48DA w/Zeus Reviews

[Dick Hoffman]

Looking to purchase a 48DA with zeus.
Does anyone have any experience with the zeus on the 48DA?
-Performance: Is it worth going with Zeus?
-Engine Service Room appears to be very tight?
-What is the hull difference between the 48 and new 43Da?
-Recommend buying the 48 with or without Zeus?
-Helm seat selection. What are your comments/preference on the Duel Bucket Helm vs the std swivel seat?
Thanks for your comments and advice?

 

[jff]

Dick,

I'm purchasing (today as it happens) a pre-owned 2005 48DA, obviously without Zeus. Having recently tried out both the 48DA with and without Zeus recently I thought I would share a few thoughts. I can't speak to 'is it worth it' or what the additional maintenance/repair/etc. might be but I can tell you that the 48 with Zeus cornered like it was on rails. I was more than impressed, I was blown away. That said, I sure hope nothing ever happens when I'm at the wheel that would make me want to corner like that - the admiral would have a heart attack. With Zeus I also believe the GPH was quite a bit better, the underwater exhaust made it a lot quieter (not sure how this would compared on a 2009 with vs without Zeus though) and the Skyhook and joystick docking were both very appealing. Despite some very legitimate concerns I've read about the potential maintenance/bugs of Zeus, if a new one with Zeus were easily in my budget personally I'd be all over it. In my case no choice (from a budget standpoint) but to look at an older 48 .... still excited to be getting into a 48 though, great boat! Good luck.

Regards,
Jason

 

[missnmountains]

I have not run a 48 with Zues, but I can tell you that inboards are a breeze to handle.

I am not sure about the 2005 48, but the 06 comes standard with underwater exhaust. A very quiet ride.

I would suggest sea trying both.

 

[Dick Hoffman]

Dick,

I'm purchasing (today as it happens) a pre-owned 2005 48DA, obviously without Zeus. Having recently tried out both the 48DA with and without Zeus recently I thought I would share a few thoughts. I can't speak to 'is it worth it' or what the additional maintenance/repair/etc. might be but I can tell you that the 48 with Zeus cornered like it was on rails. I was more than impressed, I was blown away. That said, I sure hope nothing ever happens when I'm at the wheel that would make me want to corner like that - the admiral would have a heart attack. With Zeus I also believe the GPH was quite a bit better, the underwater exhaust made it a lot quieter (not sure how this would compared on a 2009 with vs without Zeus though) and the Skyhook and joystick docking were both very appealing. Despite some very legitimate concerns I've read about the potential maintenance/bugs of Zeus, if a new one with Zeus were easily in my budget personally I'd be all over it. In my case no choice (from a budget standpoint) but to look at an older 48 .... still excited to be getting into a 48 though, great boat! Good luck.

Regards,
Jason

Jason,
Thanks for your response. I am sure you are real excited about purchasing a 48DA. From what I have learned this is just a great boat.

Did you have any comment on the seat configeration? The one I am looking at has the two bucket seats and not the swivel combination?
Dick Hofffman

 

[jff]

Dick,

I have never seen the bucket seats, are you saying they don't swivel at all? I can tell you that the swivel to me is a highlight, my friends with 48s really enjoy that feature as it makes a complete seating area in that upper deck. If the two buckets don't swivel at all I would definitely want the swivel option.

Regards,
Jason

 

[jff]

PS - I would agree with missnmountains, from the 4-5 times I've driven the 48 with inboards I've found it to be a very responsive and relatively easy boat to handle.

 

[missnmountains]

Jason,
Thanks for your response. I am sure you are real excited about purchasing a 48DA. From what I have learned this is just a great boat.

Did you have any comment on the seat configeration? The one I am looking at has the two bucket seats and not the swivel combination?
Dick Hofffman

We have the captain chair configuration on our 48 rather than the bench. What your are referring to is the bench seat configuration slides around. The two captain chairs also swivel 360 degrees. The captains chairs were a significant upgrade.

I like the captain chair configuration because I can sit up with the bolster while still sitting and can see clearly over the bow.

When at dock, we spin both around toward the stern.

Ken

 

[jff]

Ah, now I understand. Yes in that case I would agree, I would want the captain chair configuration rather than a single bench. I agree with Ken.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Rich122]

Jason

CONGRATS!!! You are going to have a great season.. The 48DA is a fantastic boat and great entertaining platform.

BEST OF LUCK!

Rich

 

[jff]

Thanks Rich, I'm off to close now - can't wait to take delivery!

Regards,
Jason

 

[osd9]

......With Zeus I also believe the GPH was quite a bit better, the underwater exhaust made it a lot quieter .....

The Zeus uses the smaller QSB motors compared to the larger QSCs with the VD option.....may contribute to both GPH and noise.....both have underwater exhaust.

 

[Dick Hoffman]

Ken,
Thanks...Glad you like the two captains chair configeration vs the whole unit slide around.
Dick