Excitement in the House!!

[quality time]

A surveyor after talking and getting to know each other and my concerns he stated to me "These engines are not even broke in yet so any oil samples will turn up dirty due to the break in period still going on. These engines are basically new and where the boat has been stored and used I dont want to see you throw 1k down the drain."

The sellers mechanic as well stated that the seller never held back on any services repairs and add ons and would be very surprised if there were any issues with this boat. I am totally blown away!

That's all fine and dandy until there's an issue. And that mechanic might be surprised but you'll be stuck with the repair bill. Surveys are a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of repairs and down time. Don't skimp here.

 

[Rayvonne]

Joel... I did see the curve yesterday and its all starting to make sense! The knowledge and advise here is priceless! I am learning a hell of lot and will be more comfortable having the knowledge of the boat i am operating. Thanks you!

Capt. Rusty....I do plan on following up with Ken and the SRBCNC. Sounds like a lot of fun! I plan on contacting him once things are complete. I am trying not to get too excited and a head of myself until the completion of the surveys, just in case. I do Real estate and I am trying to take my own advice. I advise my clients not to get too excited until the inspections are complete. It is very hard.

I'll be honest with you all ...after reading some of these threads it scares the bajeeses outta ya!! Im going to be in fresh water 90% of the time and I sure hope this helps out!!

Question... The seller addeed a hydraulic lift which I know has a bit of weight. We have a PWC, Sea Doo, that we will be on the lift so I need to have this all checked with all the weight for over prop. Correct? I have 2006 2500 Diesel Truck and I pull a heavy boat with this so wouldnt this be the same as overload? I put it in Trailer mode but all that does is let the rpm's run up higher prior shifting.

 

[Joel_MD]

Question... The seller addeed a hydraulic lift which I know has a bit of weight. We have a PWC, Sea Doo, that we will be on the lift so I need to have this all checked with all the weight for over prop. Correct? I have 2006 2500 Diesel Truck and I pull a heavy boat with this so wouldnt this be the same as overload? I put it in Trailer mode but all that does is let the rpm's run up higher prior shifting.

The load placed on a truck engine with an automatic transmission is much different than the load from a boat propeller. The load on a truck engine is actually managed very well by the transmission by choosing the appropriate gear, and the load is highest during acceleration. When you're coasting along at highway speeds on a level surface it doesn't take much horsepower to maintain speed. The load on a boat engine is more constant.

If this Sea Ray you're looking at is still swinging the same prop that it came out of the factory with, there's a good chance it's overpropped. However, the owner might be one of the Boatdiesel disciples who knows all of this and took a couple inches of pitch out of the prop at some point. There's no way for you to know without doing a proper sea trial and looking at fuel consumption at various RPM levels. The questions you're asking show that you are getting an understanding of the issues at play here.

 

[HUMPH]

And if it is found to be overpropped, call Thomas Marine Propeller. He is the best around and in the Sacramento area. Make sure to tell him I sent you!

 

[Rayvonne]

And if it is found to be overpropped, call Thomas Marine Propeller. He is the best around and in the Sacramento area. Make sure to tell him I sent you!

The load placed on a truck engine with an automatic transmission is much different than the load from a boat propeller. The load on a truck engine is actually managed very well by the transmission by choosing the appropriate gear, and the load is highest during acceleration. When you're coasting along at highway speeds on a level surface it doesn't take much horsepower to maintain speed. The load on a boat engine is more constant.

If this Sea Ray you're looking at is still swinging the same prop that it came out of the factory with, there's a good chance it's overpropped. However, the owner might be one of the Boatdiesel disciples who knows all of this and took a couple inches of pitch out of the prop at some point. There's no way for you to know without doing a proper sea trial and looking at fuel consumption at various RPM levels. The questions you're asking show that you are getting an understanding of the issues at play here.

Thanks Guys!!! It is starting to come together for me and the more I learn the more confidence I have. It is a good feeling knowing what is going on with your boat inside and out instead of just putting fuel in and going until the next refill. Do most diesel owners have a grasp on this or are they just in the unknown?

