480 DB Owners Club

I saw the L650Fly and the first place we visited was the engine room. I am a pretty good size guy and thought there was tons of space to work in that engine room. Very well laid out. I don't "need" to be able to stand although it would be nice. My friend's 560DB has an engine room that is between 4' and 5' tall and it again is pretty accessible. The L650Fly had much more access than the 560. Now, another friend's 65 Marquis has a very spacious engine room and the 2009 610DA I went on also has an engine room that was at least 6' 6" tall between the engines!
 
I have been looking at 480's and a lot have damage in the salon from the large windows. Question: is this typical, how hard is it to seal those windows, what have people experienced for repairs?
Thanks for the help?


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I don't want to jinx myself, but I have not seen or heard of this being an issue. I think Gary had to do something with his windows a few years ago.


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Mquiet, What type of damage are you talking about? Sun damage? Moisture? I looked at a boat which was in SC that had sun damage from the front windshield magnifying the sunshine.... I've also seen a couple of boats with issues from moisture and issues with some of the cabinets... these were the early boats and viticore.
 
So these boats that I have seen have had a lot of moisture damage. Inside the salon by the front window, and along the headliner. Water appears to be coming from large windows. That said these are also model years 99-2000.


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A lot of sedan boats have issues with the front windows it seems. The gaskets they use seems to shrink over the years requiring them to be resealed. Could also be caused by the bouncing in The seas.

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I keep my front sunshade and vinyl windshield cover on most of the time , there completely stopping the sun bleaching effect it could suffer, but I have noticed now some water on the shelf collecting so I will have to find where that is coming in at ..... Always something to fix , always something to upgrade .....


Boltman
 
The front windows have been re-caulked on our 480 prior to us owning it. Not the best job, but we haven't seen any water intrusion. Like Robert (Boltman) said, We keep the sun shade on most of the time so don't see the caulking. However, it's on my list to redo. In reference to the headliner having water damage, That could possibly be coming from above on the flybridge. "Our Place" had a leak prior to us owning that showed up all the way back at the stbd. corner near the salon door above the cabinet. The leak I believe was located at the stdb. side of the flybridge where the fiberglass support for the top meets the structure. There is new sealer there and evidence of water staining inside. Other than recaulking the edge, The proper way would be to remove and reseal the windows. Don't know how easy that would be or what it would cost. FWIW Chris
 
This is good input. Thanks. Found some that do not have the same leaking issues. Hard to look at a boat that you know needs some work when we just sold our 340 and it was in great shape.


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And something always needs work....and it's always expensive. But it's worth it to us because the 480 is a great boat.


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Ok I have found 1 480 that only needs a little work and would most likely be good to go. I have also found a 550 Sedan Bridge that we like, but it would be at the top of our budget. I know I'm on the 480 thread, but what are some thoughts of the 98ish 550 Sedan Bridge? Thanks for your help.
 
mquiet said:
Ok I have found 1 480 that only needs a little work and would most likely be good to go. I have also found a 550 Sedan Bridge that we like, but it would be at the top of our budget. I know I'm on the 480 thread, but what are some thoughts of the 98ish 550 Sedan Bridge? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
I'm guessing a '98-ish 550 is power by Detroits?
 
Yes. DDEC's. I get various answers on cost and part availability. I think some overall thoughts would help. This boat was quite a curveball when looking at 480's


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Yes hard top with bridge air. Helm is aft of he forward seating.


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I'm back to the 480. I would like to get some thoughts. Salon has no leaks, engines are at 1000 hours ( I will have them surveyed with Genny), no bow thruster. How big is the bow thruster when docking. I have never had one so I am not sure if it is a must. I did notice that the wind/spray fairing around the brigade has crazing al the way around and I also noticed that on a lot of boats. Has anyone had to replace and what does that entail? Thanks for the input as I am trying to learn as much as possible.
 
Trying to locate a leak of red fluid in aft bilge. I am losing power steering fluid in the reservoir, so assume it is that, but can't find a leak at the back rudder pump or ram assembly. Although, boat is on the hard now and the system can't be pressurized, so may need to wait until spring. What fluid do I use in the reservoir? It is red, so assume ATF, but can't find any manual. The reservoir states a couple of different options for fluid depending on the system type. Anyone know what fluid to use? Thanks for the help.
 
mquiet said:
I'm back to the 480. I would like to get some thoughts. Salon has no leaks, engines are at 1000 hours ( I will have them surveyed with Genny), no bow thruster. How big is the bow thruster when docking. I have never had one so I am not sure if it is a must. I did notice that the wind/spray fairing around the brigade has crazing al the way around and I also noticed that on a lot of boats. Has anyone had to replace and what does that entail? Thanks for the input as I am trying to learn as much as possible.
Click to expand...

I don't think a bow thruster is absolutely necessary but I'm glad I have it, this is my first boat with one also. We mostly only use it to get the admiral over to the bow lines once in the slip or when the wind has us pinned to a fuel dock. I wouldn't walk away from a boat without one if everything else suited, the thruster can always be added later for a pretty penny though.

My windscreen has some very minor crazing but it's nothing that concerns me enough to think about replacing.


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dstick said:
Trying to locate a leak of red fluid in aft bilge. I am losing power steering fluid in the reservoir, so assume it is that, but can't find a leak at the back rudder pump or ram assembly. Although, boat is on the hard now and the system can't be pressurized, so may need to wait until spring. What fluid do I use in the reservoir? It is red, so assume ATF, but can't find any manual. The reservoir states a couple of different options for fluid depending on the system type. Anyone know what fluid to use? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

Does your boat have true hydraulic steering or just steering assist? Mine just has the assisted steering so I use the Sea Star hydraulic fluid to top off the helm reservoir. It is a yellowish gold color but I believe I read that it used to be red/pink back when our boats were built.


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