420AC Thread

The fan is a Mayfair Marine Model 54121. The nearest I can find on line with the same 112CFM spec is a Mayfair 54124. It looks almost identical except I can't tell whether the hose goes inside or outside the mounting tube. Has anyone replaced theirs and can tell me before I buy one and adapt it as necessary? Links are pics of existing and likely replacements.
 
We recently re-routed the aft cabin a/c condensation hose to the aft cabin sump box. Engine room bilge is now dry as a bone :-D. We also had water in the aft bilge (under aft bed pillows area) and found the water regulator was leaking so removed and repaired (now have water regulator in elec/water storage box on the OUTSIDE of the cabin). Also re-caulked the elec/water storage box (leaking into cabin ..below aft cabin closet). Now....we are 'stumped' on where the water is coming from in the bilge at the foot of the aft cabin bed. Have replaced many 'items' and still get water (not from water tank which is under the bed). The dripless seals are not 'dripping' as we first thought (are only about 18 mths old)....so this is not the source.
 
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Every time I leave the boat, I pour vinegar down the drains and in the toilets/flush (pickle ;)...mechanic suggested...) ). Keeps the drains open and pumps running (and no odors).
When we purchased our boat, the sump pumps & float switches were filthy and needed to be manually activated...until cleaned (initially in a bucket of water with bleach). I have new toilet vacuum system (replaced Nov 2014) and advise EVERYONE on board ...only what goes thru you, goes thru the toilet...NO PAPER (why ask for troubles?...recycle those Wal-mart bags for used TP :-D ...and...one can use the TP of one's choice and not the pricey Marine/RV TP...but HAVE that pricey TP on board for any 'guests' you may guess will not abide by the NO TP IN TOILET rule). It took alot of vinegar and Rid-X (also suggested to us) to finally see no paper in pump outs (I believe more than 1/2 the waste holding tank was impacted with paper prior to 'treating' with vinegar & Rid-X to loosen it up and get it out).
Now for the 'funny'...at time of purchase, the Kitchen sump box and aft cabin sump box leaked. Found: The prior owners had replaced the pumps and did not 5200 the old pump holes. This was one of the 'easy' fixes!

We have now had our 4200 AC just 1 yr and have just 'completed' (is there really any 'completed'...it's a boat ;) )...all discovered 'maintenance needs' (we thought we had this 'done' in Nov but a new Insurance Survey found even MORE items). We didn't think we would find SO many issues to be addressed but 'what is found in this past year' have been fixed. Also, all new fire extinguishers including a new Fire Boy system in the engine cabin (can you believe...the old ones were all 'original' with dates of 1995-1997 ..and she is a 1997 model..with no re-certs ...how did this get past the original Surveyor?) Appears the prior owners did believe in the ...'got beer, got ice, got fuel...let's go'... to their 'credit', her soft goods & exterior where maintained to a very high standard (appearances!!).


I have not pried them up but I do poor clorox down them once or twice a year followed pretty quickly by hot water. This seems to do the trick as it is usually shampoo crud build up in the flexible drian pipe more than hair. We wipe the hair up after each shower and have done this since 2007 without any problem. Make sure you run plenty of hot water as the drain goes to the sump and this helps keep the sump pretty clean as well. I'd run at least 10 minutes of hot water after the clorox so you don't create other issues with the flexible line and or the sump tank and pump.
 
I've enjoyed reading up on all of you aft cabin owners boats. Does anyone have interior pics? I would love to see, in lieu of happening on one, as there aren't too many in my parts.
 
Yes....sent you an email....pix on Facebook (must add me as friend then I can 'custom' add you to see pix)

I've enjoyed reading up on all of you aft cabin owners boats. Does anyone have interior pics? I would love to see, in lieu of happening on one, as there aren't too many in my parts.
 
Keith, in most cases those type of exh fans, the flex duct connect on the outside and attaches with a clamp. Reuse the old clamps.

Agree, but if you look at the picture I linked, this one is not like that. I have ordered a 54124 so we'll see what gives...

PS: Received blower yesterday. Fan body identical but motor longer so won't fit.
 
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Hello all! We have been looking at the 420 AC. I have read all I can find on the subject, and find that cruising speed mpg estimates are anywhere from 0.75 to just shy of 1 mpg. Can anyone weigh in on an estimated mpg at hull/displacement or trawler speeds, maybe 8 mph? Thanks!
 
Hello all! We have been looking at the 420 AC. I have read all I can find on the subject, and find that cruising speed mpg estimates are anywhere from 0.75 to just shy of 1 mpg. Can anyone weigh in on an estimated mpg at hull/displacement or trawler speeds, maybe 8 mph? Thanks!

