500DA or 48DA

[tdschafer]

Mike,

I just read through this thread from the beginning. Congratulations on your new purchase. That is a beautiful boat!!

Todd


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Boston Jim]

Jim, your Admiral must have loaded a lot onto the boat. My 2005 48 (with QSC-540s) at WOT runs 31-32 knots. But I agree with everyone's advice, I usually burn 40-42GPH but for planning purposes I always plan on 45GPH.

Regards,
Jason

That seems odd that there would be such a difference. I might have understand it by a bit and I've probably seen 28 at WOT, but not 30+. With that said, I don't recall running at WOT with less than 3-4 people onboard and less than half a tank(s) of fuel, so maybe that's worth a knot or two.

I did a bit of research to see what the reviews say top speed should be.

Here's a link stating top speed of 28-29 knots: http://www.powerboatguide.com/Table_of_Contents_files/Sea Ray 48 Sundancer (2005-09).pdf

Here's a review where they cited a top speed of 30 knots at 2700 RPM: http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company22491/TST_18.pdf

Here's another that cites 30.9 knots: http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/article/Sheer-Delight

 

[Alex F]

I was surprised to see 25kts, but if it's actually 28kts that would make more sense. Is it possible that there's a mixed data KTS vs. MPH? 28kts is a perfect patch for 32MPH. No question that one boat can be in the top end of the specs range and the other at the bottom end. But, I hope your 25kts is a typo.

 

[Boston Jim]

I was surprised to see 25kts, but if it's actually 28kts that would make more sense. Is it possible that there's a mixed data KTS vs. MPH? 28kts is a perfect patch for 32MPH. No question that one boat can be in the top end of the specs range and the other at the bottom end. But, I hope your 25kts is a typo.

Everything I cited was definitely knots. My top speed is definitely faster than 25, its somewhere in the 27 range. I definitely have never seen 30.

 

[Alex F]

My boat tops out 28kts WOT at 2650RPMs. I've never seeing more that .1-.2 knots extra regardless if she's 1/2 fuel or full. Obviously, tail wind and current will make her run faster, but who am I kidding, myself? I always test my boats fully loaded (full fuel, full water, full gear and stack). I normally cruise at steady 2300RPMs doing in a range of 21kts-24kts (depending on the seas, wind and currents), but I mostly see 22kts-23kts.

 

[jff]

Just to confirm - I was also talking knots. This weekend I topped out just over 31 knots but I had three people on the boat, full tank of water and my SHO jet ski on the stern (to be fair though, each of my fuel tanks has only 1/4 in it and we have taken off most of our clothes for the winter and because we're selling the boat). With no ski on the back I have seen 32.X knots WOT. Definitely different from one boat to another though, the 48 across from me tops out around 28 or 29 knots.

Regards,
Jason

 

[JV II]

Jim,
Was the bottom paint fresh and running gear clean when you had the boat pulled? That can slow you down by a knot or two.

 

[docmayo]

I recently had to choose between the 48DA and a 500. I went with the 48DA, couldn't ever see using the bunk bed layout. With any guests on board (other than kids) it was not my favorite layout. I have the cockpit air in my 48DA and takes care of the heat no prob. Now if you want a great entertaining boat and rarely have any overnight guests, then the 500 is a no brainer. The cockpit entertaining area is enormous, I think the beam is nearly 24 inches wider. It all comes down to your personal preference. I love the enclosed cockpit - I can boat year-round. You will love either boat - great yachts.

 

[Bottom Line]

Doc...did your boat come from Table Rock? If so, you got an awesome boat. I am very famililiar with that boat as it was on our dock. Congrats on the new boat!

 

[docmayo]

Yep, all moved in now.

 

[RickRzes]

My CATs leak no oil.

My Cummins 6CTA's Leak no oil...

 

[JV II]

That seems odd that there would be such a difference. I might have understand it by a bit and I've probably seen 28 at WOT, but not 30+. With that said, I don't recall running at WOT with less than 3-4 people onboard and less than half a tank(s) of fuel, so maybe that's worth a knot or two.

I did a bit of research to see what the reviews say top speed should be.

Here's a link stating top speed of 28-29 knots: http://www.powerboatguide.com/Table_of_Contents_files/Sea%20Ray%2048%20Sundancer%20(2005-09).pdf

Here's a review where they cited a top speed of 30 knots at 2700 RPM: http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company22491/TST_18.pdf

Here's another that cites 30.9 knots: http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/article/Sheer-Delight

Since somebody else revived this thread, I have some data. With 200-300 gallons of diesel, at least 50 gallons of water, full gear, my wife and 2 kids, we hit 29 knots at 2600 RPM. At 80% load at 2250 RPM, she does 23.5 knots. I'm burning 41-42 GPH at 2250 RPM. The boat is significantly slower with full tanks vs 1/4 tanks. My MPG at best has been 0.71 and at worst 0.66 with all environmental factors nearly the same, only varying fuel and water load.

 

[Rocket]

JV II - this is good information as we have been looking at the 48da as an upgrade. Congrats on your move up. We had the pleasure of docking next to three 48da's this weekend a the montauk yacht club. It really is the best looking Sundancer ever made by searay.

