48 DA Owners Club

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2007-sea-ray-480-sundancer-103235618/?refSource=enhanced listing
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It pains me to say this but we need to sell our 2007 480DA. If you know of anyone looking we are in Dania,Fl. She only has 577 hrs on her.
 
Hi All, I need some help from those who have a tender on the back of their platform. I am trying to make a couple decisions for a new AB tender. First is size 10'.6", 11'.6", or 12' and secondly fiberglass bottom vs aluminum.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
JB
 
Hello JB, I've been agonizing over the same decision, I also looked at the AB tenders as well, I just couldn't justify almost $20k for an inflatable. My buddy has a 2002 460 DA, he's got a 12' AB with 50hp yammy, the outside dimensions on the 460 and 480 are near identical, I can tell you that when he comes into dock, someone has to run back and lower the outboard so it doesn't touch any pilings backing in, and underway on plane, someone has to raise it up so it doesn't drag in the water. Even though the stated beam is slightly over 14', it seems to taper towards the stern, making it about 13' 6" at the swim platform. It's also noticably harder to board the vessel, tie stern lines, and hook up shore power as well, as I've helped dock it several times. They do make for great fenders when docking in high winds, lol.

Even knowing all this, I'm still looking too, but now leaning towards a PWC. The new seadoo and yamaha are much lighter than years past, about 30-40% cheaper, 300% faster, and they are half the beam of an inflatable, giving more precious real estate on your stern. That's my 2 cents worth.
 
beeracuda1 maybe I used the wrong term "tender" and should have said inflatable with a 20hp Yamaha on the back. I am trying to keep it simple because I think I will not have a ton of use for it. So I don't think spending big dollars for a tricked out tender makes sense for me.

In the end it will be an AB inflatable with a total approximate weight of 300 LBS. Just trying to decide on length and bottom material.

Thanks,
JB
 
I carry a 2011 11' AB Nautilus DLX, perfect size. I would recommend buying a RIB used. I enjoy taking the dinghy out exploring just as much as the big boat.
Would not recommend going any bigger than 11 ft.
 
I carry a 2017 11' Avon SeaSport 340 w/ 40HP Yamaha. I lower the motor down onto a starboard pad I installed on the platform. I have plenty of room on each side when docking. I purchased it "used" with only 5 hours on it, and saved about $8,500 over new. We really enjoy having the dinghy to go exploring.

-Tom
 
Hi all,
we are looking at a slip in an area that has very tight restrictions on length and with few slips available. (Ft Myers area). The stated length on a 48DA is 51'. Has anyone actually measured their length including anchor and swim platform?
Thanks!
 
Hi all,
we are looking at a slip in an area that has very tight restrictions on length and with few slips available. (Ft Myers area). The stated length on a 48DA is 51'. Has anyone actually measured their length including anchor and swim platform?
Thanks!

My marina measured mine at 53' 6" when putting it away for winter storage. If you look at the manual the 51' is only the hull and swim platform.

-Tom
 
Hi All, I need some help from those who have a tender on the back of their platform. I am trying to make a couple decisions for a new AB tender. First is size 10'.6", 11'.6", or 12' and secondly fiberglass bottom vs aluminum.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
JB
Hi JB, we have a 10'6" AB venture model with fiberglass hull. 15 hp motor with a lightweight helm seat combo. I wouldn't go to the bigger 12 foot. Buddy has it on his 48da and with the motor lifted it is too big for the beam of the boat.
 
Thank you for all your feedback on the RIB size now I have to decide which model and fiberglass vs aluminum. Uhg... decisions decisions...

Rocket the season will be here before you know it and today's weather certainly gets you thinking about getting all your pre-season projects going.

JB
 
Thank you for all your feedback on the RIB size now I have to decide which model and fiberglass vs aluminum. Uhg... decisions decisions...

Rocket the season will be here before you know it and today's weather certainly gets you thinking about getting all your pre-season projects going.

JB
I'm all in already! New electronics suite, LED cockpit lights, and possibly installing wood floors. See you in Block
 
We go late July or early August for 3 nights and do the LI sound tour hitting about 3 other marina's during our trip.
 
