420/44 DB Owners Club

[AEO]

Thanks for the great responses. Being on Lake Michigan, the conditions can be 2’-4’s coming out of the direction you are normally headed. From a ride standpoint at the helm, how would you rate the ride? How would your first mate and/or guests rate the ride as well?
As for performance, are you happy with the gph? I cannot find performance info online.
And regarding handling around the dock, do you feel you have good viability both fore and aft? For those with a dinghy on a lift, do you have good visibility aft?

My wife and I couldn’t be happier with ours. We had the budget for something much bigger but the 44 ticked so many boxes, including ride, livability and handling for two, that we had to have one. I ended up spending a king’s ransom to bring it back to like new plus add some extras (including making the cockpit larger) to give it that present day modern minimalist type look.

If SeaRay had still been making the 44DB I would’ve ordered a new one ….

 

[Alex F]

@AEO ,

I like your cockpit shade. I was thinking to do something similar, maybe just a mesh instead of sunbrella cover. Did you have to make the custom poles or did you find something premade?

 

[AEO]

@AEO ,

I like your cockpit shade. I was thinking to do something similar, maybe just a mesh instead of sunbrella cover. Did you have to make the custom poles or did you find something premade?

Very simple, just added two more rod holders then had the poles and shade made custom. Cheap and easy. Quick to assemble and remove.

I was considering something more permanent but it just gets all too complicated and hard.

Here’s a pic for clarity. I just slide the forward end into the existing track.

 

[AEO]

Just a quick question to everyone regarding a consensus for our photos, is a thumbnail preferred to a full image? I don’t want to stretch any friendships by taking up too much realestate ..

 

[BEH]

Just a quick question to everyone regarding a consensus for our photos, is a thumbnail preferred to a full image? I don’t want to stretch any friendships by taking up too much realestate ..

I like a full image.

 

[Alex F]

Very simple, just added two more rod holders then had the poles and shade made custom. Cheap and easy. Quick to assemble and remove.

I was considering something more permanent but it just gets all too complicated and hard.

Here’s a pic for clarity. I just slide the forward end into the existing track.

View attachment 145492

Thanks for the clear pic, as I couldn't tell if the original rod holders were utilized. Now it makes perfect sense how the poles were able to reach further aft.

 

[Bruce SEA 993]

Here is how I set up a shade cloth over the cockpit. The top is a little scruffy but it extends way out and shades when the sun is getting low in the sky. Had lots of folks stop and admire it last summer in Roche Harbor.

The cloth and the poles are from Amazon...

 

[Alex F]

Here is how I set up a shade cloth over the cockpit. The top is a little scruffy but it extends way out and shades when the sun is getting low in the sky. Had lots of folks stop and admire it last summer in Roche Harbor.

The cloth and the poles are from Amazon...

View attachment 145512

How are you attaching the cloth by the bridge? If I see correctly, the bottom of the polls is just pressed on the rubber caps under the pressure from the rope pulling down, spreading them apart. Is that right?

 

[Bruce SEA 993]

I have a line between the SS structure for the top of the flybridge top close to the radar arch and to the grab handle for the walkway. You can see the end hanging down on the Port side.

The shade cloth is cut with the edges that curve towards the center of the rectangle. It is done that way because the edge would droop if it was straight.

 

[craigswardmtb]

I feel like I run slow compared to most in my 420 with 450 mechanicals. On a good day I'm usually cruising around 18-20mph at 2150-2175 rpm. After tuning my props a couple seasons ago I lost about 1-2mph at matched rpm, but I did pickup 30-40rpm to hit 2700 at max. I do run pretty heavy usually with full water and rarely less than a half tank. I also have a hydraulic lift with a 300lb rib always on it. The bottom is in good shape, although there is some chipping. Its about time for a bottom job. Is this pretty normal for you guys with 450 mechanicals.

 

[Irie308]

I feel like I run slow compared to most in my 420 with 450 mechanicals. On a good day I'm usually cruising around 18-20mph at 2150-2175 rpm. After tuning my props a couple seasons ago I lost about 1-2mph at matched rpm, but I did pickup 30-40rpm to hit 2700 at max. I do run pretty heavy usually with full water and rarely less than a half tank. I also have a hydraulic lift with a 300lb rib always on it. The bottom is in good shape, although there is some chipping. Its about time for a bottom job. Is this pretty normal for you guys with 450 mechanicals.

Craig, I think those speeds are about right running at 2150-2175. I generally never run below 2200 rpm when cruising. Fully loaded, with fuel and water I get 18.2 knts consistently unless i have the tide with me i get 20kts. I find anything below 2200rpm I'm pushing too much water at the bow. Also note I'm almost always full down with tabs at that speed. Similar platform though yours may be a bit lighter. Also running with a 350-400 lb AB dingy. Turbo boost is about 19-20psi and egts are about 850 at 2200 rpm for me.

 

[craigswardmtb]

Craig, I think those speeds are about right running at 2150-2175. I generally never run below 2200 rpm when cruising. Fully loaded, with fuel and water I get 18.2 knts consistently unless i have the tide with me i get 20kts. I find anything below 2200rpm I'm pushing too much water at the bow. Also note I'm almost always full down with tabs at that speed. Similar platform though yours may be a bit lighter. Also running with a 350-400 lb AB dingy. Turbo boost is about 19-20psi and egts are about 850 at 2200 rpm for me.

Thx. I guess I'll have to turn the throttles up a bit... I also run at 80-90% tabs down.

BTW if you hear of anyone in the area looking for a 10'4" Achilles RIB with 20hp newer Tohatsu lmk. We will be adding some more weight to the back as we just picked up a rigged 11.5' Achilles.

 

[jsed]

That's exactly what I meant by saying that she's designed to handle much more than most crews can.



