TruckerTim
New Member
New to the forum but I have been lurking out here for a while learning about the 480 Sedan Bridge. My hope is in the next 12 to 18 months to pull the trigger on a used 480. Have been looking and trying to convince the wife, (advice appreciated) so still more research and cajoling to be done. But while I'm looking, I thought get input from this group on some questions we have and advice on things to look for.
How we will use the boat-
Mostly in the Florida Gulf. We have a place in Destin and plan on keeping there, (or the general area) and take short trips to Pcola, Gulf Shores and such to start. Eventually branch out and take longer trips to Naples and the Keys. MAYBE even skip over to the Bahamas.... WAY down the road! Kids are gone but they will visit the boat occasionally so 95% of the time just me, the wife and Chuck the mutt.
Current Boat-
2019 Cobalt R7. Love it but looking for more of a weekend/ live aboard. I have owned larger boats, mostly center consoles, but looking forward to getting something we can stay on.
Questions-
1) Engines- I have a lot of experiences with Cummins, Cat's and Detroit's in truck applications, (note my name) but NONE with MAN or diesel Volvo's. From what I have read on the forum, my takeaway is annual and other maintenance can be more pricey on the MAN than others. True? And if so, why?? Horse power preferred for optimal fuel efficiency?
2) Bow and Stern Thrusts? I have ZERO experience with these but some with twin engines and docking. I understand the concept but are both bow and stern necessary? I notice most 480's I've looked at only have bow. Seems to me both would be sweet.
3) I have read about some having a "maintenance plan"..?? Is this similar to an extended warranty?
4) SeaTow or TowBoatus? I see the cost is about the same but I also hear service and response time can vary WIDELY depending on your area. In Destin I see more TowBoat than SeaTow so just wondering what, if any, are the pros/ cons..?
I'm sure some of these questions are a little rudimentary for the group but part of the learning process for me. Appreciate any advice!
How we will use the boat-
Mostly in the Florida Gulf. We have a place in Destin and plan on keeping there, (or the general area) and take short trips to Pcola, Gulf Shores and such to start. Eventually branch out and take longer trips to Naples and the Keys. MAYBE even skip over to the Bahamas.... WAY down the road! Kids are gone but they will visit the boat occasionally so 95% of the time just me, the wife and Chuck the mutt.
Current Boat-
2019 Cobalt R7. Love it but looking for more of a weekend/ live aboard. I have owned larger boats, mostly center consoles, but looking forward to getting something we can stay on.
Questions-
1) Engines- I have a lot of experiences with Cummins, Cat's and Detroit's in truck applications, (note my name) but NONE with MAN or diesel Volvo's. From what I have read on the forum, my takeaway is annual and other maintenance can be more pricey on the MAN than others. True? And if so, why?? Horse power preferred for optimal fuel efficiency?
2) Bow and Stern Thrusts? I have ZERO experience with these but some with twin engines and docking. I understand the concept but are both bow and stern necessary? I notice most 480's I've looked at only have bow. Seems to me both would be sweet.
3) I have read about some having a "maintenance plan"..?? Is this similar to an extended warranty?
4) SeaTow or TowBoatus? I see the cost is about the same but I also hear service and response time can vary WIDELY depending on your area. In Destin I see more TowBoat than SeaTow so just wondering what, if any, are the pros/ cons..?
I'm sure some of these questions are a little rudimentary for the group but part of the learning process for me. Appreciate any advice!