Bob, I just finished the 4th season on my 48DA. This has been a solid boat all around from build quality, Cummins motors, accommodations, etc. Outside general maintenance items my only issue was the rudder. The supporting hardware attached to the stringers came loose and caused water seepage from packing glands. Took some time to work out because it would only leak when making a hard turn on plane. Other than that issue some items to watch for in the 48DA:

1. Head Hoses corrode and become porous and don't hold vacuum, not easy to change. Completed on my boat.
2. Transmission Coupler failure has been documented on the QSC motors. This is a rubber puck which connects the engine crankshaft to the transmission. I don't have the issue on mine however I closely monitor.
3. Cummins Motors common issues - Turbo wastegate leakage, crank shaft seal leaks, fuel cooler failure. Also many owners defer the proper servicing of the after coolers and coolant systems, request records.
4. Not the easiest Engine room to work in.

V-Drive set up is all I know on this boat. 40 GPH will allow 2250 RPM and net you 23 knots all day long. I have been in 6-7 foot seas and she handled it no problem. Handling around the docks is very easy and you will only find with a thruster.

They started making this model with Zeus drives in 2009. I have not heard great things from my local Cummins service company on generation 1 version. 2009 and newer will get you a more modern interior and soft goods package. I think the sweet spot in this model is regards to price point is 2007-2008. Expect a well maintained vessel to sell around $380k - $430k depending upon options. I don't see these boats depreciating much as they are hard to beat and in demand. After I sold my 420 DA, I was lucky and found my boat local. Made an offer the first day it went on the market and closed in 2 weeks.

Good luck in your search let me know if you have any concerns.
Hi Rocket,
We have been on several 420DA's this past week and one 480. We liked them all execpt I keep comming back to the 480DA. Sense you've have had both, I have two questions for you: Is the handeling around the dock markedly different? 2) I've read that with a larger boat you are less likely to "run out for lunch" because its so much more of an effort trying to find a place to dock? 3)(just thought of it) I've not found a review that states the db at the helm. Have you noticed a difference between the two boats?
Thanks
 
Hi Rocket,
We have been on several 420DA's this past week and one 480. We liked them all execpt I keep comming back to the 480DA.

420DA compared to the 480DA - Good question Bob. We are seriously looking at moving up to the 480. The main reason for us is the beam, Salon and Cockpit feeling substantially larger. Also the size and configuration of the aft cabin is a big plus for us.

So I too am interested in anyone that has had both what the advantages and disadvantages are of the 480 over the 420 ?
 
FWIW...I upsized from a 410DA to the 48DA, and it's hard to compare the two in IMO. The 48DA is only 10" wider but feels like it's 3-4 feet wider in the cockpit, and down in the salon. The main reasons we purchased the 48DA were...
- no cave like feeling down in the salon due to the large windows on each side, and skylight above.
- Huge upper, and lower cockpit.
- Hard top with 4 vents above, and A/C.
- One piece clam shell style cabin entry door.
- Walk around master berth.
- Large aft berth, and head.
- Washer/Dryer combo.
- Unbelievable amount of storage everywhere.
- Single electrical hookup with Glendinning cable master.
- Great galley with again, lots of storage.
- Hydraulic platform.
- Great access to everything in the ER.
- Larger holding tank.
- Large master "suite".
- The in floor storage in the salon is like having a basement. It's enormous!

While there's no question the 48DA is much large than either 410 or 420, it's still very maneuverable in tight quarters and we do take it to "lunch". We just have to leave a little earlier to get there before all the smaller boats. The cummins are noticeably louder than our previous CATS, but their not offensive. We're fortunate in that we have both bow and stern thrusters, however don't use them much.

Blueone: I don't know where you're located, but there's a really nice 2008 48DA in Grand Haven with ridiculously low hours.

Just my .02

-Tom
 
One more thing for Bob Tyson, and Blueone. If you're currently looking at any 48DA's, make absolute certain they've had the ZF coupler service done already. I learned throughout my journey there's a fatal flaw in some of the couplers that causes them to degrade and come apart. You will typically see black dust underneath the coupling. It was done at no charge if caught during a certain time period.

-Tom
 
Thank you! Such great information!
Is there any info on the one in Grand Haven/ Is it on a website?
 

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