420/44 DB Owners Club

SeaNile said:
Any of you go from a similar sized SunDancer and regret the move? Looked at a 44DB and its incredible, but would we miss the "back yard" of the DA? We do a lot of anchoring with friends and most of that time is spent in the back of the boat, often with 10+ people hanging out back there as the kids swim. I know thats not possible with the DB but the rest of the boat is just perfect, incredible layout, more sleeping areas and the bridge. Always loved bridge boats.

All of that said, the 50/52DA looks interesting.....
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We moved from a Tiara Sovran to a 07 44 DB in 2019 and this was the worst move I ever made. I grew to dislike the steps and either driving with the wind in my face all day or looking through the isinglass, not to mention all off the extra work it took to keep the isinglass up to standards. I was up in the bridge while the crew was down below many times also. At the time of purchase we could have bought a 2007 DA for less than the DB and now to find a DA is about 80K more! Sold the boat after a year and am now boatless and looking for a reasonably priced 40-44 DA.
 
becnme said:
We moved from a Tiara Sovran to a 07 44 DB in 2019 and this was the worst move I ever made. I grew to dislike the steps and either driving with the wind in my face all day or looking through the isinglass, not to mention all off the extra work it took to keep the isinglass up to standards. I was up in the bridge while the crew was down below many times also. At the time of purchase we could have bought a 2007 DA for less than the DB and now to find a DA is about 80K more! Sold the boat after a year and am now boatless and looking for a reasonably priced 40-44 DA.
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Very valid points. If we ever get to the shopping phase (need my 450DA to sell first) we will spend a lot of time looking at the 42/44DB and probably the 50/52DA, due price. The 07/08 48DA are beautiful but absolutely out of my budget. Also need straight shafts, no pods for me.

I ran my 31 Bertram to the canyons (60-90 miles) and fished for 12hrs before running home, all with no canvas up. I was a bit younger but i actually enjoyed the wind in my face all day but I absolutely know what you mean by looking through the isinglass and the care involved. My goal is less canvas, not more!
 
We went from a 33 sundancer to the 44db and are loving every minute of it. All valid concerns but has anyone found the perfect layout?
 
I recently replaced my E120’s with 2 Axiom 12’s and now I am replacing the autopilot with the Evolution ACU200 and I need to find a good place to install the EV-1
Has anyone already upgraded their autopilot and had to install the EV-1 compass and if so where did you put it.
 
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Mark.60 said:
We went from a 33 sundancer to the 44db and are loving every minute of it. All valid concerns but has anyone found the perfect layout?
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For me it’s anything shaft driven, below 45 feet and with a walk around mid cabin berth with good headroom.
NorCalRobert said:
I recently replaced my E120’s with 2 Axiom 12’s and now I am replacing the autopilot with the Evolution ACU200 and I need to find a good place to install the EV-1
Has anyone already upgraded their autopilot and had to install the EV-1 compass and if so where did you put it.
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I had a new EV-1 autopilot installed last year by Raymarine. I believe the sensor core was installed in the flybridge. They left the old sensor (behind the port sofa backrest (aft end)) in place.
 
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AEO said:
I had a new EV-1 autopilot installed last year by Raymarine. I believe the sensor core was installed in the flybridge. They left the old sensor (behind the port sofa backrest (aft end)) in place.
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Did you keep the same hydraulic steering and rudder reference transducer? Or did you need to change those as well
 
NorCalRobert said:
Did you keep the same hydraulic steering and rudder reference transducer? Or did you need to change those as well
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No, they didn’t replace those units just the EV-1 sensor core, ACU-200 power pack and P70rs control head.
 
AEO said:
No, they didn’t replace those units just the EV-1 sensor core, ACU-200 power pack and P70rs control head.
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Perfect that is my plan as well, just wanted to make sure I was not missing something
 
When did the change from mechanical to electronic engines happen for the 42/44? Are all the engines throughout the various years and 42/44 offerings electronic?

I found it. Just trying to ideally think of what engines would be best for us. By us I mean my wife who doesn't like the smell of diesel smoke/exhaust and absolutely can't stand the soot. Am I wrong thinking the QSC 500s would produce the least soot and smell?
 
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SeaNile said:
When did the change from mechanical to electronic engines happen for the 42/44? Are all the engines throughout the various years and 42/44 offerings electronic?

I found it. Just trying to ideally think of what engines would be best for us. By us I mean my wife who doesn't like the smell of diesel smoke/exhaust and absolutely can't stand the soot. Am I wrong thinking the QSC 500s would produce the least soot and smell?
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My experience…the QSCs compared to the mechanical 6CTAs I have now are night and day when it comes to smell and light blue smoke when it is cold. I loved the QSCs and never had one issue. The 480CEs had their issues, but I am sure more will pop in and answer. The QSCs are sweet engines.

Bennett
 
I'd love to get the QSC500s but man the price on the 44s is significantly more than the 42DB boats.
 
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It’s been a well debated question about the 480 CEs valve seat issue due probably to over propping. I have spent many hours cruising with freinds with the 420s and I never once noticed a difference in exhaust smell or sooting. My only hesitation would be whether the heads have been updated. I just would not want the exposure of dropping a seat and the expense of getting that repaired. I’d rather spend a bit more on the QSC powered boat then risk spending more than the difference in engine repairs.
 
Does anyone have pictures of a 2007 with an aft table mounted by the bench seat? Looking to add a table and would like to get some ideas
 
Darryl LaMonico said:
Does anyone have pictures of a 2007 with an aft table mounted by the bench seat? Looking to add a table and would like to get some ideas
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Here’s my 08’ with the original SR optioned table:

9F49F7A7-A1F4-4212-8A46-C8833E4416DE.jpeg
 
Carpediem44DB said:
It’s been a well debated question about the 480 CEs valve seat issue due probably to over propping. I have spent many hours cruising with freinds with the 420s and I never once noticed a difference in exhaust smell or sooting. My only hesitation would be whether the heads have been updated. I just would not want the exposure of dropping a seat and the expense of getting that repaired. I’d rather spend a bit more on the QSC powered boat then risk spending more than the difference in engine repairs.
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The other engine in boats we are considering is the QSM11 which also seems to have its own set of issues. Either way, getting into a QSC500 or QSM11 boat is going to be expensive.
 
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Darryl LaMonico said:
Does anyone have pictures of a 2007 with an aft table mounted by the bench seat? Looking to add a table and would like to get some ideas
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I have a mahogany table the width of the seat. It’s mounted under the back rest with hinges. I slide the bench forward and raise up the table. I’ll post pic
 
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