Can they tweak the existing props or we need to purchase new? Im sure they can tweek to certain pitch. ANd what am I looking at $$ and does the boat need to be out of the water? Ken....Thank you so much! I will follow up with Thomas Marine Prop. I will be contacting you sometime here in the future regarding the Club. I watched a Youtube Video on one of your rendezvous on Memorial Weekend. Looks like a lot of fun and the wife is excited! Again I can't thank everyhone enough for all the info. Lookin forward to good times.

 

[sandydlc]

Joel... I did see the curve yesterday and its all starting to make sense! The knowledge and advise here is priceless! I am learning a hell of lot and will be more comfortable having the knowledge of the boat i am operating. Thanks you!

Capt. Rusty....I do plan on following up with Ken and the SRBCNC. Sounds like a lot of fun! I plan on contacting him once things are complete. I am trying not to get too excited and a head of myself until the completion of the surveys, just in case. I do Real estate and I am trying to take my own advice. I advise my clients not to get too excited until the inspections are complete. It is very hard.

I'll be honest with you all ...after reading some of these threads it scares the bajeeses outta ya!! Im going to be in fresh water 90% of the time and I sure hope this helps out!!

Question... The seller addeed a hydraulic lift which I know has a bit of weight. We have a PWC, Sea Doo, that we will be on the lift so I need to have this all checked with all the weight for over prop. Correct? I have 2006 2500 Diesel Truck and I pull a heavy boat with this so wouldnt this be the same as overload? I put it in Trailer mode but all that does is let the rpm's run up higher prior shifting.

Welcome to the club and congratulations on your new boat! Please do call Sea Ray customer service directly to ask about the weight limit that your transom can handle. We have a 450 and I wouldn't put a Sea Doo on our hydraulic lift. You have to consider the weight limit of the transom and the weight of your PWC. If it's close I wouldn't do it. We have a weight limit of 1000 pounds but only have a 550 pound dinghy. We've had a couple of situations where the dinghy filled partially with water and I'm glad that we had some leeway on the weight that the transom could handle. Also consider cruising in rough water and how that much weight might affect the performance of your vessel.

Best of luck to you!!

Sandy

 

[Rayvonne]

Welcome to the club and congratulations on your new boat! Please do call Sea Ray customer service directly to ask about the weight limit that your transom can handle. We have a 450 and I wouldn't put a Sea Doo on our hydraulic lift. You have to consider the weight limit of the transom and the weight of your PWC. If it's close I wouldn't do it. We have a weight limit of 1000 pounds but only have a 550 pound dinghy. We've had a couple of situations where the dinghy filled partially with water and I'm glad that we had some leeway on the weight that the transom could handle. Also consider cruising in rough water and how that much weight might affect the performance of your vessel.

Best of luck to you
Wow!Thatissomethinelsetoconsider

WOW! That is something else to consider! Ive seen other 40DA's with PWC's on the the extended platform and just assumed. This boat has the "Sea Lift" installed so I will definitely look into this! Thanks for the heads up!!

 

[sandydlc]

We have a Sea Lift hydraulic lift as well but ultimately what will dictate how much you can carry is the capacity of the transom. Don't believe anyone but Sea Ray directly. Here is their number: Sea Ray Customer Service 321-449-8628

 

[Rayvonne]

I do know that the sellers have been very meticulous with their boat and have a lot of knowledge so I m sure they have been running it fine. The current Tender seems to be fairly light compared to the PWC. So I will have everything checked out for the PWC. I do have to say that this boat is very clean and very well kept. The engine room is spotless. WHat has been very impressive is the seller takes pride in his boat. Good people!

 

[Rayvonne]

We have a Sea Lift hydraulic lift as well but ultimately what will dictate how much you can carry is the capacity of the transom. Don't believe anyone but Sea Ray directly. Here is their number: Sea Ray Customer Service 321-449-8628

Hey...Thanks Sandy, very much!!!

 

[Joel_MD]

Can they tweak the existing props or we need to purchase new? Im sure they can tweek to certain pitch. ANd what am I looking at $$ and does the boat need to be out of the water?

Bronze and nibral props can be repitched and cupping can be added or removed. There are limits to how much the pitch can be changed, but generally you can change 2-3" with no problem. There is a good prop shop in Baltimore that charges $590 to repitch a 24"-diameter 4-blade nibral prop. The price includes reconditioning, which is fixing minor damage, balancing, polishing, etc.

It's possible to remove and replace props in the water, but usually it's done in conjunction with a haul-out.

