420/44 DB Owners Club

Alex F

Well-Known Member
Nov 14, 2006
9,166
Miami / Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
Engines
Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
I’ve searched CSR but didn’t find an official 420DB thread. So, I figure it’s a good idea to have one. Let me open it with a quick story on my upgrade process from our lovely 320DA “Boat A Bing”.

It’s been about six months since we began our search for a new boat. We loved the line and had 420DB on our radar for a long time. Short after we made the decision to upgrade to a bridge boat I was advised to explore an option and consider a 400DB model.
After looking closely we could see a huge difference in price and the fact that real estate wise it’s almost the same boats was very good incentive.

The first immediate thing was to see a 400DB in person to make sure this is something that can work for us. So, we found one in Staten Island and went to check it out. The price was way above reasonable and the boat was a trash, but we only wanted to see the boat layout and we needed to get an answer to one question “is this model something that we really like and can own for years to come?”. The answer was “Yes, but only 2000 and newer and for the right price”. The big part of the deal was trading our 320. So, I contacted every selling agent for the boats that got on my “purchase prospects” list and quickly have learned that pretty much none of the 400 deals would accept my 320 for a reasonable price as a trade. This is where we had to make a decision on our further approach. After looking for some time, while I’ve listed my 320 on the market, it was becoming clear that if we’re hunting for 400DB deals, we’ll have to deal with the fact that in order not to give our exceptionally maintained 320 away we’ll have to just buy 400DB and sell 320 on our own. It took us about two months before we were able to get closer to something what we were looking for, in regards to 400DB deals. We found what was presented as the nicest and cleanest 2002 on the market. So, we made the commitment to proceed with this eventful process. Here’s the link with all the details regarding the deal 400DB Upgrade Went South – Buyers Be Aware

So, despite a huge disappointment after spending about 2 months and ~$5K with not much result the search had continued. During all this time I was periodically recompiling a list of 420DBs and was contacting the sellers regarding my trade. Anytime we thought of 420DB the situation was clear, we can only swing it if they accept our trade for a reasonable cost (not the “below wholesale” price what every broker offers).

As the time goes by, the season in Northeast was over. Our 320 was prepared for the winter and this was the time when number of sellers (400s and 420s) came to realization that they have to make considerable price adjustments if they want to sell their boats. So, I’d say that closer to December I started getting calls from the sellers in regards to new deals. This is when we finally heard a reasonable offer to take our 320 in trade on the sale a beautiful 420DB.

The moment we saw the boat we knew right away that this was our dream 420 and we’re buying it as long as all checks out and the numbers work for us. Well, as with anything that comes to boating it takes a long time to get things moving. But, after a while of hard work of negotiations and getting over the details, the contract was made and we proceeded with the purchase process.

The tricky part was getting her surveyed as the weather was only getting colder. We were trying to pick the warmer days, but at that time we were just happy that it wasn’t snowing or there was no freezing rain in the forecast. So, the survey was done during below freezing temps with 20kts wind making it a very “interesting” event. When we pulled to the dock after a sea trial there was ice all over the boat. I never thought I’ll be boating in these conditions, but as people say “there’s a first time for everything”. After all reports (hull survey, mechanical survey and oil analyses) came back, I had very good idea where I stand and we moved on to the final stage of the purchase process.

Here’re few things about the boat. First of all I’d like to mention that I’m a big fan of keeping things simple and have minimum overhead. Thus, this was the primary driver for major items like hull color and engines choice. I spend a lot of time working on the boat and adding extra care for colored hulls (despite the fact that they look great) was not on my wish list. As for the engines, I did my homework, posted some threads and have learned few things about the new to me diesels. I listened to FWebster’s suggestion, as agreed with the approach (lose few HPs and couple of KTS in exchange for reliability and engine base simplicity), and picked the boat with basic Cummins 6CTAs . I have to admit that I enjoyed all the detailed data SmartCraft provided on my 320, but I hate when the censers are giving troubles. Luckily, my 320 wasn’t a trouble boat at all, but just reading som many stories didn’t comfort me. I also agreed with Frank’s point that if you know basic stats on fuel burn, there’s no really a need for fancy SC system to streamline this info instantly, as everything has a price. Therefore, fully mechanically controlled engines were my choice. After testing few 400DBs with Cummins 6CTAs and then seeing performance of my new 420DB I was satisfied. To my surprise there was no difference in performance despite the fact that my 420DB is 8,000 heavier than 400DB. But, as Frank said, that’s an art of engineering.

