99 460DA over a lets say a 98-99 450DA

[SAC850]

I think I know the answer just from an "investment" standpoint but if the price was basically the same or perhaps 10k more for the 460DA since I know the price wont budge on it. Assume the boats are in identical shape and similarly equipped is there any reason to go with the older design?

I have to say I prefer the earlier 450DA's cabin layout over the 98-99 ones but do not care for the colors. Which makes this 460DA that much more attractive.

Anyway I found a price on one that's almost too good to be true after talking to the guy my radar didn't go off once, don't understand the logic the guy must have had some bad experience with brokers but to each his own. I will still of course go through all the proper surveys and place any kind of deposit with a third party with the caveat of inspections passing.

Any suggestions on best way to handle this from afar if I decide to move forward?

 

[HUMPH]

You're not really calling purchsing a boat an investment are you? The 450DA is a great, efficient boat but the 460DA has more "meat" to me. If you are boating in seas that can get a bit sloppy, you may enjoy the 460 a bit more. The 460 also has a bit more modern look. Can't go wrong either way!

 

[SAC850]

Laugh no it was meant to be a joke why I put it in quotes. With that said if you get a used boat at a good enough price you may be able to come out unscathed so to speak down the road. Kind of why I'm thinking of putting up more money than intended assuming everything is on the up and up. So far looks good.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Buy the one your wife loves best. You won't be sorry because you won't be trading it in on the next one in a couple of years.

 

[SAC850]

The wife is not the problem it's the kids........if they are unhappy we will be unhappy so I'm trying to get the largest cabin available and still have the nice cockpit.

 

[katricol]

They are both great boats, and the 460 is not that much bigger. It's newer...and there is something to be said for that. What "gofirst" said, What does your wife think? The kids shouldn't matter at all as they are real close to the same boat size-wise

 

[fwebster]

I have a 450 and have many hours running a 460…..which sits in the slip next to mine. I prefer the 450 for several reasons. The Cat power in the 450 is more efficient (±30%), but they are a few kts slower (21-22 vs. 25). Caterpillars have a lower maintenance cost over time. The 460 with a hardtop and hydraulic swim platform tends to have a noticeable bow rise which leaves the operator blind for more time than I like; the 450 stays flat coming up on plane. The ride on both boats is about the same in comparable sea conditions. The bow high propensity of the 460 means they tend to fall off plane at a higher speed when you have to slow down in sloppy seas.

You say you prefer the 460 Vitricore interior to the early 450 Mica interiors panels. While the beige Mica might look old-school, it never separates or discolors and you can hit it with a hammer without hurting it. Early 460's have a Vitricore interior. Vitricore ended up going out of business because of the problems they had to repair due to loose or separating laminate and due to discoloration. It is very difficult to find someone who can repair Vitricore now, although we do have a Yacht Service company in Panama City that has repaired all those here.

Be careful on cheap 460's. Some early ones have sizable voids on the chine which a travel lift strap can puncture. There is also a value issue in the early boats that were soft top and did not have the hardtop option. The hardtop, bow thruster (not at all necessary on the 460 and certainly not on the 450 ) and hydraulic platform amounted to about $100K in increased or higher cost and this premium has pretty well stayed with the hardtop boats. The soft tops are cheaper for a reason and that reason stays with the boat and isn't a product of depreciation, but is one of higher demand for the hard top. Just be sure what you are getting and understand the reason for the difference.

If you plan to do your own maintenance, then you need to see a 450DA in person before buying a 460. The 45 has an engine room to die for. Two adults can pass between the engines and everything is in a well engineered and tought out place……the 460, not so much.

Both boats are great boats………I just find the 450 to be a better overall design.

 

[HUMPH]

And there you have it. Advice from THE man!

 

[Russ Calasant]

I for one could not overcome the dated look and sided with the 460. I don't have the hardtop, I have always liked to remove the canvas and be outside but I see the obvious advantage of the hardtop and have realized the cost regardless buying new canvas. I do not notice any significant bow rise when getting on plane or issues remaining there in rough seas although I do not have a hydraulic lift. As far as efficiency I came from a 370 burning 45 gph to the 460 burning 23 gph at 22 knots so I have no complaints, I cannot imagine 30% more efficient! Regarding the Vitricore, it's been a minor problem in a small area but not an issue (yet). I do have the light interior, not sure if that makes a difference. I had no real preference on interior color but am happy with the light as it really brightens up the down below. The only access issue I the engine room was with the starboard water pump but was easily overcome. The only real complaint I have is water capacity, not nearly enough. This all of course has been my experience - for what it's worth. Have you made a decision or purchase yet?

 

[SAC850]

It's ironic you mention the hard top as I have been looking at the price difference between the soft and hard top 460's and there is a significant difference in price, I would say at least 30k. Don't know what it costs to replace canvas but I imagine you could replace it ten times over. I for one like the maple over the cherry for the same reason you described.

No decision yet.

 

[RollerCoastr]

It depends on materials and design, but it's not hard to spend $10,000 on canvas.

My last set looked great after 7 years, but hailstones tore it up and the ins co. depreciated it beyond the deductible.

 

[SAC850]

I was referring to the section that the hardtop would replace, it cant be more than 2k to replace can it?

 

[RollerCoastr]

Ah. Yeah, probably not.

 

[Russ Calasant]

It would up here but regardless ultimately I am in favor of the canvas and have not regretted not buying a hard top.

 

[fr8dog]

It would up here but regardless ultimately I am in favor of the canvas and have not regretted not buying a hard top.

The 460 is a great boat. Hardtop or not. I prefer the hardtop but that is my choice. It's a great boat for long or short distance. Easy around the dock and comfortable. Best Sea Ray I've owned so far!!

"Crew Lounge"

 

[srkartholl]

I've had a 460DA for over a year now...can't find a fault with it. Interior layout works for me...the light 'maple' cabin finish really brightens up the interior. No problem getting up on plane (Cummins), will cruise at 24 or so forever. Agree, do wish it had more fresh water capacity as everything on the boat uses fresh water...a good thing.
I just replaced canvas/iesenglass(sp?)...terrific job by Boatswains Locker. Can't say enough about their personal customer service. They did the OEM canvas on these boats and have ALL the specs for each boat. Very useful as some changes were made as the model progressed. Boatswains was GREAT...and at a very good price. I'm happy, recommend them highly. .

 

[Alegria]

Personally I really like the lines of the 460. It has aged so well over the years. Preference would be the 460 with hardtop and lift and light maple interior for me. Second would be an early 450 as the salon layout is what I would prefer, galley to port dinette to starboard, similar to the 460 actually.

The 97-99 450 have it reversed and I think the galley wall tries to be all things to the salon. Galley, laudry, and entertainment center. The 460 has the laundry in the aft cabin.