Destin Florida 450 DA

Oh Brian

Oh Brian

New Member
Oct 18, 2017
20
Seabrook, Texas
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 450 Sundancer
Engines
Cat 3126
Nice looking boat. Priced right but I think a bit underpowered with Cat 3126s.
 
From what i understand the Cat 3126 comes to different flavors (3126 & 3126B) and within those models different HP ratings. The ad (boat.com) stated 340 hp total which i don't think is right. Hoping FWebster will chime in and shine some light. I will call the Broker and request ss# on the motors so that I can contact cat and get some answers.
 
I looked at this boat a couple months ago. Very noticeable water damage inside mid birth on ceiling.
 
Looks otherwise like a nice example. So Ponty, did you assume intrusion from the pedestal / bench seat base? If the boat is otherwise solid, I would think that would be a relatively easy repair. (easy to get to and cover up)

450DA's cruise nicely with 3126's.
 
Brian,

I was slow responding to your PM because I was trying to find more info about the boat. the 340 hp statement is wrong on the listing. She has 420 hp 3126TA's and this was the highest hp option offered on the 450DA.......the boat is definitely not under powered.

How the headliner got wet in the mid berth is a mystery since the ceiling is part of the cockcpit floor mold. The dash is a separate piece, as is the companion seat base. They are screwed down and the helm seatnmpedestal is thru-bolted to the raised area of cockpit. There are trim pieces covering the dash and companion seat base that are bedded in place and the helm seat is beded as well. Therefore, there is the possibility of a leak, but those are the only possible souieces of moisture ingress. That shouldn't be an expensive repair once you identify how the water is getting in. That area is always covered by canvas, so I suspect the u-zippers in the froward isinglass are leaking or the top is old and is leaking.

If you are going to make contact with the broker, try to get the HIN# on the boat as well.
 
Nice looking vessel, good luck and welcome to CSR!
 
Having owned a 1998 450 DA with 3126's i can tell you with out a doubt that the 3126 is a great match for that boat! I never ever never felt under powered. The 450 DA handles beautifully and its GPh at cruise is also very good(21-22). If I were looking for a 450 DA model I would beg FrankW to guide me through the process and listen very carefully to EVERYTHING he says regarding that boat and purchase process. One of he few problems I did have that was annoying was leaks at port holes and windshield. I do not know if thats a common problem or not with this model but Frank would. I can say with out hesitation I would buy another 450 DA. Just as a side note about water/moisture issues. I looked at a 400DA that failed a survey because of high moisture on the side hull. I passed but looking back I wish I would have given that more thought. The owner dropped the price a great deal. Almost to good to pass up but I did pass.
 
I am in contact with Frank, and he has supplied me with a wealth of 450 info cannot thank him enough for time taken and info/advice given.
Waiting for a little more info before I head to Florida to take a look see. Thanks for all the responses!!!!
 
Brain, I looked at the listing. It is the same model boat I had for 9 years. If you have any questions about this boat from an owners perspective please feel free to PM me. Contacting FrankW was your first best move. I know I must of driven him crazy with all my stupid questions but he was so patient. I could not have done it with out him.
 
Thanks JC I'm sure I will be taking you, Josh (Not Her Decision) and FrankW up on that. I have already been thru the expense of one bad boat survey and haul out which I rewarded the owner with a free bottom pressure wash and zinc's lol. Trying to prevent that again if at all possible. Getting info/advice from owners first hand is Golden!!!
 
+1
The 450 DA with 3126 CATS is a great boat. I notice this particual vessel has the camper top. Not a factory option but a great addition to the boat. I'm not sure if that is an oak veneer; I thought they used maple before switching to dark cherry.

Only thing I don't recognize is the open top plastic tank in photo IMG_8483. I recognize where it is located in the engine room but Chez-nous doesn't have one like it.
 
Last edited:
Blkbird said:
+1
The 450 DA with 3126 CATS is a great boat. I notice this particual vessel has the camper top. Not a factory option but a great addition to the boat. I'm not sure if that is an oak veneer; I thought they used maple before switching to dark cherry.

Only thing I don't recognize is the open top plastic tank in photo IMG_8483. I recognize where it is located in the engine room but Chez-nous doesn't have one like it.
Click to expand...
Looks like some sort of hose reel?
 
With a 240v 50amp 50 foot cord the Cable Master is the only way to go !!!
 
That thing is in the way about 50% of the time!!! Anything you want to do on the stbd side you have to remove it. I will admit is is nice for storing the cable bu definitely in the way for maintenance items.

Josh
 
Josh is right. Its great but it is in the way a lot. The thru hull for the poo is next to it. Talk about hard to get to.
 
RollerCoastr said:
Looks otherwise like a nice example. So Ponty, did you assume intrusion from the pedestal / bench seat base? If the boat is otherwise solid, I would think that would be a relatively easy repair. (easy to get to and cover up)

450DA's cruise nicely with 3126's.
Click to expand...
If you look at the photos, the dash panels aren’t original and there is a visible gap where the Garmin was installed. I’m not one to assume as I know where that road leads to. My guess is the water came in from that area as the damage is where the mid and saloon meet. It wasn’t just wet, there was standing water and the plywood was soaked
 
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