 

[gerryb]

Congrats and don't be too concerned about the maintenance of the cooling system. You're buying a boat and engine package that is pretty much bullet proof and known to be very reliable. I never met a 390/40/44 owner that didn't love their boat - they ARE that good.
As far as the cooling system, it will something you'll always have on the back of your mind. You'll find yourself constantly looking at the engine temp gauges but I suspect most knowledgeable boaters do that regardless of the boat.

My boat has about 260 hours now and I did the port side exchanger myself (with help + parts from SBMAR) a year ago. I did it when I replaced the batteries as this gave me much more access. The starboard side is in the plan for this spring but access there is easy. Aftercoolers will be done in the next year or two. One tip on the exchangers: their anodes are known for disintegrating and getting all gunked-up in the exchanger. Keep an eye on it as your replace your anodes. This WILL affect heat exchanger performance and will require eventual boiling and rodding.

There is a 390 thread on the board with good info but I suspect many of us have also PM other owners directly.

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

Rayvonne....can you PM me a good number and time to call you, if you care to have a discussion on all the great info you have been given. I will be happy to summarize.

Rusty

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

and if possible, can you provide me with the HIN of this beauty...it will read SERF_____ .

R

 

[Rayvonne]

Congrats and don't be too concerned about the maintenance of the cooling system. You're buying a boat and engine package that is pretty much bullet proof and known to be very reliable. I never met a 390/40/44 owner that didn't love their boat - they ARE that good.
As far as the cooling system, it will something you'll always have on the back of your mind. You'll find yourself constantly looking at the engine temp gauges but I suspect most knowledgeable boaters do that regardless of the boat.

My boat has about 260 hours now and I did the port side exchanger myself (with help + parts from SBMAR) a year ago. I did it when I replaced the batteries as this gave me much more access. The starboard side is in the plan for this spring but access there is easy. Aftercoolers will be done in the next year or two. One tip on the exchangers: their anodes are known for disintegrating and getting all gunked-up in the exchanger. Keep an eye on it as your replace your anodes. This WILL affect heat exchanger performance and will require eventual boiling and rodding.

There is a 390 thread on the board with good info but I suspect many of us have also PM other owners directly.

Thanks for the positive comments GerryB!!! That is AWESOME news!! Just spoke to a mechanic today and he reiterated everything you said! Im trying not to get tooooo excited but DANG, I can not contain it anymore. Should have ownership 2 weeks from today. I would have it next week but getting bottom paint. This holiday season is going to be a good one!! The wife and I will be spending a lot of the holidays just hangin on the boat. I know my 2 boys and their families will want to hang out. I hope ten is not too cowded.

 

[Creekwood]

Rayvonne....can you PM me a good number and time to call you, if you care to have a discussion on all the great info you have been given. I will be happy to summarize.

Rusty

Rayvonne. You are new to this forum, so you may not know how much Rusty can help and will help. Take him up on this offer. He can help in more ways than you may realize.

 

[boatman37]

Yes. Capt. Rusty has worked for Sea Ray forever and seems to know these boats inside and out. A wealth of knowledge.

 

[Rayvonne]

Rayvonne. You are new to this forum, so you may not know how much Rusty can help and will help. Take him up on this offer. He can help in more ways than you may realize.

Thanks Guys.... I PM'd him yesterday and hope to hear back. All u guys are petty cool and can't thank you guys enough! I'll post pics hopefully by Monday.

 

[Rayvonne]

Well...today was a big day and has been a little stressful for the past couple weeks. We had the surveys completed today and just a few minor issues that are being taken care of. SOOO we went ahead and plunged forward with the purchase of the 2005 390 DA with twin QSB 380's! The mechanic stated that I have a pretty solid boat that will hold its value. These boats are pretty rare out here on the west coast and been looking for 2 years. I am totaly numb right now from the long day and has yet to set in. Its being bottom painted and some light repairs and looking sooo forward to the 4 hour trip back home! It turns out that the owner did have the boat re-propped and she has a second set of props.:grin: I ...wanna thank everyone for their advise and suggestions they really did factor in towards this purchase! Once I figure out how to post pics I will.

 

[barlow]

Welcome to the forum from the South Pacific.

This site and its members are a great bunch of people and remember whatever the issue there is always a knowlegable and sympathetic ear available to assist.