We have the 380 not the 420 but y as a great question. We run at 9 MPH a lot and it seems to consume very little fuel. I don't have numbers because never bothered to measure but one year we ran only locally and always at trawler speed on a single tank of gas for the whole year. It is one of the many things to love about this boat. It has a sweet spot at 9MPH but can also cruise 18 to 22.
 
... I have read all I can find on the subject, and find that cruising speed mpg estimates are anywhere from 0.75 to just shy of 1 mpg. Can anyone weigh in on an estimated mpg at hull/displacement or trawler speeds, maybe 8 mph? Thanks!

I’m sorry, but these are fantasized numbers, not realistic for a cruising family with stocked and loaded (with fuel and water) vessel. From what I recall, DBs are just slightly better on fuel than ACs or MYs. But, for planning purpose I’d treat them the same. Having said that, you’ll be lucky to see 0.6MPG on a 45’-55’er DB. Anyone who says that their DB, AC or MY, is burning 0.75 or close to 1MPG is a full of crap. These numbers are only possible for a boat that just came out of the factory, with fresh paint and pretty much dry, for the exception of 1/3-1/2 fuel and same on water. That’s what you get from boattest.com reports.

Realistic numbers are very simple. 0.5-0.6MPG at fast cruise and 1.2-1.3MPG at displacement speed. The GPH should be referenced to a fuel burn table for respective engines. Fast cruise will vary but 19-20kts is a common number to go by for 40-45’ers. Displacement speed will get you around 8-9kts, for anything faster you’ll be wasting fuel.


I’m sorry, but these are fantasized numbers, not realistic for a cruising family with stocked and loaded (with fuel and water) vessel. From what I recall, DBs are just slightly better on fuel than ACs or MYs. But, for planning purpose I’d treat them the same. Having said that, you’ll be lucky to see 0.6MPG on a 45’-55’er DB. Anyone who says that their DB, AC or MY, is burning 0.75 or close to 1MPG is a full of crap. These numbers are only possible for a boat that just came out of the factory, with fresh paint and pretty much dry, for the exception of 1/3-1/2 fuel and same on water. That’s what you get from boattest.com reports.



Realistic numbers are very simple. 0.5-0.6MPG at fast cruise and 1.2-1.3MPG at displacement speed. The GPH should be referenced to a fuel burn table for respective engines. Fast cruise will vary but 19-20kts is a common number to go by for 40-45’ers. Displacement speed will get you around 8-9kts, for anything faster you’ll be wasting fuel.





 
Alex, Is spot on as we are on the Great Loop trip presently as we left home May 28th and have had GT since 2007. We run 18-20kt and average .60-.65 MPG. On the Trent Severn Water way which is 240 miles at average 6-7 MPH because of restrictions with genset on under way and 2 nights of genset on averaged .82MPG.

AJ


I’m sorry, but these are fantasized numbers, not realistic for a cruising family with stocked and loaded (with fuel and water) vessel. From what I recall, DBs are just slightly better on fuel than ACs or MYs. But, for planning purpose I’d treat them the same. Having said that, you’ll be lucky to see 0.6MPG on a 45’-55’er DB. Anyone who says that their DB, AC or MY, is burning 0.75 or close to 1MPG is a full of crap. These numbers are only possible for a boat that just came out of the factory, with fresh paint and pretty much dry, for the exception of 1/3-1/2 fuel and same on water. That’s what you get from boattest.com reports.

Realistic numbers are very simple. 0.5-0.6MPG at fast cruise and 1.2-1.3MPG at displacement speed. The GPH should be referenced to a fuel burn table for respective engines. Fast cruise will vary but 19-20kts is a common number to go by for 40-45’ers. Displacement speed will get you around 8-9kts, for anything faster you’ll be wasting fuel.


I’m sorry, but these are fantasized numbers, not realistic for a cruising family with stocked and loaded (with fuel and water) vessel. From what I recall, DBs are just slightly better on fuel than ACs or MYs. But, for planning purpose I’d treat them the same. Having said that, you’ll be lucky to see 0.6MPG on a 45’-55’er DB. Anyone who says that their DB, AC or MY, is burning 0.75 or close to 1MPG is a full of crap. These numbers are only possible for a boat that just came out of the factory, with fresh paint and pretty much dry, for the exception of 1/3-1/2 fuel and same on water. That’s what you get from boattest.com reports.



Realistic numbers are very simple. 0.5-0.6MPG at fast cruise and 1.2-1.3MPG at displacement speed. The GPH should be referenced to a fuel burn table for respective engines. Fast cruise will vary but 19-20kts is a common number to go by for 40-45’ers. Displacement speed will get you around 8-9kts, for anything faster you’ll be wasting fuel.



