MarginCall
Member
Thanks to all for the warm welcome. Will keep you posted on my progress. Next question will (hopefully) be a recommendation on surveyor!
The Official 450 Express Bridge Owners Club
- Thread starter Shoyrtt
- Start date
keithmo
Member
- Aug 3, 2020
- 45
- Boat Info
- 2002 450 Express Bridge
"Brew-Ski Business"
- Engines
- Twin Cat 3126's
Hey Kevin,
I have the same charger for my 2-battery bank. It was replaced in 2020 a couple of months before I purchased my boat.
Keith
keithmo
Member
- Aug 3, 2020
- 45
- Boat Info
- 2002 450 Express Bridge
"Brew-Ski Business"
- Engines
- Twin Cat 3126's
Hello!
There are a number of great features of this model that have made it perfect for us.
The walk-through from the flybridge creates a very safe area on the bow. Everybody wants to hang out here, and I can keep track of things from the helm. My daughter brought 15 friends from Chicago for Labor Day weekend.
The downside of this feature: The perimeter walkway is not very usable, making access to the midship cleat a little tricky. With a little practice, and a safety rope by the handrail rail, we are now able to negotiate locks safely.
Finally, here are some pics of our new SeaDek floors.
MarginCall
Member
Wow! What a beautiful yacht! You must be really proud. Part of the reason I joined was reading all the helpful suggestions and yachting banter. The inventory available is pretty slim and it is still a sellers market, so not sure when I'll be an owner, but my plan is before the end of this year.
I'm really enamored with the "Disney" yacht linked in one of my previous posts, but there's something funky about the listing. Yesterday it was 249K, today 299k. Screenshots to prove it. Doesn't instill lots of confidence.
The other 450 is a 3 stateroom which I have called about already. Seems to be well equipped and in good shape. May make a quick run to Fla mid March to take a look.[/QUOTE]
I'm really enamored with the "Disney" yacht linked in one of my previous posts, but there's something funky about the listing. Yesterday it was 249K, today 299k. Screenshots to prove it. Doesn't instill lots of confidence.
The other 450 is a 3 stateroom which I have called about already. Seems to be well equipped and in good shape. May make a quick run to Fla mid March to take a look.[/QUOTE]
- Jul 16, 2020
- 1,891
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
- Engines
- Caterpillar 3126TA
I remember when the Disney boat at issue was listed in the late winter or early spring of last year. I would say there were 7 or 8 450EBs for sale at the time which seems to be the norm. The Disney boat was priced at 225K and was only slightly less $ than this wild looking grey and orange boat. Avert your eyes if you don't want to see this:
Here is the old listing if you dare to look: https://masseyyacht.com/yachts-for-sale/2003-sea-ray-express-bridge/
The Disney boat gradually increased in price but never sold, and somehow the "wild 450" did. I agree, there is something funky going on.
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- Jul 16, 2020
- 1,891
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
- Engines
- Caterpillar 3126TA
Keith,
Did you end up using SeaDek's templates for your exterior flooring? If so, I'm guessing you made your own templates for the flybridge? It looks incredible!!!!
MarginCall
Member
Wow... Looks like Ernie from Sesame St and a Smurf had a kid
I'm hoping to get something a little more tame.
I'm hoping to get something a little more tame.
keithmo
Member
- Aug 3, 2020
- 45
- Boat Info
- 2002 450 Express Bridge
"Brew-Ski Business"
- Engines
- Twin Cat 3126's
Hey Jim,
I contacted a SeaDek dealer (Castaway Customs) who have an installer in the Grand Rivers, KY area ... they do a lot of boats here, so I could check several out in advance. He came to the boat and did laser measurements. He was extremely detail-oriented and did an amazing job. I wanted some some specific things, like behind the transom locker, side steps, SR logo, full walk-through area, etc., and he really nailed it. I removed to old carpet and did all the floor prep work (remove and fill snaps & holes; cleaning; and final alcohol wipe). Let me know if you would like a copy of the drawing proof. All floors are cut in their Florida shop, and they completed everything, start-to-finish, in less than 2 weeks.
