40 sedan bridge forum

Lurker alert!!!

I'm only up to page 88 but I had some questions. We just "sold" our 370DA and we want a 400DB. So, here we go...

1. I think I want diesel. We're currently on a small inland lake (Monroe Lake in Indiana) but may move later. If I go for diesel is there any major difference between the models of Cat and Cummins?

2. I'm more familiar with gassers so is there any "real" advantage to a diesel on a small lake? Conversely, any disadvantage to a diesel?

3. I think I've discerned that post 1999 has a 40 gal holding tank. Correct?

4. With regards to diesel, are they that much more work to maintain than a big block gasser?

5. Anyone want out of their 400?

Hello Arickosmo,
I'll add:
1) no major differences. Both Cat and Cummins are good power plants. The Cats offered in the 400 DB will give slightly better fuel economy, Cummins will give a little more speed
2) There is no advantage to a diesel on a small lake. The advantage comes when you move off the lake or sell to someone who will take it elsewhere. A disadvantage may be that diesel is not available at a marina on a small lake, or if you want to sell to someone on the lake, they may not want to pay the diesel premium.
3) correct
4) No, but the maintenance parts, are a little more money, an oil change is 4+ gallons per vs 9 quarts for example. No big deal.
5) No, not yet
 
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Lurker alert!!!

I'm only up to page 88 but I had some questions. We just "sold" our 370DA and we want a 400DB. So, here we go...

1. I think I want diesel. We're currently on a small inland lake (Monroe Lake in Indiana) but may move later. If I go for diesel is there any major difference between the models of Cat and Cummins?

2. I'm more familiar with gassers so is there any "real" advantage to a diesel on a small lake? Conversely, any disadvantage to a diesel?

3. I think I've discerned that post 1999 has a 40 gal holding tank. Correct?

4. With regards to diesel, are they that much more work to maintain than a big block gasser?

5. Anyone want out of their 400?

I agree with everyone else on the diesel/gas opinions.

Regarding the holding tank, yes, after 1999 they became 40 gal, which is nice and what it should have always been. I have a 98, and only a 26 gal holding tank. That said, I've never had any issues with it. My marina does weekly scheduled pump outs and even when I spend the week on the hook, I make sure I'm pumped out before I leave, usually pump out once while I'm out, and then when I get home. Not really an issue. But the additional 14 gal would be a nice added sense of security.

Regarding #5, I've learned that every boat has a price. I have yet to find one that's not for sale. :) Good luck with your search.
 
I have experience with the 7.4's vs diesel part of this discussion.........After 10 years with a pair of 7.4's, I traded up to a 450DA with Cat diesels. I am spending a fraction of what I spent on the 7.4's maintaining the Cat diesels......like 1/3 of the cost. The larger oil capacity is a factor, but not nearly what the cost of changing risers/manifolds on Mercruisers. I do most of my own maintenance and I find that the Cat diesels are technically and physically far easier to maintain that 7.4's.

The other thing you should consider is the resale value of a 400DB with gas vs. diesel power. Long term, because there is very limited demand for gas 400DB's, the diesel boat will hold its value better and be much easier to sell or trade in the future, if and when you decide to move up, down or out.
 
I tore my boat apart from head to toe during my remodel any questions I may be able to help...http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/31322-The-Remodel-96-400-SEDAN-BRIDGE?highlight=

i have a 99 400DB, My Stbd rudder is shipping a bit of water - bilge pump comes on every two hours or so. I need to tighten the jam nut on the stuffing box but it is very difficult to get at so I will have to manufacture a couple of wrenches to get at it. Can you tell me the size of the two large hex nuts on the stuffing box.

Can you message me so I don't have to figure out how to get back here please.

Ron
 
i have a 99 400DB, My Stbd rudder is shipping a bit of water - bilge pump comes on every two hours or so. I need to tighten the jam nut on the stuffing box but it is very difficult to get at so I will have to manufacture a couple of wrenches to get at it. Can you tell me the size of the two large hex nuts on the stuffing box.

