Moving up...to what?

Irie308 said:

We looked at a couple 480 DB and a 420 DB this past weekend. We have decided to cross the 420 DB off of our list. If we can get one at a good price the 480 would fit our family best. We've narrowed it down to the 2000-2001 (maybe a 2002). Aside from aftercoolers is there anything else to watch out for on the C3196's? Saw a 2000 this weekend that had less than 1k hrs and was told the aftercoolers were "inspected" recently. Also what are the thoughts on having one of these disassembled and shipped. There is one for sale out in the Midwest. Wondering if its worth investigating.

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I'm working my way into the market for a 480, too. So I've processed a lot of the info you're currently learning. First, your last question. I'm only looking at boats that I can boat home. I'm not interested in disassembling a flybridge and then having it re-assembled at home. I know it's been done and can be done. I'm not comfortable with it one bit. Too many bolts, cables to be cut/spliced, things to be sealed. I'm already buying a used boat that will have issues to correct. I don't want to add any new ones by disassembling things that don't need to be disassembled. That might restrict my available boats a bit, but not much. I just can't buy an inland boat or one from California. Anything else is fair game. Shoot, I could buy one in the Gulf and have the adventure of a lifetime bringing her home to the Chesapeake Bay! <--- That's a good reason for a good hull and a factory-authorized mechanical survey!

Regarding the aftercoolers. It's nice that they were recently "inspected". But that doesn't mean a lot. You need to first verify that they are the most recent version of the aftercoolers. Go on the 480 sedan bridge owners thread on here and read. Several places throughout it talks about a model number you will see on the aftercooler that denotes it's the most recent design. If the boat you're looking at doesn't have the most recent aftercoolers, factor new aftercoolers into the price you offer. From what I've learned, the 3196's are really nice engines... IF they are taken care of and have the most recent aftercoolers. If they are the most recent, request to see the invoices for WHEN they were replaced. I'd be wary of an engine that had them upgraded recently, because that means 18 years of NOT running on the proper designed aftercoolers.

Other than that, it's an 18 year old boat. So get a good survey. Looks for signs of water entry. Test every handle, every latch, every light. Look in every drawer, cabinet, storage. Throw water in every bilge pump. Try every control on the dash. Give it the look-test. Would your wife think it was a well-kept boat? Neglected interiors imply neglect elsewhere. OCD-care given to the interior might imply similar care to the mechanicals.

Oh, and ask for detailed service records. Get the S/N's and get them from CAT. But get them from the owner, too. If he doesn't have them, buyer beware!

Good luck! And post pics when you buy one!

Found a 2000 480 DB that i would say was a 10 out of 10. The boat is very well cared for inside and out. My concerns are the after coolers appear to be original and never changed. I believe they have been "serviced" but not getting good info if they were pressure tested at each interval. Based on the hours it seems the boat averaged less than 50 hrs per season. What would be the average cost to have the aftercoolers replaced.

Friends of mine just went through this while purchasing a '99 that had not had the aftercoolers off in 15 years. We heard they are around $6k each plus labor. CAT quoted $28k which seems way high, we figure $15-20K worst case.

quality time said:

Friends of mine just went through this while purchasing a '99 that had not had the aftercoolers off in 15 years. We heard they are around $6k each plus labor. CAT quoted $28k which seems way high, we figure $15-20K worst case.

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For that kind of money I'd have a custom set made for the boat!

So in the end we went with the 420 Sedan Bridge (04). We've only taken her for a 1 hour cruiser when we took possession last week however we are extremely happy with our purchase thus far. On an earlier post I said we were taking it off our list but after looking at 01-03 480 DB and the 420 DA we decided to revisit and it turns out this was the happy medium. We're able to get something with a little more modern styling that we could stay in for a while but also gave us a bit of livable space that we needed. We came very close to going with a 420 DA which almost felt as if we were settling. Though we lost a few dollars on the survey we felt it all worked out for the best as the kids are very..very...very excited that they all get their "own beds" and absolutely love the abundance of space. What also tipped the scale was that she is equipped with a GHS Platform which i didn't know i needed until now. Just a couple of pics as we all love pics!

Irie308 said:

So in the end we went with the 420 Sedan Bridge (04). We've only taken her for a 1 hour cruiser when we took possession last week however we are extremely happy with our purchase thus far. On an earlier post I said we were taking it off our list but after looking at 01-03 480 DB and the 420 DA we decided to revisit and it turns out this was the happy medium. We're able to get something with a little more modern styling that we could stay in for a while but also gave us a bit of livable space that we needed. We came very close to going with a 420 DA which almost felt as if we were settling. Though we lost a few dollars on the survey we felt it all worked out for the best as the kids are very..very...very excited that they all get their "own beds" and absolutely love the abundance of space. What also tipped the scale was that she is equipped with a GHS Platform which i didn't know i needed until now. Just a couple of pics as we all love pics!View attachment 63143

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Congrats! She’s gorgeous! But the transom looks naked. You have a name picked out?

Great choice!

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts about handling and overall driving experience compared to a DA. At some point, we may move to a DB.

We do. I do appreciate that the seller removed the name ahead of us buying. Gives us a nice blank slate.

bracketracer said:

Great choice!

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts about handling and overall driving experience compared to a DA. At some point, we may move to a DB.

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So far its night and day. Amazing how those diesels go from idle to full cruise like their barely trying. Spring can't come quick enough! Mains haven't been winterized as yet. Was tempted to take her out for another spin

Congratulations! Good luck.

Congrats. Looks like a sweet upgrade!

-Kevin

Congrats! You made a very good choice, there is so much more room in the 420DB than the 420DA, and I think will be a much better value for you then the older 48DB in the end.

Nice! Best of luck.

NICE! Congrats Dean - can't wait for the summer trips - anyone starting a northeast rendezvous thread yet?

Great boat....just bought the same one! I sent you a PM

Looks Great!!

Great looking boat. The extra elbow space is why we love our DB. Wish you fair seas when spring comes around.

As I told you privately, how happy our family is for your family. Can’t wait to cruise the sound and beyond with you this summer she’s a beaut. You’ll love the diesel smell soon enough.

Awesome! Congrats!

A big congrats and what a beauty!

It’s funny when looking you don’t think you need the hydraulic swim deck however once you have one it is like having your own privatet beach.

Looking forward to your up dates on how the boat fits your life style and family.