2006 40DA Thrusters, Sat TV & Hard Top questions

[jff]

I have three questions about items I may need to add to a 40DA (I'm looking at a pre-owned 40DA in the Atlanta, GA area):

- Bow Thrusters. I've seen these advertised installed for $5k, the dealer says $17k. What is a reasonable price to pay for these (don't want to get into the do I need them argument, lets assume I'm getting them regardless, the question is what are the considerations and what price points have people experienced)?

- Satellite TV (Trackvision). I've heard there are two units, a smaller $3k solution and a larger $10k solution - curious what kind of experience people have with the two in terms of reception. $10k seems like a lot to pay, I'm thinking/hoping that Lake Lanier for example would get full coverage on the $3k solution.

- Hard top. If I bought a 2006 40 DA with a soft top, is it possible to switch that to the hard top? Has anyone done this and if so what did it cost and is there anything I need to be aware of?

Thanks!
Jason

 

[bluebelly]

You can get a 24 volt bow thruster installed for about $8000. The more expensive sat dome will be able to track satellites without interruptions, as the cheaper version will tend to lose reception during large beam seas or while underway. While anchored in calm waters there will be no problem with the cheaper units. However those interruptions can be quite a hassle since your sat receiver may take up to a minute or two in order to reset and download programming information each and every time. I had purchased the raymarine sat dome for $4100 and installed it myself. I have had this unit for 3 years and have not had one problem, even while 35 miles off the Georgia coast the reception was perfect in 3 to 4 foot seas. The installation was a job anyone can do themselves in about 3 hours. I believe you could get the same unit installed for about $5000 by a professional. As far as the hardtop, you could purchase one from sea ray and install it but the cost would be prohibitive. A friend of mine looked into it and it was far cheaper to just find a boat with a hardtop, not to mention he was also going to need to purchase all new canvas.

 

[elreyos]

Hello Jff,
Well you'll get lots of educated annswers from the CSR members, but here are my opinoins:

1. As to the cost of a bow thruster, I've never added one myself. However, I have a friend who added one on 50+ Azimut and it cost around 15k. I don't think you worry about cost but rather make sure your getting it done properly.

2.I think the question on satellite is static vs dynamic tracking ability. Do you want watch tv while your on the go or only when anchored or at the dock.

3. My advice would be to find a boat with a HT

Andre'

 

[fwebster]

Looks like you've answered the bow thruster question.......

Andre' took care of the Trackvision one.

Hardtops are integral to the radar arch so adding one isn't just adding a top. There is about 2 days worth of yard labor involved in removing the arc and installing a hardtop assuming the yard had lifting capability. Add to that another day to tear apart your cockpit seating and upholstery to access fasteners, etc, a day for re-rigging electronics and the freight to you from from the factory....assuming you can get them to make a top for you. Freight isn't a small number since it will probably come to you on a boat hauling rig. And don't forget having to replace all your canvas. This would be a very expensive approach, considering that the hardtop must come thru a dealer from Sea Ray. I'd guess the top alone at $35K and you can guess at the other stuff based on your area......where ever that is.

 

[jff]

Thanks guys, good information. Sounds like I either buy a boat with a hard top or not, adding it isn't realistic.

As for the Satellite, I found this page:

http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat/

but still not sure what the sweet spots are for my area (Lake Lanier)...

Regards,
Jason

 

[bluebelly]

Jason,

Do yourself a favor and buy the kvh m5 or the raymarie svt 45 sat dome. It will be worth it in the long run. I tried one of the cheaper ones for a couple of weeks and it was misery.

 

[jff]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll go with the M5 based on your experience.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Pirate]

The M5 is a re-labeled TV4. The M3 DX is a far better unit for less $$. The DX has the controller box with LCD that gives feedback.

 

[SEEG]

My M3 works just fine.

 

[Robski97]

Search the board. One of the members said direct TV was switching Bands. Might make a purchase obsolete... check around first.


Rob

 

[Tifoso]

From what I have been told, Direct TV is adding the new HD channels on the KA band. Some of the HD channels will still be broadcast on the KU band that our marine satellite systems use. To my knowledge, at this time there are no marine satellite systems that can track the KA band. :huh:

The good news is that if you do not care about HD, there are approximately 22 million Direct TV subscribers, out of those about 7 million have HD. I am sure that the KU band will be in use for a very long time. Could you imagine Direct TV paying to change out the receivers of all of the non-HD customers ...NOT A CHANCE!