390 MY or 40 MY

I just go slow and yes it’s tight, but for a 5’11” 180 lbs, it’s doable. BTW, blister marine sells a tool that resembles a piston ring compressor for impeller installation. Ya lube it up with Dove liquid soap, slide the impeller into it, insert the entire unit into the pump housing, turn the unit until the keyway slides in, while twisting the compressor, pull it out. Stbd impeller was done in 10 minutes, port took 20. Oil changes are easy with the pump. I disconnected the intake heaters, a very convoluted system that puts a huge load on the alternators. All in all, I really enjoy my 05 390my

480ces said:

I’ve got one and it’s an ideal boat for us.

I agree Diesels are a must and the swim platform is small. I added an extended one from Swimplatforms.com but saw several with hydraulic platforms.

I may be biased but think the 2005 and 2006 are the best year.

It’s got the newer dash layout which is MUCH better for electronics mounting compared to 2003-2004.
2005 maintains the double couch layout below (this was an option in later years).
2005 has the 8.3 480CE’s which may smoke a little more when cold than the 5.9 425’s but power the boat better, are less expensive to repair and simpler to work on.

Things to watch in general.

The plumbing fittings used aren’t the greatest. Watch for leaks in the front bilge under the stairs (these are easily fixed). Don’t disconnect anything you don’t have to, it’ll probably leak on reassembly.
Windshield seals shrink. I have part numbers and a way to order direct from Taylor Made.
Make sure the aftercoolers have been serviced, especially if it’s a salt water boat!

I’m happy to answer any questions you have, I looked at about a half dozen of them and know them well.

I’d love to see some more owners on here and get a 390/40MY thread going!

Click to expand...

Could you post the windshield seal part numbers. I'm having the same shrink problem. Thank you, terryk

480ces said:

I’ve got one and it’s an ideal boat for us.

I agree Diesels are a must and the swim platform is small. I added an extended one from Swimplatforms.com but saw several with hydraulic platforms.

I may be biased but think the 2005 and 2006 are the best year.

It’s got the newer dash layout which is MUCH better for electronics mounting compared to 2003-2004.
2005 maintains the double couch layout below (this was an option in later years).
2005 has the 8.3 480CE’s which may smoke a little more when cold than the 5.9 425’s but power the boat better, are less expensive to repair and simpler to work on.

Things to watch in general.

The plumbing fittings used aren’t the greatest. Watch for leaks in the front bilge under the stairs (these are easily fixed). Don’t disconnect anything you don’t have to, it’ll probably leak on reassembly.
Windshield seals shrink. I have part numbers and a way to order direct from Taylor Made.
Make sure the aftercoolers have been serviced, especially if it’s a salt water boat!

I’m happy to answer any questions you have, I looked at about a half dozen of them and know them well.

I’d love to see some more owners on here and get a 390/40MY thread going!

Click to expand...

Hello there,

Im in the market for a 390 and definitely leaning toward the diesel. I understand they really are a requirement with that boat. Any additional info is appreciated.

Thank you thus far.
Phil

Phillip E Johnson said:

Hello there,

Im in the market for a 390 and definitely leaning toward the diesel. I understand they really are a requirement with that boat. Any additional info is appreciated.

Thank you thus far.
Phil

Click to expand...

We have a 2005 390 with Cummings 480 CE engines. Really like the boat and engines. There were problems with original heads on the 480 CE, both of which were replaced on our boat before we bought it. If you get 480 CE engines would be good to find out if newer heads were installed.

If you have specific questions, will try to answer.

Thanks,
Mike

ManteoMike said:

We have a 2005 390 with Cummings 480 CE engines. Really like the boat and engines. There were problems with original heads on the 480 CE, both of which were replaced on our boat before we bought it. If you get 480 CE engines would be good to find out if newer heads were installed.

If you have specific questions, will try to answer.

Thanks,
Mike

Click to expand...

Hey there,

Thanks for the reply. Id love to chat with you about some of the details if I could before I take the leap. Of course at your convenience. rame365@comcast.net

Thanks again,
Phil