My First Trip (450DA)

JC3

Well-Known Member
Oct 6, 2006
1,336
Kentucky
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:grin: Well Guys it hasnot sunk yet and I managed not to hit anything as i took Delivery of my new to me 1998 450DA. Took it
up & down Intercoastal then across to Pier 66(HYATT) where i sit right now typing this. Got a Capt coming Tuesday to run it some more with me then down to the Keys. The Spruce up bill was enough to make my hair stand on end then the $3.05 a ft slip gave me a Headache(Just Kidding) i think. This 19ftitis is fun but very expensive. A few little things will need to get done in the Keys but i really LOVE this boat! Thanks Again Guys for all the Help!!!!!!!!! :smt038 JC
 
That's good to hear. You going to be comfortable going to all those shallow anchorages in the Bahamas with this one?
 
Enjoy - Sitting @ Pier 66 having a cold one- sounds good, take the water taxi (or digny) over to the Bahia Mar -Bahia Cabana for me!
Have a great trip. Keep a good ships log, it's fun to go back over them some times. Except for that money part.
 
Thanks Guys, I can not tell you how much I appreciate youre all's kindness!!!!!!!!!!! Took it out for 4hrs today. Wanted to see how she handled 4 to 6's, She did fine :thumbsup: . Went intercoastal back to see the Display of Money and toys :smt017 . Still having a little trouble backing in but didnt hit anything (Too Hard) :smt018 . Taking it down to Miami or the Keys depending on weather. The boat needs a Real Skip Like washing and waxing above but We just wont have time to do all i want this trip. :smt089 Wish me good luck as i travel the long, very shallow water way south to the Keys. JC
 
JC....sounds like you're really getting to know your new baby....enjoy the ride and remember....send some pics...
 
Way to go JC3. It's great you finally got her :thumbsup: Enjoy her to the max and take plenty of pics along with keeping that captains log. Be good to her and she will be good to you.
ENJOY!!!! :smt038

OJ
 
Bright Ayes said:
Hey Dom: Don't you take delivery this Friday of the 410?

OJ
Yes sir.......and the weather forcast looks GREAT.....
 
Well, we made it back to KY yesterday. Got the boat to the Keys
without sinking it or hitting anyone, thought that was a good start. I REALLY LOVE THIS BOAT! It handled great and was very forgiveing
for somebody that has very seldom driven a boat over 26ft. I noticed several questions about the 450 while i was away. IMHO it is the perfect big boat for someone moving up for the first time. Iam tired but this week i will post some more thoughts from someone new to big boating, about this boat, for what it will be worth? JC
 
JC3, this one is on our radar for the next boat. I would love to hear your comments/feedback.

Thanks
 
Before I say anything, you must realize that FrankW is the real expert on these babies. But, from someone that barely knew stern from bow, port or starboard, you get the idea (I didnt know poop) about big boats, here is my take: The 450DA is a BIG BOAT to me. So you just have to think things thru before you start what ever you are going to do. This boat is quite forgiving if you are carefull. It handles great around the dock, handles 3-5 without missing a beat and gets around 20-22gph at 19knts. Pretty darn good. The engine room is pretty good with every thing easy to get to BUT THE HOT WATER HEATER. Thats another story. We have had the boat for a year now and as a matter of fact and how much we like her( Broker called said someone that knew boat wanted to look at her we said ok but we will not sell her unless it was to good of an offer to turn down). We took her to Bahamas for a little over a month and she did great. Getting ready to pull her do Maint and leave around July 5 for 2 months this time. I have alot of confidence in this boat! The 450DA is really a good choice (Big Enough but not too Big). In all fairness though i really like the old 500DA'S even with the Detroits but thats another story. JC3
 
450 and 500DA's are both Sea Ray at their best.
Nice boats that will stnad the test of time.
Enjoy your 450!
 
I am 6'3". The 1997 models and earlier look to have a smaller forward/V Berth bed then the 1998 and later. Can anyone confirm that?
 
No, the berths are the same size.

If you are searching for a walk-around berth, your best bet is going to be in a boat with a 15'+ beam and a mid cabin master.....or a houseboat. The nearest thing to a walk-around berth you will see in smaller Sea Rays is going to be in one of the express style boats that has the forward berth placed against one of the hull sides, like on the 400EC where you have almost full access to the port side of the berth, but none at all on the stbd side.
 
I am going from memory of the 95 450DA we boarded this past summer. There are steps on each side of the v-berth, correct? We do not need a full walk around, just one that allows us to get in and out of the bed without climbing over each other.

So all else equal, what's the difference between a 97 and 98 model, assuming the same cabin layout?
 
When I looked at the 450DA, they had two interior options....one had the galley to port and the other to stbd. On one of the options, I think the galley to stbd, the master berth is up against the port hull. On the other, the berth is centered and allows entry/exit from either side.....

That was one of the issues my admiral had with the 450DA....she wanted a centered berth in the master, but I believe you could still get on/off the berth with crawling over your partner.
 
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Mrs.R, yes there are 2 steps on both sides of the v-berth, at 6'3" you wont need them to get into bed. The wife and kids will. and at times you may kneel on them to access the lockers.

I have tried to reach you a number of times, is your email working?
 

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