I understand what you're trying to find out, but you need to be a bit more specific with your questions. For example, "...the conditions can be 2’-4’s coming out of the direction you are normally headed. From a ride standpoint at the helm, how would you rate the ride? ...". 2'-4'ers is pretty much most of the case on a decent day in open water with somewhere around 10-15kts wind, generating the surface chop. The key part is the seas direction. Are we talking about 2-4'ers right on the nose or the following seas, or taking them on the beam? 2-4'ers at the stern or the sides, I'll take it any day for the whole day and it'll be a nice and comfortable ride. On the nose, it's a totally different ride and you'll need to slow her down to about 17-19kts and feel the best speed for the conditions.

As for the rating, you'll need to elaborate. At the end of the day it all comes down how you and your crew feels it. So, you'll just have to take a ride on one of the prospective vessels you're looking to buy.

Performance - as you may know, GPH and MPG are two different stats representing totally different data. GPH can be found easily by searching specific engine models fuel burn table. There are plenty of info even here on CSR. Here's an example: http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/cummins-6cta83m-450-fuel-burn-rate.8627/

Here's the table for 450C
View attachment 145478

Visibility aft vs. FWD, well....that's the trade of by comparing different models. Since I'm looking FWD 99% of the time, I'd like to have minimum or no obstruction. For this criteria, our bridge configuration is great. Now backing into a slip, that's your trade off. This is where any bridge boat with FWD helm will be somewhat challenging. Having the helm controls on a side (e.g. 450DB) makes a huge difference when you can look out to that side, providing it's the same side the dock is. Anyway, after several dockings, it becomes a second nature and you master it. Your viz on our model is about 2'x2' looking down the stairs. However, that "problem" just goes away with practice.

Having a dinghy on the lift actually helps to determine your distance to the dock at the stern.

Thanks for the great feedback.
You're right, it's difficult to try and explain "exact" situations.
I wish there was a "test drive" option, before getting serious. Feedback here is tremendous.
So, for a travel example, the we head north on Lake Michigan, normally the wind is out of the N or NW, with the seas the same. For the most part, i travel in 2-4's - sometimes we end up in 3-6's as we round a point. The 360 just chugs along like it is no big deal, and the ride is comfortable. As you can tell, I'm trying to get a sense of what that same ride is like from a convertible (ie 420/440 Sedan Bridge). Like i said, my only history is from the 34 Silverton.
The feedback here helps set a direction for us. It sounds like a good, solid boat with a good, solid ride.
Thanks also for the performance curves...

 

[jsed]

We had a 380 previously...it was very bumpy in 2 and 3 foot (I think that is the size, bigger than most wake by about 1/3) waves. It bumped along like a cork. The 44 DB seems to cut through and the ride is much better. Catching wake from the side gets some rocking but we just turn and take them at 45 deg and the boat is not much affected.

As far as fuel consumption, I think the 44 DB drinks about at the same rate as the 380 but diesel is 3/4 the cost of gas. We did not have fuel low gauges on the 380...

So...we are much happier with our 44!

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[jsed]

Have been in many different conditions with this boat and zero complaints. I think paired with the 6 CTA or the QSC500's you have complete confidence knowing it will get you home. Stuck my nose out once in 8 footers. Had no business doing that. Boat could have handled it, i couldn't so turned right back around.

Thanks for the feedback! Smart move on turning back!

 

[craigswardmtb]

Thanks for the great feedback.
You're right, it's difficult to try and explain "exact" situations.
I wish there was a "test drive" option, before getting serious. Feedback here is tremendous.
So, for a travel example, the we head north on Lake Michigan, normally the wind is out of the N or NW, with the seas the same. For the most part, i travel in 2-4's - sometimes we end up in 3-6's as we round a point. The 360 just chugs along like it is no big deal, and the ride is comfortable. As you can tell, I'm trying to get a sense of what that same ride is like from a convertible (ie 420/440 Sedan Bridge). Like i said, my only history is from the 34 Silverton.
The feedback here helps set a direction for us. It sounds like a good, solid boat with a good, solid ride.
Thanks also for the performance curves...

I had a Rinker 360 before this boat. The 420 is night and day better in sloppy seas. I have found myself in some nasty water where I was thankful to not be in my 360. With that said even 4 footers if they're close together in your face, will be a bad day.

 

[Irie308]

Thx. I guess I'll have to turn the throttles up a bit... I also run at 80-90% tabs down.

BTW if you hear of anyone in the area looking for a 10'4" Achilles RIB with 20hp newer Tohatsu lmk. We will be adding some more weight to the back as we just picked up a rigged 11.5' Achilles.

Will keep my ear out. Just picked up an 11' zodiac with a 2 stroke to keep at the dinghy dock. Nice to cruise up and down river. BTW noticed you moved slips. Was that by choice?

 

[craigswardmtb]

Will keep my ear out. Just picked up an 11' zodiac with a 2 stroke to keep at the dinghy dock. Nice to cruise up and down river. BTW noticed you moved slips. Was that by choice?

No it wasn't by choice but they were somewhat within their right. Ill fill you in another time. But she basically gave our slip away. After being there 11 years I was a bit perturbed at Mary to say the least. I would have left the marina if Jeff didn't step in and help. He is a great guy, and its a shame he retired and sold his share of the marina. Mary is quite possibly the most unwelcoming and worst office manager I have ever dealt with. Be careful with her.

With that said our new spot isn't bad. A bit bigger slip and deeper water.

 

[jsed]

I had a Rinker 360 before this boat. The 420 is night and day better in sloppy seas. I have found myself in some nasty water where I was thankful to not be in my 360. With that said even 4 footers if they're close together in your face, will be a bad day.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[RBB]

My sliding door latch is busted. What can I do?
Can I replace it? Grand kids didn’t get it latched.