BOB TYSON
Active Member
Jaws,All good points and I could add that the extra beam on the 460 is noticeable for more living space. You see it mostly in the mid cabin. Josh and Frank are the respective experts here and the biggest advantage of the 460 is when you get a hardtop but it does add weight. It's worth it if you can get one however.
My friend had a '99 450DA, probably one of the last ones built. Really nice boat and faster than my 460 with Cummins 6CTA. I carry more weight and beam and his CAT 3126 seem well suited to the task. I performed much of his 450 maintenance so I know both engine rooms quite well. Yes, the 450 is a tad easier to get around and much of that is due to where they had to place the Glendenning Cablemaster on the 460. However having changed impellers on both starboard engines I can't say that one is easier than the other. They are a PITA if done in place so you drop the pump and change it on the bench. CAT does have a better primer and I like the Racor placement a bit better on the 460 but that's just opinion.
I liked his '99 450 layout with the galley starboard but the washer/dryer took up space until he removed it. Our combo unit hides in the mid cabin where it continues to remain unused, but it's out of the way. Also don't get hung up on the cherry interior thing. We were too before we realized that the maple interior does lighten up "the cave" and we are glad we went that route. But the right boat is the important issue not the shade of the fake wood.
The other point is the bow-rise that Frank talks about. While more noticeable on the 460 (the 450 seems to rise out of the water more easily), it is still very controllable but the boat does carry more weight. I've never thought it to be an issue on our boat. We are at 35,500 lbs with half fuel load. You're just propelling more real estate with similar rated power (She really needs about 50 bhp more per engine IMHO). Every boat I have owned has exhibited bow-rise and this one is just fine. I simply tab down as I power up and never really notice it but I am aware of other boats around while doing that. The horizon is always visible on our boat if I stand while getting on plane, so maybe our weight distribution is more ideal than other 460's? (Maybe it helps to have a bunch of chain in the anchor locker, but again, no problem.)
If you are looking for a 460 you will pay more for a good one of course. Look for a hard top if you can, balsa was deleted in the hullsides part way through 2001 so any potential port or stanchion leaking is less destructive. Bow thrusters are standard on most 460's but the 450 hardly needs one. Hydraulic swim platforms are different on the two boats, if equipped. The 450 had the TNT system which had the advantage of going straight down. Our GHS system is levered like a garbage truck and makes the same beeping noise. It extends aft a bit when deploying but isn't prone to jamming like the TNT. It works well and people still stop on the dock to watch the process.
We purchased our boat through a Sea Ray dealer at five years of age from a first owner who was meticulous and I have kept her to a high standard ever since with a few improvements (like lighting and SMX raw water pumps). I think that if you could find a good example of either boat from a CSR member, you would probably enjoy excellent examples that are well maintained. Both can be ideal boats and I agree that 450's are generally under-valued at present.
Just my thoughts and good luck in your search.
James
I, too am in the market for a 450 or 460. Having looked at both I'm curious why you prefer the hardtop option? Aesthetics? It would seem to me that it might increase the engine noise level at cruise. There would be a weight difference as well. I realize that canvas wears out much quicker than fiberglass as well but other than that, what am I missing?
Thanks for all of your information and help!
Bob