Keith
- May 1, 2021
- 786
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge
Garmin 5212s, Garmin HD Radar
Raypilot 650
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA.8.3M 430 HP
ZF 280-IV Transmissions
@keithmo just deleted my previous thread beacuse your reply answered it.
Curious, how removable do you think k that is...is it destroyed and you have to just get a new piece?
My concern is that if I have fiberglass work I need done this wouldn't be ideal for me (mainly in my cockpit where I already just did a major repair).
I like how it is all cut to have any of the floors hatches removed.
Do you think they have your templates?
Thx in advance!
- Jul 16, 2020
- 1,891
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
- Engines
- Caterpillar 3126TA
Keith,
I was able to get the templates for this boat from SeaDek.
The owner Kelly had her boat laser measured, but didn't have them do the flybridge. I noticed on your stairs to the flybridge that one of the two hatch stairs does not have a piece of SeaDek to the port. With the Oasis templates, the two hatch stairs each had a small piece there, so I'm guessing they are not the same as yours.
I decided against the SeaDek for our boat because it is not in a covered slip. I have a friend who has had trouble with full time sun exposure on his SeaDek, so much so it had to be replaced after just two years. If it was covered, I would have gone with SeaDek.
keithmo
Member
- Aug 3, 2020
- 45
- Boat Info
- 2002 450 Express Bridge
"Brew-Ski Business"
- Engines
- Twin Cat 3126's
Those pieces came in a couple of days later, so yes, all of the hatch stairs are also covered. I need to take some updated pics!
keithmo
Member
- Aug 3, 2020
- 45
- Boat Info
- 2002 450 Express Bridge
"Brew-Ski Business"
- Engines
- Twin Cat 3126's
I don't believe the SeaDek flooring is easily removed. I was advised "The better the floor prep, the better the adhesion". You would probably be better off getting your fiberglass work completed first.
We have been very happy with the flooring. Easy to clean, MUCH safer going up and down the stairs, and much cooler in the sun as compared to the Corinthian flooring.
Let me know if you would like me to track down the templates. Here is a proof that can possibly be used to scale up to full dimensions, but can at least give you an idea of the laser measurement details.
- May 1, 2021
- 786
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge
Garmin 5212s, Garmin HD Radar
Raypilot 650
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA.8.3M 430 HP
ZF 280-IV Transmissions
A/C Thru Hulll
Hi Ya'll,
The boat finally hauled yesterday.
Got my malfunctioning under water lights out, thought they were Sea Blaze Quatros but turns out they were Ocean LED. NEVER BUY OCEAN LED....they leak, literally have barnacles inside the lights. Replacing with Sea Blaze X2 Spectums, but....
Started working on my A/C thru hull and surprisingly, the hose came right off and the screws came out easily, and that is where I'm stuck.
Every YouTube vid I see has a backer, mine was screwed right into the hull.
Is the next step spinning the whole seacock off of the thru hull?
Hi Ya'll,
The boat finally hauled yesterday.
Got my malfunctioning under water lights out, thought they were Sea Blaze Quatros but turns out they were Ocean LED. NEVER BUY OCEAN LED....they leak, literally have barnacles inside the lights. Replacing with Sea Blaze X2 Spectums, but....
Started working on my A/C thru hull and surprisingly, the hose came right off and the screws came out easily, and that is where I'm stuck.
Every YouTube vid I see has a backer, mine was screwed right into the hull.
Is the next step spinning the whole seacock off of the thru hull?
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- Jul 16, 2020
- 1,891
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
- Engines
- Caterpillar 3126TA
Very cool to see your boat out of the water! I’m afraid I can’t help with your with the seacock/thru hull question. All of my thru hulls and seacocks were in good order when we hauled out. Maybe post the question in the general section or the 450 DA thread.
