No Boat.... Big Dreams....

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!

TruckerTim said:

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!

Click to expand...

I would repost this in the 480 forum. You will get a lot of responses. Here is mine:

I love my 2001 480DB. It is roomy enough to host friends or stay on for long periods of time. My boat had 3196 Cats, which have an over abundance of power (660hp each). I have owned Cats prior and they can be bullet proof for the most part. General Maintenance is required just the same as other diesels. You keep up on them and they will treat you well. I have said diesel brand is like the Ford/Chevy argument......everyone has a favorite. I have read on here that finding a MAN mechanic can be tough. Part of my maintenance plan is oil and fuel filter change every year whether it is due or not. I change it myself. That may be overboard, but I like knowing I am good when the oil survey comes back.

I have a Bow Thruster only. You can add a stern, but I don't think you will need it. Stern thrusters can be pricey. A bow thruster moves the boat around with ease to help with tight spots.

I have TowboatUS. Never used it and hope I never have too.

Now your biggest issue.....the wife. If you figure out that grand illusion, please advise the rest of us. You will be a rich man. I am a lucky one since my wife is usually waiting on me to head to the lake.

Keith

Show her the boat in person. I got mine after the wife took a look.

Thanks for the response. Still tying to figure out the forum pages! I will repost it there to. Thanks

That does seem like a lot of power for a 48+' boat, but I'd rather be over powered than under. Cat's in trucks are similar and tend to be more dependable than others. But the old Detroit's, (back in the 70's and 80's) were almost indestructible.

In my search I do see a lot of the 480's and 520's with the MAN motors but just don't have any knowledge of them from a practical standpoint.

I'm good with oil changes and swapping parts but breaking into the motor is out of my pay grade.

Didn't realize stern thrusters would be more expensive. Good to know. I have read unless they are hydraulic you can only run them for short burst...?

If we were on a lake, my wife would be ready to go. It's the open, (salt!) water that is her hold back. She's now talking about flying/ driving to me wherever we want to go and I take the boat.... Not all bad!

spikedaddy99 said:

Show her the boat in person. I got mine after the wife took a look.

Click to expand...

She's been on a few and looking at one next weekend. She's thaaaaaat close!

480’s Are awesome boats. They have varing degrees of balsa coring in the hulls If it’s dry great but it’s important to check for moisture.
QSM -11 Cummins are great motors but there are exhaust manifold gasket issues that are common
Don’t let either of these keep you from buying....
A good survey is essential