Here’re few pictures that was able to capture:

102_0296_CSR.jpg


102_0292.jpg


102_0243.jpg


102_0293.jpg


102_0262.jpg


102_0268.jpg


102_0270.jpg


102_0281.jpg


102_0273.jpg


102_0208.jpg


102_0283.jpg


So, my 420DB fellow owners, let's keep this thread going and share our stories, maintenance tips and trick, and of course enhancement project ideas.

Cheers,
Alex
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RBB
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Alex, it looks like you started out with 7ft itis, then you got 8ft itis, now you have 10ft itis:grin:

Congrats Dude, Beautiful Vessel:thumbsup:
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Alex, it looks like you started out with 7ft itis, then you got 8ft itis, now you have 10ft itis:grin:

Congrats Dude, Beautiful Vessel:thumbsup:

Thanks Bruce,

I no longer keep up with the footiesh treand, but I tell you that another 10' jump will only happen if I'll win a lotto...LOL
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Thanks Bruce,

I no longer keep up with the footiesh treand, but I tell you that another 10' jump will only happen if I'll win a lotto...LOL

Well, make dam sure you stay AWAY from any and all in water Boat Shows:smt021 because I know now how addictive this boating thing is.
 
Last edited:
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Well, make dam sure you stay AWAY from any and all in water Boat Shows:smt021

I'll take it as a compliment. :grin:
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Congrats, she's a beautiful boat! You're really going to enjoy the diesels along with all the extra room. Now we just need spring to arrive.
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Thanks Jon!

At least it gives me some extra time to learn more about diesels and all the maintenance I have to do, including where to buy all the parts.
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Holy cow! Good for you Alex, it turns out the bad experience with the 400DB was a blessing. What a beauty! It figures I upgrade to a 410DA and get Trumped. Love my new boat though...
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Thanks Ken,

Yeah, after finding this boat I quickly forgot about all the troubles and money spent on that 400. I just took it as a price for education.

Looks like you're ahead of the game. It's cool to be boating in January...LOL
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Alex-
Congrats on the new boat... and that exterior teak flooring looks great!
 
Last edited:
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Thanks Tim,

It's very possible that after this summer I'll be asking for tips on how to install the bridge A/C. I remember seen your thread somewhere.
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Congrats on the new boat... and that exterior teak flooring in looks great!I will pm you with a couple of questions.I love the black canvas
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

I don't want to clutter up your 420 thread, but, congratulations. The boat is beautiful, and in great condition, the pics look like they came from the SeaRay brochure...
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Congrats! Beautiful boat and she looks new in the pics.
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

She's a beaut! Congrats Alex, and the best of luck with her. :thumbsup:
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Thanks so much for warm wishes, guys. I’m happy to be part of the club with so many great people.
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

beautiful boat Alex!!!! I know i have a pewny little 320 and i dont belong here I just wanted to congratulate you best of luck with her!!!!!!!!
 
Re: 420 DB Owners Club

Alex

I LOVE your boat....seriously, congratulations I know you and your family will really enjoy the step up. She looks to be in very good shape. We should compare notes one day. One suggestion on the thread title...420/44DB Owners Club would be more appropos...Sea Ray made the 420 for 2 years and the 44 for the following 6, but other than the electronic vs. mechanical engines and specific options, they're all pretty much the same boat. Best of luck and look forward to seeing you plying the waters off Long Island this summer.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,861
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top