Can you message me so I don't have to figure out how to get back here please.

Ron

My starboard rudder was weeping. Not enough to set the bilge pump on regularly. With a good size pair of channel locks and a hammer we loosened the bottom nut which is the lock nut. You do this by turning the nut clockwise. Then tightened the top nut which is the packing nut. Once that one is tight you tighten the locking nut back up. It seemed to stop the leak. There isn't a lot of room for a bigger wrench.
 
Thru hull replacement

Need to replace a crack thru hull would like to replace with a SS one. looks like it is 2" on the outside but also looks like it tapers down to the hose. Has anybody replaced this and can confirm size and where I may purchase?


image.jpg
 
Have a 1999 400DB. The hinges for the little mirrored bathroom cabinets keep breaking. Any idea where to get replacements? Per the owners parts manual it looks like P/N 798033 and 798041. I think they are Euro and any that i have found at hardware stores don`t match up correctely.
Thanks Jim



Jim,

Any luck on finding these? One of mine just broke today...

Regards,
Stephen

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hello
I have a sedan bridge ,I am trying to find a replacement vacuum bag ,having hard time locating one ,any help is welcome
have a great bating
 
hello
I have a sedan bridge ,I am trying to find a replacement vacuum bag ,having hard time locating one ,any help is welcome
have a great bating

I just picked a bag that had the same size opening for the short pipe you install the bag on. A bigger bag is not going to matter because it will be confined to the size of the canister anyway. Should be an easy solution for you.


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Hi guys,

new guy here, looking to get into a 400DB in the next 18 months or so... Quick question: Has there been a discussion about the pros&cons, advantages/disadvantages of the up to 2004 model year 400DB vs the newer 2005+ models?

Thanks!
 
Hi guys,

new guy here, looking to get into a 400DB in the next 18 months or so... Quick question: Has there been a discussion about the pros&cons, advantages/disadvantages of the up to 2004 model year 400DB vs the newer 2005+ models?

Thanks!

I haven't seen a specific thread on that. But I can tell you within this thread there are a lot of tidbits like that. Like the layout of the bridge in the first 1990's models, to the different cabin layouts in the late 90's to 2000's. I'd recommend going through all of these pages (yes, really - you're about drop a significant amount of money, shouldn't you learn all you can about what you're buying?) and also look at the various configurations of the models on boattrader and yachtworld. And then if you have specific questions (which is better: Cummins or Cat diesels? Should I get a hydraulic swim platform? etc.) you should ask them here. People will be glad to help but you have to ask specifics.
 
When did the 8.1L replace the 7.4 on the 400DB? I realize there might be some overlap but I can't seem to nail down a year that it started.
 
2001, and there was some overlap, depending on build date and how many 7.4's were laying around waiting to go into boats.
 
Anyone had to replace all the black rubber seal around the windshields? Specifically the ones on the sides of the boat. I am looking at a boat where these have "pulled" away or shrank and I'm concerned about it being outside.

****UPDATE

Followed a chase of ZZ13:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/77288-Window-Seals?p=878460#post878460

led to...

http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware/parts/vinyls/index.html

Haven't called, don't have a boat yet. I'll return here if/when I do.

(Thanks cwiert!!)
 
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Anyone had to replace all the black rubber seal around the windshields? Specifically the ones on the sides of the boat. I am looking at a boat where these have "pulled" away or shrank and I'm concerned about it being outside.

Mine have also pulled away in places. This "seal" is cosmetic only. I believe ZZ13 has replaced these. He's also the one that told me that they are cosmetic only, so I wouldn't worry too much about it being outside.
 
Anyone had to replace the mattress? We did on our 370 and had to have it custom made. Wondering if there's someone out there building a replacement.

Getting closer....
 
The previous owner of mine replaced all three mattresses with custom fit from these guys.
4e47dad0fbb594ae665f83e3985c1750.jpg



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