- Jul 16, 2020
- 1,891
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge, 9’ Achilles dinghy w/15hp Suzuki EFI
- Engines
- Caterpillar 3126TA
I did some tinkering around the boat today. I found a good deal on Amazon for 5 new white switch covers. Here are the 4 that I replaced starting on the flybridge:
Starboard:
And finally the port:
I also picked up two new round LED lights for the spoiler to replace the originals:
And to round out the day I touched up the window frames (I think this will be an annual affair), did some painting in the engine room, fixed a snap and thanks to Kevin’s advice I finally repaired my flybridge sink drain after I bought a step down piece and some hose at WM. It was a good day.
Starboard:
And finally the port:
I also picked up two new round LED lights for the spoiler to replace the originals:
And to round out the day I touched up the window frames (I think this will be an annual affair), did some painting in the engine room, fixed a snap and thanks to Kevin’s advice I finally repaired my flybridge sink drain after I bought a step down piece and some hose at WM. It was a good day.
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- May 1, 2021
- 786
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge
Garmin 5212s, Garmin HD Radar
Raypilot 650
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA.8.3M 430 HP
ZF 280-IV Transmissions
Very cool to see your boat out of the water! I’m afraid I can’t help with your with the seacock/thru hull question. All of my thru hulls and seacocks were in good order when we hauled out. Maybe post the question in the general section or the 450 DA thread.
Talked to a friend and figured it out.
Learned a valuable lesson; the thru hull is not just secured by the sea cock flange, there are four Phillips screws that are nearly impossible to see under any kind of growth. A drill and wire wheel finally cleaned enough out of the screws to let me get a screw driver into them. Unfortunately, did a little damage to the gelcoat getting the piece out, but nothing that isn't a quick fix for the yard during the bottom job prep.
For future reference here is the procedure:
1. Remove the 3 screws from the sea cock flange inside.
2. Use a wrench to unscrew the sea cock from the thru hull fitting.
3. Remove the 4 screws outside from the thru hull.
4. Remove thru hull (lots of 5200 to contend with)
Pic from inside below, and some better access to clean the bilge
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- May 1, 2021
- 786
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge
Garmin 5212s, Garmin HD Radar
Raypilot 650
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA.8.3M 430 HP
ZF 280-IV Transmissions
I did some tinkering around the boat today. I found a good deal on Amazon for 5 new white switch covers. Here are the 4 that I replaced starting on the flybridge:
View attachment 121942 View attachment 121943
Starboard:
View attachment 121944 View attachment 121945
And finally the port:
View attachment 121948 View attachment 121946
I also picked up two new round LED lights for the spoiler to replace the originals: View attachment 121947
And to round out the day I touched up the window frames (I think this will be an annual affair), did some painting in the engine room, fixed a snap and thanks to Kevin’s advice I finally repaired my flybridge sink drain after I bought a step down piece and some hose at WM. It was a good day.
That is a good day! Looks great!
LMBoat
Well-Known Member
Forrest, how thick is the hull at that hole? I will be installing a new transducer at my next haul out in that area and this will be helpful.
And can I ask why you are changing that seacock?
Thanks!
Larry
And can I ask why you are changing that seacock?
Thanks!
Larry
LMBoat
Well-Known Member
Forrest, how thick is the hull at that hole? I will be installing a new transducer at my next haul out in that area and this will be helpful.
And can I ask why you are changing that seacock?
Thanks!
Larry
And can I ask why you are changing that seacock?
Thanks!
Larry
- May 1, 2021
- 786
- Boat Info
- 1999 450 Express Bridge
Garmin 5212s, Garmin HD Radar
Raypilot 650
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA.8.3M 430 HP
ZF 280-IV Transmissions
Hi Larry,
I'll measure it for you today.
More changing the thru hull (image below) than the seacock, which is working fine. I knew this thru hull was bad on the inspection, but the A/C was pumping so I went with it.
Of note, when the seacock came off I couldn't believe how much junk was in the threaded part of the thru hull between the scoop and the sea cock, including a small reed (below). I am blown away that I was getting enough flow. So, now I will take a much closer look at the mains and generator which all seem to have seacocks that work fine, but who knows what is packed in between the valve and the scoop.
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