420 DA Thread

Grill On Board - I want to add a propane grill to the boat that stays on board. I will use a rod holder to mount it when using. I am just curious if anyone keeps one on board and where they store it. There isn't a lot of room under the cockpit seats and I don't want it under the salon floor necessarily. If you do have a spot let me know make and model if possible... Thanks


I'm not sure your bilge will have the same room that mine does because I have gas engines, but I mounted a starboard plank across the stringers forward of the Port engine and installed another magma grill mount and store my grill there until we need to use it.
 
I have a Magma Cabo grill with a rod holder attachment. It fits (very snugly) under the cushion for the aft cockpit lounge. I put mine in the area closest to transom door.
 
I have a Magma Cabo grill with a rod holder attachment. It fits (very snugly) under the cushion for the aft cockpit lounge. I put mine in the area closest to transom door.
That's where I was hoping to put it.. Easier access.
Are you happy with the grill in the wind?...does it get hot enough.. Is the size big enough for 4 people?
 
I looked at a 2004 42 today and was surprised to hear that it did noy have a Smartcraft system. The owner told me that the only instrumentation was the analog guages. Didn't this boat come standard with some kind of digital engine management system? Thanks...
 
I looked at a 2004 42 today and was surprised to hear that it did noy have a Smartcraft system. The owner told me that the only instrumentation was the analog guages. Didn't this boat come standard with some kind of digital engine management system? Thanks...
No.. the Cummins 6cta's are mechanical.. In 2005 Sea Ray transitioned to electronic
I am in the middle of converting the analog Gage's and sensors to nema2000 through a Alba Combi converter... Not because I had to ...I just upgraded my electronics and thought why not take advantage of the capability.
Those Cummins engines in 2004 are bullit proof... Don't let that deter you if you love the boat
 
I understand, thanks. Your comment about upgrading... The main thing that I would like is fuel flow meters. Are the sensors already in place and I just need to add some indicators or is it more complex than that?
 
I understand, thanks. Your comment about upgrading... The main thing that I would like is fuel flow meters. Are the sensors already in place and I just need to add some indicators or is it more complex than that?
No ...fuel flow is not there... You would have to add.
 
Question about fuel flow meters on mechanical 6CTA's.....Where is the sensor/flowmeter located? My understanding is that from the lift pump, to the injector pump, and then distributed to the 6 injectors, plus an "overflow" line of sorts that gets recycled back somewhere. I hope that I'm explaining this sufficiently.

Jaybeaux
 
That's where I was hoping to put it.. Easier access.
Are you happy with the grill in the wind?...does it get hot enough.. Is the size big enough for 4 people?

It does fine in the wind but its not the largest of grills. I would say it fits 4 large or 6 medium burgers or 3 chicken breasts. It's only two adults and a 4 year old for us and we like to grill our veggies as well, it works for us to do one large chicken breast and a large squash, or a 1 lb fish fillet with veggies.

If that isn't big enough for your 4, I still say I would rather have the convenience of having it in the seat locker versus down below in engine room. Opening the engine hatch is a pain, I would rather not do that twice a day - we rarely leave our grill out for multiple days.
 
Swaterhouse... Thanks for the info. Your right, the engine hatch is not an option for me either.
We are changing marinas this year where we won't have a bbq at the dock... That's what got me thinking about it.. So I'm thinking I will just wait until spring and see how it goes... I have a small weber to use if necessary short term.
 
Rod holder location and type

I looked this past weekend and I am not 100% sure I can drill a hole for a rod holder. I want to add two ..one on each side, aft of the side vents. On the non skid before it ends and tapers down.
I would really like to have the type of holder that doesn't have surface screws... So a nut from under neath would hold the flange against the deck.

Does anyone have anything similar?... If so can you post a pic of the location of the rod holder
 
Water Heater Question: I went to my boat today to drop off some things and just get a little boat time. Spring startup isn't until April 7th. One thing I want to do is add a permanent water heater bypass, so that all I have to do is turn a couple of valves. My cheap bypass, while it works very well, is just a pain to get to....laying on the starboard exhaust tube, and then reaching over the water heater to remove lines, etc, etc.

This afternoon, it hit me: Why not rotate the heater 90 degrees so that the plumbing side (and electrical connections) are facing toward the centerline of boat. Right now, they face towards the bow. Rotating would make the access so much easier and I would install the permanent bypass at that time too.

It looks as if the two cold water lines and the hot water line have enough play or slack to reach. And if the wiring needs a bit a length, well, that shouldn't be too big of a problem. Lastly, it only looks like 2 or 3 screws on each side holding the whole thing down. Reposition, drill, add caulk and secure with screws.

Is this crazy, or something that others have done before? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Jaybeaux
 
I had the same thought as I wormed my way in exactly as you describe last fall.

I just looked at the install manual for atwood heaters (which I think is the brand I have) and it mentions nothing about orientation.

I think the biggest risk is stepping on a hose connection as you work in that area working on after cooler zincs, air filters, fuel filter or anything else in that area. It's pretty tight in that neck of the woods!
 
Hey 420 owners. I am looking for a 2005/6 420. If I find one that is not local and has to be transported does any one know if the arch would have to come off to transport one across country?
 
I was told the hardtop would stay but everything on it would have to come off. The props and rudders would be removed to help get the boat lower on the trailer.
 
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I was told the hardtop would stay but everything on it would have to come off. The props and rudders would be removed to help get the boat lower on the trailer.

This is what I had to do with ours.
 
In my case I was going to do it... but I would think a reputable yard or dealer could do it for you then at your destination same thing again... not sure I would trust the trucking company
 
Transporter usually wants that stuff done ahead of time. They want to grab the boat and scram. Youll have to do it yourself or get the marina where it is to do it for you. I chose the latter, and put everything back up myself. Search for Jim and Cindy on this forum and give him a call. He will take care of you and your new baby.
 

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