400DB with diesels, impressions & thoughts

M

mrsrobinson

Well-Known Member
Mar 9, 2006
7,704
Virginia
Boat Info
2001 380DA
Engines
Caterpillar 3126
The Mrs and I have looked at 2 of these, a 1997 and a 2000, both with the CAT 3116s. Both showed well and we like this boat a lot. Honestly other than the year we could not tell the difference in the 2.

Can anyone tell me what the changes are from model year to year on this boat? When did they start building this one,1996? Is there a particular year we should be cautious of?

Thanks
 
We have a 2003, it is our fifth boat and the BEST by far. I have seen several all different years and the only difference is some interior cabinetry and fit and finish items. Our boat has 600 hours on it and has made the 496 mile trip from San Francisco to Catalina three times. Absolutely fabulous boat (even though others will disagree, I believe this is the best model SR has produced, just look at the quantity produced and the relatively low numbers available)
 
The bridge layout changed to a starboard helm in 2002, and I don't think an alternate layout was offered in the later models.

I like the standard bridge layout of the earlier models, particularly the center helm.
 
I have a 99 with 3116's. PLEASE check the engines and if offered a block warranty by the engine surveyor, TAKE IT. I had a dreaded "french block" necessitating a complete rebuild
 
I can't speak for Mr. Gross's situation, but Caterpillar accepted responsibility for the metallurgy problems with the FAPS castings early on. Very few 3116's were affected; significantly more 3126 owners has soft block problems. THe problem began in about 1995 and Caterpillar warranted all the engines identified until a specific date which I believe, but am not certain, was 1/1 2005.

The problems almost certainly would have surfaced by now, so it isn't very likely, but there may still be a few 3116 and 3126 engines out there with soft blocks. For this reason, it is imperative that you do adequate due diligence on any 3116/3126 powered boat you buy.
 
Greg,

You are suffering from "analysis paralysis"..:smt021 Make the deal, go to Florida, survey the boat, take a sea trial, write a check, and run her up to Virginia while you have a weather window.:thumbsup:
Cripes man, we ain't gettin any younger and if you wait till the time is right, it'll be yesterday and you will have missed it...like Nike says...JUST DO IT....

Just my $.02
 
"Ever wonder why Greg doesn't have kids?"

Because he is smart!

Simply was not in the big guys plans for us, oh well.

I have wanted a sedan bridge from the get go, the Mrs has not. We have spent some time on sedans overs the past few weeks and she finally agrees it's the next step for us.

It's my goal/plan to be in the next boat before the end of the year, or the first of the year at the latest. There are a lot of variables out of my control right now though so we will see.
 
Keep procrastinating and the good one will get away..Remember the old poker saying "no balls, no blue chips"....Hummm, maybe that will get me some red balls!!

Act now, while you are still young and able to enjoy the boat. If you wait till "later". You'll never get there or you will need one of Gary's used canes to get up to the bridge .
 
mrsrobinson said:
"Ever wonder why Greg doesn't have kids?"...
Simply was not in the big guys plans for us, oh well...
Click to expand...

Same here for me, never had children, and I certainly did not ask to become a widower in March 2007, but I guess, the big guy had other plans

A sedan bridge sounds nice to me :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
We all know that Sedan Bridges rule!

The 400DB is a great boat, I run with one all the time. It's almost as nice as the 44DB (sorry, couldn't help myself).

Go for it (with a proper survey, of course).
 
festivus44 said:
We all know that Sedan Bridges rule!

The 400DB is a great boat, I run with one all the time. It's almost as nice as the 44DB (sorry, couldn't help myself).
Click to expand...

... which is almost as nice as the 47DB?

... which also is almost as nice as the 52DB?

Where does it all end?

The 58DB. ... for now.
 
I don't recognize the 47 DB as a bridge boat. It has a bridge... but it also has V-DRIVES and is slow as Greg's boat buying.
 
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