 

[CAMELLA]

JV II - this is good information as we have been looking at the 48da as an upgrade. Congrats on your move up. We had the pleasure of docking next to three 48da's this weekend a the montauk yacht club. It really is the best looking Sundancer ever made by searay.

Rocket,
Why are you considering upgrading to a 48DA from a 420DA? Just curious. The 48DA is not that much different except for the full glass in the front. Both have 2 staterooms, 2 heads and a separate shower. Don't get me wrong the 48DA is one of my favorites but it's almost double the price of the 420DA.

 

[copb8tx]

Rocket,
Why are you considering upgrading to a 48DA from a 420DA? Just curious. The 48DA is not that much different except for the full glass in the front. Both have 2 staterooms, 2 heads and a separate shower. Don't get me wrong the 48DA is one of my favorites but it's almost double the price of the 420DA.

I'm with you. I LOVE the 48 but that's a lot of dough for the upgrade. Even still I'd be tempted if I didn't live in such a hot climate.

 

[JV II]

Rocket,
Why are you considering upgrading to a 48DA from a 420DA? Just curious. The 48DA is not that much different except for the full glass in the front. Both have 2 staterooms, 2 heads and a separate shower. Don't get me wrong the 48DA is one of my favorites but it's almost double the price of the 420DA.

I can point out some practical differences: the 420 LOA is 6 feet shy of the 48 , the beam of the 48 is 8" greater, while that does not seem like much, the layout makes it feel significantly larger, and the displacement of the 420 is ~10,000# less than the 48, making the 48 a more stable ride at sea. Back to the layout. The entire cockpit of the 48 is open with all seating facing the center, including the helm seating, where the social space of the 420 is limited to the U-shaped seating in the lower cockpit. The 48 has a full size wet bar that can hold a grill. There is enough counter space to lay out a buffet. Then there is the design and style, which really did not change until 2013. The cabinetry, doors and hardware in the 48 is yacht level quality. The aft stateroom is a true stateroom with two beds in the 48 where the aft stateroom in the 420 is essentially an extension of the salon with a pull-out bed from the sofa seating. The salon in the 48 has a much larger seating area. The TV in the 420 is in the galley cabinetry. The v-birth in the 48 is a true rectangular queen, where the 420 has a diamond shaped bed. I would say the 48 is not much different than the current 540, but I would not say the 420 is not much different than the 48. The 48 is the 6 foot itis of the 420, where the 580 is the 6 foot itis of the 48.

 

[CAMELLA]

I can point out some practical differences: the 420 LOA is 6 feet shy of the 48 , the beam of the 48 is 8" greater, while that does not seem like much, the layout makes it feel significantly larger, and the displacement of the 420 is ~10,000# less than the 48, making the 48 a more stable ride at sea. Back to the layout. The entire cockpit of the 48 is open with all seating facing the center, including the helm seating, where the social space of the 420 is limited to the U-shaped seating in the lower cockpit. The 48 has a full size wet bar that can hold a grill. There is enough counter space to lay out a buffet. Then there is the design and style, which really did not change until 2013. The cabinetry, doors and hardware in the 48 is yacht level quality. The aft stateroom is a true stateroom with two beds in the 48 where the aft stateroom in the 420 is essentially an extension of the salon with a pull-out bed from the sofa seating. The salon in the 48 has a much larger seating area. The TV in the 420 is in the galley cabinetry. The v-birth in the 48 is a true rectangular queen, where the 420 has a diamond shaped bed. I would say the 48 is not much different than the current 540, but I would not say the 420 is not much different than the 48. The 48 is the 6 foot itis of the 420, where the 580 is the 6 foot itis of the 48.

All good points but is it worth the extra $$$. Not my call just my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a 48DA but I can't justify the price for what you can get with the 420DA or 44DA. Displacement weight doens't always make the ride more stable.

 

[copb8tx]

Damn it! Now I want it again!

No doubt it's a GREAT boat and I would really want a lot of the features you mentioned. But I sweated my butt off on one here one summer day and really couldn't think of a practical way to get around that. I sure wouldn't want my aft curtain up all the time to hold the AC in, even if it could keep up. The new 47 kind of fixes this with bigger front window openings, opening side windows and big sunroofs.

 

[Boston Jim]

Since somebody else revived this thread, I have some data. With 200-300 gallons of diesel, at least 50 gallons of water, full gear, my wife and 2 kids, we hit 29 knots at 2600 RPM. At 80% load at 2250 RPM, she does 23.5 knots. I'm burning 41-42 GPH at 2250 RPM. The boat is significantly slower with full tanks vs 1/4 tanks. My MPG at best has been 0.71 and at worst 0.66 with all environmental factors nearly the same, only varying fuel and water load.

I'm about 1.5 knots slower at 2250 RPM and WOT (about 2600 RPM for me) with a comparable load. Any idea why that would be?

 

[JV II]

I'm about 1.5 knots slower at 2250 RPM and WOT (about 2600 RPM for me) with a comparable load. Any idea why that would be?

That is odd. Is the 2008 heavier with build materials? Look at the displacement of the 48DA on the Sea Ray website. 2005 is listed at 28,000#, 2006 at 33,600#, 2007 and up at 34,250#. I think they made the 2005 out of Kevlar. Actually, it looks like they were using the 460DA specs on displacement for the 48DA. It would be interesting to weigh the two boats.