narrative explaining why we comply with the tax law, send pics of the boat and the sleeping areas, galley, head, etc. Received documentation from the court that they settled the case. I now send that document to the USTD every year with my tax returns. I had been claiming boats for probably 15-20 years before I ran into the issue in 2008, but I am now confident we qualify. Just hope they next group of law makers don't take away the write off. Good luck.

A couple good articles

http://www.boatus.com/pressroom/rele...0#.UyGhsM6t-PQ

http://www.discoverboating.com/resou...cle.aspx?id=65

I'll take a crack at your other questions. We have a 2012 with 525s. Your first decision is going to be power. Mercury Racing (or Ilmor) power is fun but be aware that they require more maintenance, burn lots of fuel and are fairly loud on long trips. Underwater lights are great in very clear water but sort of a waste in mucky stuff. We have a Raymarine E120W and it works great but I would agree that the new Garmins look nice. I'd also look into the new Mercury Glass Helm. We use radar a lot at night but not so much during the day. You can always add it later. I wish I had auto pilot for long trips in FL. I think we would use cockpit a/c at the dock when plugged in but have never needed it while underway. One thing to know is that the generator is very loud so you won't want to sit around with it running for the A/C. That's all I can think of off hand. You'll love the 400.

And also, I forgot to mention engines. There is quite a price difference on the engines, I wanted to stay away from the racing engines (more gas, more maintenance) unless someone said I really had to have those. How about the volvo penta diesels though? I know you sacrifice a couple miles per hour to get a little bit better gas mileage, but how much better gas mileage do you get with the diesels, and is it really worth it or no?

You actually sacrifice about 15 mph vs 525s and there is a lot of fun to be had between 45 and 60. Having said that, I think the 400 with diesels would be really nice if you take fairly long trips. Hopefully someone with the volvo's will respond.

I've sold Formula boats for years, the diesel is much quieter than gas, parking is a breeze with the torque of the diesels, performance is very similar to that of a 502HO boat, maybe 5-6 mph slower, but much more efficient on long trips.

We had 2007 with diesels. They are very easy on fuel and nice and quiet. The boat also had the hardtop. Loved the boat. The only negative thing I can say about the diesels is the weight. You really have to bury the tabs to get the boat close to level or to see over the bow. Gen and AC is nice to have. Had ray marine gps and it was ok. Auto pilot was nice.

The 400ss is one of the best all around boats

As said a very nice all around boat. New diesels with a hardtop will probably push to the $600-700. for new. A lot of coin for this type of boat, in my opinion. There are a ton of used ones on the market in all varities for sale. May make better sense to look used. I presently have a 2003 for sale on lake St Clair.

I agree with Rockstar. New is nice but boy do you have to pay for it! Look for a good older model and then do some selective retrofit work to upgrade.