 
Thank you everyone for this great detailed information! I really appreciate it!

Gimme Time, how is the 420 AC working out for you as a Loop boat? We are also considering trawlers, but really like the ability to cruise at higher speeds. Owning a DA now, we are not sure how well we will adjust to the slower pace! We think we would like more visiting time in town to see the sights, etc, and fewer 10 hour days at 8 mph!
 
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Kpetry,

First thing I have to say I know I am biased but I've looked lots of boats over the years and this has been the best choice for us on this trip and we have owned her since 2007.

SB have upper bridges and I love a bridge and I get that with our AC and even more space with the openness we have to the rear covered back deck area. On the Great Loop with so many locks that I’ve lost count it couldn’t have been easier with just the two of us. If I had to even though we are 45’ I could/can handle the locks by myself and travel sometimes alone and have never had a problem docking and tying her up by myself. Our bridge is only three steps from the back salon area to the bridge so it’s a piece of cake to handle.

GT runs fine at 6kn which in lots of places that’s the fastest you can run on the Great Loop. We also can and do run 18-20kn when we want to whereas single screw trawlers are stuck at 6 to maybe 10 KN when the want or NEED to. Gave us great options that others didn’t have so you can see we are real happy with our choice so far. Does that mean I haven’t stopped looking, hell no. It does mean 98% of the boats I have looked at within my reasonable spending habits haven’t had enough benefits over and above what we have to pull the trigger or even make an offer to date. All boats have pluses and minuses IMHO and even if you have a boat custom built for you, you will still see some things you’d like a little different next time.

I have a good friend whom I went with last August to help move his new to him 480MY which is an aft cabin from Hilton Head to Deltaville with his wife and son. This is probably his 5[SUP]th[/SUP] or 6[SUP]th[/SUP] boat easily and for him and his needs with children and grandchildren if couldn’t have gotten a better deal anywhere in the country in my opinion. Does it have pluses & minuses, absolutely but they all do. Good luck and let me know if you’d like more info or would like to talk in detail.

AJ
 
We just closed on a '96 420 AC. Extremely excited but we have a long Wisconsin winter before it gets any use :smt089
 
Congratulations as you will love the boat as we have. I'm always looking at other boats and haven't found anything I'm ready to trade off to. Every boat has pros and cons and so far the 420AC has made us very happy.

We have traveled over 4200nm since May 28th on the Great Loop trip of a life time and dollar for dollar haven't seen anything I would consider trading for. We have run in excess of 2,500 miles in the 5-8 knot speed and gotten upwards of 1.5 NMPG. We've traveled around 2,000nm running 17-20 knot range and averaged .60nmpg all with the gen set on. With two refrigerators, one freezer, (3) AC and a lot of W/D running hours we start the gen set before we untie from the docks.
 
I've enjoyed reading up on all of you aft cabin owners boats. Does anyone have interior pics? I would love to see, in lieu of happening on one, as there aren't too many in my parts.

X2 on the interior pics, Alex and his sig and talk of the Key West Trip have me drooling for the 42. But please dont tell my 360 shhhhhh.

Art I think were both in trouble LOL :grin:
 
Congratulations as you will love the boat as we have. I'm always looking at other boats and haven't found anything I'm ready to trade off to. Every boat has pros and cons and so far the 420AC has made us very happy.

We have traveled over 4200nm since May 28th on the Great Loop trip of a life time and dollar for dollar haven't seen anything I would consider trading for. We have run in excess of 2,500 miles in the 5-8 knot speed and gotten upwards of 1.5 NMPG. We've traveled around 2,000nm running 17-20 knot range and averaged .60nmpg all with the gen set on. With two refrigerators, one freezer, (3) AC and a lot of W/D running hours we start the gen set before we untie from the docks.

Thanks Gimme Time! Sounds like you are having a great trip. I just ordered the book 'Reflection On America's Great Loop: A Baby Boomer Couple's Year - Long Boating Odyssey'.

Excited to read that and start dreaming.

Brandon
 
We are getting around .7nmpg at 17kts. (2400rpm) and 2.0nmpg at 7.5kts (1100RPM) using digital tachs. This does not include an estimated 1gph fuel burn for the genny.
 
The book that got me started and hooked was "Honey, Let's buy a Boat" by Ron & Eva Stob. If there is a better book out there to get your motor started I'd like to know about it!

Thanks Gimme Time! Sounds like you are having a great trip. I just ordered the book 'Reflection On America's Great Loop: A Baby Boomer Couple's Year - Long Boating Odyssey'.

Excited to read that and start dreaming.

Brandon
 

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