420/44 DB Owners Club

Great to see this forum exists and over the last several days I read all 90 some pages. We purchased an 06 44db late last summer and are on the north Chesapeake Bay. One thing I didn't read about is the difficulty with the knobs on the bridge chairs. I was thinking about trying some lithium grease to loosen them up because man they are a bear to adjust to swivel. Anyone else deal with this?
 
Jim noden said:
Great to see this forum exists and over the last several days I read all 90 some pages. We purchased an 06 44db late last summer and are on the north Chesapeake Bay. One thing I didn't read about is the difficulty with the knobs on the bridge chairs. I was thinking about trying some lithium grease to loosen them up because man they are a bear to adjust to swivel. Anyone else deal with this?
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My (pins) were difficult to pull initially however after exercising the pins a bit and some lithium grease it has helped. There are also a number of small screws and nuts under the chair that help to minimize the Wobble once adjusted properly. Also, if they are too tight the chair will not swivel.
 
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Irie308 said:
Hi All, have really been getting to know our DB and we are loving it. However there are a couple things I wanted to see if other have encountered. first, when I start fueling up i notice that we get some spillage out the vents. It tappers off to just a few drips afterword but i have to keep a rag under the vent to catch the fuel when fueling.

Second, I find the latch to the salon door to be a pia to open. Primarily because you have to get a few fingers in there then pull downwards then slide to open. All with the strength of a few fingers. I find younger kids have a tough time with this and i can see myself developing arthritis the way the latch mechanism works. I've noticed on new models there is a bar across the door which you could grab to slide but we don't have one on the 04. Wondering if anyone has made any mods to this.
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I just read this. I made a block of wood jig that sits over the door portion of the latch. 1/2" x 3" and drilled an oblong hold in it. I put it on when we're in the slip or at anchor. Keeps the door from latching. Just a work around, but works well for me.
 
Irie308 said:
One more question for the group. I noticed that at idle my port side bypass discharge is not as powerful as my starboard. Temps and impellers are good. I summed it up to the size of the exhaust tubes. The port is about twice the size of the starboard even though the bypass exhaust hoses are the same size. Is this common?
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Did you ever get an answer on this? I have the same issue and replaced EVERYTHING and it still about half the flow as the starboard at idle. Temps are good through all ranges, so I guess it's ok. ???
 
Islandtime04 said:
I just read this. I made a block of wood jig that sits over the door portion of the latch. 1/2" x 3" and drilled an oblong hold in it. I put it on when we're in the slip or at anchor. Keeps the door from latching. Just a work around, but works well for me.
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Interested to see what that looks like. Please post a pic whenever you have time.
 
Islandtime04 said:
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have the same issue and replaced EVERYTHING and it still about half the flow as the starboard at idle. Temps are good through all ranges, so I guess it's ok. ???
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Nope, i've chalked it up to the difference in the diameter of the exhaust tubes but that's just a guess.
 
Not sure if this is where I post new stuff - but if not, don't get pissy just direct me. Looking for a recommendation for an authentic teak deck installation in the San Diego area. Everyone out here does synthetic but I want the real stuff. I will take any and all suggestion in the surrounding area. Thanks in advance.
 
bajturner said:
I am pretty confident the engine bulkhead / firewall completely blocks that channel.

Inside the space under the false floor in the ER there are vertical strengtheners where the walkway widens, but it doesn't extend all the way to the hull, so water has the full run from the fore to aft bilge areas.

Here is the construction detail (shown inverted):
View attachment 78050

This is a picture of the lateral strengthener (P098), looking forward from the access hole cut near the aft bilge:

View attachment 78049

Here is a plan view showing the ER bulkhead / firewall and the forward floor assembly:
View attachment 78051

I have a 6-page PDF with the details if anyone wants it. PM me with an email address...

Brian
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I couldn't help myself I had to cut into mine too. I found water. I decided to cut a hole such that I could access all three chambers separated by the formers. I still need to clean up the intersection of the formers and seal with resin after the wood has a chance to dry out.
IMG_0971.jpg
IMG_0972.jpg

I also just installed new LED work lights in the bilge now it lights up like an operating theater!
 
Smart idea to put it at the junction of the chambers. Seems most everyone who have opened it up has had water! Will do mine in the spring and see …

What were the lights you used to retrofit the ER … it is on my list to update as well but I've been leaning towards strip lighting and include the outboard side of the engines.
 
Tomco said:
Smart idea to put it at the junction of the chambers. Seems most everyone who have opened it up has had water! Will do mine in the spring and see …

What were the lights you used to retrofit the ER … it is on my list to update as well but I've been leaning towards strip lighting and include the outboard side of the engines.
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Found the lights on Amazon. Dual LED RV ceiling lights with on both or off switches. https://www.amazon.com/BlueFire-Upgraded-Ceiling-Interior-Lighting/dp/B07H63K9QW.

Cheers
 
Thanks, I like those. The 'extra' on/off would be very handy and $40 for 4 is very reasonable.
 
Great idea! Just bought the lights. I assume you spliced into the existing wiring harnesses. ??
 
It is official! As of 5:30 today I am officially under contract on a 2006 44 Sedan Bridge! I am super excited to get to the survey and start planning spring projects. She is a very well kept boat with all service records and one owner since new, as well as freshwater! Will be doing the full survey including a diesel mechanic to separately evaluate the engines, but don't anticipate any issues. Can't wait until Spring!
 
Robf said:
It is official! As of 5:30 today I am officially under contract on a 2006 44 Sedan Bridge! I am super excited to get to the survey and start planning spring projects. She is a very well kept boat with all service records and one owner since new, as well as freshwater! Will be doing the full survey including a diesel mechanic to separately evaluate the engines, but don't anticipate any issues. Can't wait until Spring!
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Congrats. You'll love it! Need pictures.
 
Congrats! Nothing like the first few runs when going from gas to diesels!
 
Robf said:
It is official! As of 5:30 today I am officially under contract on a 2006 44 Sedan Bridge! I am super excited to get to the survey and start planning spring projects. She is a very well kept boat with all service records and one owner since new, as well as freshwater! Will be doing the full survey including a diesel mechanic to separately evaluate the engines, but don't anticipate any issues. Can't wait until Spring!
Click to expand...
I went from a 400 SB with 454's, to a 420 with the 480 CE's and absolutely love, love them. I noticed the biggest performance difference was a following sea condition. Rock solid. Good luck.
 
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