I’m looking at a 1999 480DB and have read some articles about flaws of a balsa cored hull bottom. Was there a point when Sea Ray changed to solid fiberglass?
480 Sedan Bridge cored bottom
- Thread starter TimCS55
- Start date
Steve S
Well-Known Member
- Jun 5, 2007
- 3,123
- Boat Info
- 2000 400 Sedan Bridge with twin CAT 3116's
2000 340 Sundancer - SOLD!
210 Monaco 1987 - SOLD!
- Engines
- Twin Caterpillar 3116's 350 HP straight drives
Are you looking st the one in Maryland?
I was.
I had a ‘79 26 ft Sundance back in the mid 80’s and had a stringer rot. Been out of boating but retired and ready to jump back in. What can you tell me about the cored bottom?
Following the thread. I was looking at one of those too a while back and was surprised when I found out they had cored hulls. Never was able to determine if/when they stopped doing that. Didn't end up buying the boat, but it wasn't because of that. Still curious though.
Below the waterline is what concerns me. From what I’ve read it looks like an old debate and I really don’t know how significant this type of structure it is. That’s one thing I’d like to have feedback on. There are a lot of 480’s out there and it’s a really nice boat.
LMBoat
Well-Known Member
Mine has cored hull, and hull sides. Lots of boats are made this way. I think Frank W. said that the only hull coring problems in Searays were caused by someone installing something (transducers) in the hull and not doing it properly.
But, it is always on my mind. If my next boat had a solid hull, that would be a plus for me.
But, it is always on my mind. If my next boat had a solid hull, that would be a plus for me.
Thanks for your response.
You just need a surveyor who’s familiar with that method of construction (and not jaded towards it)
it’s a rather effective way of building big boats and keeping the weight down so I can see why they did it. As long as no one put any extra holes in over the years and anything requiring bedding has been maintained it should be fine
i get the hesitation though, I had some rot in an old boat that thankfully wasn’t structural but your heart sinks when you find it
it’s a rather effective way of building big boats and keeping the weight down so I can see why they did it. As long as no one put any extra holes in over the years and anything requiring bedding has been maintained it should be fine
i get the hesitation though, I had some rot in an old boat that thankfully wasn’t structural but your heart sinks when you find it
Yes the survey should tell the story. I think too that onside ring the age of the boat any hull problems would have been exposed by now. Thanks for your response.
good luck. They’re amazing boats, the bridge layout is incredible
Yes I love the bridge. The only thing missing is air conditioning. I wonder how effective AC is considering the lack of any insulation on the bridge.
scooper321
Well-Known Member
This is the key. For cored boats and all glass boats, too. The Sea Ray hulls have several non-cored spots where thru hulls are located. Those should be inspected by your surveyor, along with other thru hulls. One of the other problem areas on boats (incl 480s) is the bow rail hardware attach points, the window portals, the hatches. These also have a tendency to be leak points and rebedding is often needed. Also, the under rub rail, where the hull attaches to the upper structure. That’s a known leak point, especially if the rub rail drain holes get clogged.
If coring gets wet, it’s not the end of the world. It can be fixed. There was a 480 in Pasadena that sold a couple times recently that was in bad shape, moisture wise. It had serious drying out and repair done. A friend of mine bought another 480 years ago and part of the negotiations was rebuilding a lot of the bow deck. So it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Seek out Steve Heiger (SPS Surveyors). He knows Sea Rays inside and out and has owned many, too. Talk with him first to understand the issue further. And maybe use him as a surveyor.
mquiet
Well-Known Member
I have AC on the bridge. Bow into the wind and I don't use it. With a following wind, I use it to keep me a little cool, but as you note we have a lot of isinglass on the bridge so it's not that great. It is good in the mornings while the air is not too bad. I live in NC and we get hot during the summers.
scooper321
Well-Known Member
with the hard top, a properly functioning AC helps a lot. With a canvas structure (like the 400s) it would be useless.
This was very helpful. I have Bayshore Marine Surveys scheduled for the survey. Thanks Steve.
Steve it turns out I settle on Family Board Meeting this Friday. Are you familiar with the boat?
mquiet
Well-Known Member
Is this a 480DB? Congrats! They are great boats, we have had ours over 7 years now and still love it.
Brent Nutting
Well-Known Member
- Mar 24, 2016
- 664
- Boat Info
- 2002 480 Sedan Bridge
10' Aventus RIB w/ 9.9 Merc
- Engines
- Cat 3196
I agree, this is our 7th season with ours and still loving it.