Looking at 420 da????

[DustinL]

I am looking to purchase a early 90's 420DA.....I have never been on one but have found a few that I like....I was wondering how the handeling is gas burners vs diesel...I have always wanted a 390 but want to stay with the newer style. just wanted some opinions on this boat if anyone has any pro's and con's....Thanks

 

[HUMPH]

I am looking to purchase a early 90's 420DA.....I have never been on one but have found a few that I like....I was wondering how the handeling is gas burners vs diesel...I have always wanted a 390 but want to stay with the newer style. just wanted some opinions on this boat if anyone has any pro's and con's....Thanks

The 420 is too big of a boat for gas engines IMHO.

 

[DustinL]

Well that is what I was thinking but there are alot of them out there....maybe a reason there is. I know diesel would power that boat well just don't really need it for the area I am in...My biggest concern is while at idle how she would handle and how much you would have to power up to move it. Oh and HUMPH congrats on the new one those turbo cats look awesome....

 

[HUMPH]

Well that is what I was thinking but there are alot of them out there....maybe a reason there is. I know diesel would power that boat well just don't really need it for the area I am in...My biggest concern is while at idle how she would handle and how much you would have to power up to move it. Oh and HUMPH congrats on the new one those turbo cats look awesome....

Thanks,

Do you run in the gulf or in a lake? Gassers may be adequate for a lake boat but will not handle like the diesels and your resale value will be much less.

 

[DustinL]

Thanks,

Do you run in the gulf or in a lake? Gassers may be adequate for a lake boat but will not handle like the diesels and your resale value will be much less.

Well I run in the Tenn River ....I highly doubt I would ever take it to the gulf. Most of the stuff I do longest runs are one hour to 45 min away...It would be harder to resale with gassers but is the how bad is it to maintain diesel. I know the issues with fuel and stuff. I guess the biggest issue is to test out both boats and then decide. My worry is the 420 really any bigger than the 390...

 

[bahamabreisus]

We have had both boats, the 420 is a great boat, kinda wish we still had it. Both boats were gas, performance was fine. Maintainance is so much less with gas. Blow a 454, 5 grand, blow a diesel, time for 2nd mortgage on the house. Good luc with the hunt.

 

[DustinL]

We have had both boats, the 420 is a great boat, kinda wish we still had it. Both boats were gas, performance was fine. Maintainance is so much less with gas. Blow a 454, 5 grand, blow a diesel, time for 2nd mortgage on the house. Good luc with the hunt.

Thanks for the input...one thing I noticed is the 420 doesn't have the tunnels for the props like the the other DA's...wonder why...and the transom is flat and solid. Just looks different and wonder why they did that. Were there any issues or anything I should look at closely when going to view any of the ones I have picked out.

 

[fwebster]

The 420DA will have 3208 Cats which have always been excellent engines. Pick a well maintained one and you won't wear them out; they will last until you are tired of the boat.

But, do the math on a weekend on the water:

2.5 hours running X 24 gph of $3.15/gal diesel....or
2.5 hours running X 40 gph of $3.75/gal of gasoline.

I've been there and wore out the T-shirt........you will be a lot more likely to use the diesel boat than the gas boat. It isn't that we can't afford the fuel cost.....it is that we don't want to.

 

[First_Mate]

you will be a lot more likely to use the diesel boat than the gas boat. It isn't that we can't afford the fuel cost.....it is that we don't want to.

Well said...

 

[Jim M]

I would never even consider a 42DA with gas. The boat is too big. The 42DA needs diesels.

 

[DustinL]

The 420DA will have 3208 Cats which have always been excellent engines. Pick a well maintained one and you won't wear them out; they will last until you are tired of the boat.

But, do the math on a weekend on the water:

2.5 hours running X 24 gph of $3.15/gal diesel....or
2.5 hours running X 40 gph of $3.75/gal of gasoline.

I've been there and wore out the T-shirt........you will be a lot more likely to use the diesel boat than the gas boat. It isn't that we can't afford the fuel cost.....it is that we don't want to.

actually makes great since about not wanting to afford the fuel cost....well I guess I will start to do another on 420's with diesel.....Which also means I can find one closer as well:smt038 Now comes the fun part searching for that next perfect Sea Ray :smt024

 

[DustinL]

And thanks to all for the input and advice....

 

[Boatingnut]

Frank is dead on with the Cats.

As far a the lack of prop pockets go, no worries. You will love how this boat handles around the docks. Outstanding bite on the props at idle.

 

[DustinL]

Frank is dead on with the Cats.

As far a the lack of prop pockets go, no worries. You will love how this boat handles around the docks. Outstanding bite on the props at idle.

I do want the 3208 T's cause I just happen to have a pair at my disposale if I ever need them ready to put back together....

 

[Boatingnut]

Don't think the 3208T's were available, just the 3208TA. Look for the 375 hp version.

 

[DustinL]

Don't think the 3208T's were available, just the 3208TA. Look for the 375 hp version.

Oh that is what I meant were the TA's.....sausage fingers....what about the 6v92's 550hp....I don't know that much about Detroit's in the marine industry I have a couple big trucks that use them...I know my fathers boat uses Detroits not sure which ones they are I just know there is no way they would fit in a 42' boat....He has never said anything bad about them...reason I asked I found two lastnight with those engines the rest were CAT powered. One that I really like was in FL with 3208 425hp TA's...

 

[sprink56]

The 420DA will have 3208 Cats which have always been excellent engines. Pick a well maintained one and you won't wear them out; they will last until you are tired of the boat.

But, do the math on a weekend on the water:

2.5 hours running X 24 gph of $3.15/gal diesel....or
2.5 hours running X 40 gph of $3.75/gal of gasoline.

I've been there and wore out the T-shirt........you will be a lot more likely to use the diesel boat than the gas boat. It isn't that we can't afford the fuel cost.....it is that we don't want to.

+1:thumbsup:

If you KNOW (which you don't lol) you will only make short runs...justify the gassers. When you start realizing that once you get past Sheffield and Muscle Shoals and headed down river....well...you can be in Mobile in a day and a half!!

Those 3208s will take you to the Keys and not ruin your financial future...do it with the big block Chevy's and you'll be into your kid's inheritance.

A 390 EC or a 42DA will support 2 people nicely for several days....that's the beauty of a long range cruiser. I vote for taking full advantage of the boat(with diesels)...because believe me...it will take full advantage of you!!

I spent $750 on a round trip from West Palm to Freeport/Lucaya in a 390 EC with gassers while my buds used half that much running 46DAs and 45EBs with diesels...OUCH.

In my mind...34 feet and 5~6 tons is the cut off for gasoline.

Don't get hung up on horsepower numbers with diesels...you are buying torque...PERIOD. Unless you are running WOT a lot ...which you won't be...you'll never notice the difference. The 350 HP 3208 is more than adequate for what you want.

 

[DustinL]

Well just went back and looked at the one with Detroit's and it is actually an 89 460 EC.....very nice boat....and big...The hardest part will be a decision between the 80's era or 90's era. I like both designs for one reason or another. Just wasn't sure on pro's and con's between CAT's or Detroits. The 420 isn't alot different from my 350 as far as downstairs and I have had my eye on a 390 in Tn that is mint and everything I want but it is original gassers. However the 460 I looked at lastnight has had some upgrades and the engines had a "freshen up"....whatever that means. Overall it was still a really nice boat. The sheer size alone she is pretty massive. I think I screwed myself and should have stuck with plan cause now it's 390...420...or 460....:huh: dammit!!!!!