While an entirely different model than the ones for a 480, I have had great experience with the Vitrifrigo brand. When I purchased a 1997 370 DA in 2013, I replaced the failed Norcold (aka Nevercold) with a dual voltage Vitrifrigo. It ran flawlessly for the 7 years I had it (bought the 480 last...
Canvas.... There are several custom shops in S. Florida but I was attracted by the above noted vendors having products specific to the 480 Sedan Bridge and wanted to seek feedback on them first. I've not had custom canvas made before and the 480's bridge looks like a complex undertaking so...
Bridge canvas replacement... the salon window covering initiative has now expanded to the much-needed replacement of our bridge canvas at the same time. The current isinglass is sufficiently deteriorated (fogged) that I consider it to be a safety hazard (visibility).
I've read the Isinglass vs...
TTMott - thanks for the photos of Pfifertex. Is thst the regulat product or “Plus”? And, what is the visibility like from the inside looking out? After having a 370 Sundancer, we LOVE the outside view from the salon.
Re : Phifertex
it looks good - says that it provides 70% sun blockage. There’s a “Plus” version that represents 92% blockage. It’s also available in colors. I’ll be checking it out further and will report back with findings.
Salon window covering… as shown in the photo, our coverings are a typical black, screen-like cover that provides some privacy and shade, lets light in and visibility out. The forward cover is aging and starting to deteriorate so we’re going to replace it. We dock facing south, into the FL sun...
Yacht insurance costs in Florida - ugh! In addition to lightning we have hurricanes and year-round use (read: greater risk). My 480’s policy is through United Marine Underwriters and, including a 2021 Achilles dinghy and a 20 HP Tohatsu, the cost is just short of $7,000/year and that was the...
Re: Radar question....
Thanks for the replies gents. I didn’t get email notifications of your posts and only see them today.
Your advice sounds on-target. I’ll measure the angle. Also, the point about usage is good - Sea Casa is docked bayside in Key Largo so we have a variety of speed...
Radar question.... this is about radar mounting on a 480DB, not the electronics aspects of a new radar so I've posted it here.
I have replaced all of the old electronics on "Sea Casa" with new Garmins (2 x 8612 MFDs, Heading Sensor, Fantom 24" dome, N2K network) and it all works well. :) The...
480 DB Bow Thruster again.... got the zinc only to find out that there's a blade missing on the thruster's prop and I need to order one. From the multi-model Vetus documentation on board, I'm deducing that I have a 130 kgf installed but have to take off covers to actually see the unit. Can...
Haul out is certainly the safest and most certain approach and there's always "other maintenance"that can be done.
I have a diver available but I doubt that sufficient, controlled impact could be delivered under water.
It also occurs to me that I could treat this "stuck" condition with the...
I have an Airmar B744V in my 480 Sedan Bridge. The sonar stopped responding due to the well documented failure of the temperature component of the depth/speed/temp device. If just temp fails, Garmin MFDs do not recognize any of the transducer outputs. I really only care about depth - but I care...
Vetus Bow Thruster....
My survey indicated that the bow thruster zinc needed replacement and I've not had a chance to chase down the model number - I know it's a Vetus device - anyone know the specific model installed in a 2003 480 DB? TIA...
When we bought our 370DA 7 years ago (sold and delivered last week! :)), the Norcold was DOA. One of my first projects was replacing it. We chose a dual voltage Vitrifrigo and it worked flawlessly for the entire time we had it. I have not looked to see if Vitrifrigo has a model that will fit the...
These are the dinghy straps I use:
Keeper (07508) Koastal 8' x 1" Stainless Steel Ratchet Tie Down, (Pack of 2)
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P91KLY0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QCY4GYDFQHQFE4E1S83F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The ones I had before rusted out quickly despite being pitched as...
LCL error update.... there is a small valve in a coolant tube just below the circulating water pump. Since I could now open the cap, I did so, attached a fluid hand pump to the valve and added the coolant “from the bottom up” until there was a slight overflow. So, the coolant is full, the genset...
Remove the sound shield... Not a bad idea. At best, that will give an extra inch above the cap but that's probably enough for routine maintenance (open, add coolant) and to inspect for other possible issues. Thanks....