Need advice/input on 48 Sundancer

So my 1st question is related to changing the oil, I have always changed my own oil in twin gas engines so diesels are new to me. What is your process, how long does it take you to complete how much of a mess will this make in the bilge, and do you have any specific advice from those who are experienced at this???

Thanks
JB
 
JB MARSHALL said:
So my 1st question is related to changing the oil, I have always changed my own oil in twin gas engines so diesels are new to me. What is your process, how long does it take you to complete how much of a mess will this make in the bilge, and do you have any specific advice from those who are experienced at this???

Thanks
JB
Click to expand...

I just changed the engine oil and filters on mine the other day. Took about 2 hours at a cruisey pace. Consider changing the impeller in your Reverso oil change system first so you know there won't be issues there. Then it's a case of just warming up the engines, using the Reverso to pump the old oil out and the new oil in. Then change the filters, I pre fill the new ones with clean oil. Put some rags underneath the filters when removing as oil will drop from the housing. Other than that it's all fairly straight forward.

Paul
 
As sweet mentioned its pretty easy especially with the oil changer. I did mine for the first time and it was around an hour each. Just a few drops from the filters but I let the engines sit two hours after a short "warm up run". The oil was still warm but it also allowed lots of drain back time into the pan (and quite time for my daughter to nap!).

Definitely pre-fill the filters, I added nearly 3 quarts to each one!
 
I did have to change the impeller to the oil changer, took an extra day since the marina did not have the right impeller so I had to get it direct from Reverso. Unfortunately I had to extract the oil when it was cold. The day before I had the egines all warmed up just before they hauled me out for the season and when I tried to complete the oil change of course the pump did not work. Well it's all done now and I'm winterized up.

Now starting a winter project list:
1) Removed the cockpit ice maker will be installing a refrigerator.
2) Replacing all the cockpit lights with LED bulbs and adding 3 more lights at the rear of the hardtop. May add LED light in the cabin as well.
3) Need to clean all the brass water intakes (they have green crap all over) any recommendations what to use to remove the crud and get the brass looking shiny again?
4) Ordering new cockpit carpets, the tan ones look nice but they get filthy pretty quick with the traffic through the area.
5) Need to redo the bow lounge pads, the cushions are not very soft and the canvas is really moldy.
6) Going to change drain sump box below salon with better bilge pumps so it pumps down most of the water.
7) Would like to replace the Sea Ray navigator with a second e120 Raymarine unit but that will probably be on the future wish list as I don’t think it’s an easy swap out if I could even find another e120.
Well the list will grow I am sure and there are a lot of little touches to make that I won’t bore you with. If you have any thoughts or suggestions I would love to hear them.
 
Hi JB,
Congratulations on the new boat and yes the project list is never ending.
Just wanted to ask if you have the zeus pods on your boat?
 
Hi Steve,

No I elected to stay away from zeus pods, they are super slick and I love the idea of having them but was afraid I would not have reliable access to service in my area and felt that when traveling I would be better off finding locations to service shaft drives.
 
Got it.
I can understand your reservation but they are pretty reliable systems.
 
If you spend hours cleaning the brass on the water intakes they will be green again by the end of the season.
 
Since you already have one e120, adding second and removing the SR nav is pretty easy. Check the electronics section of this site, lots of people have done it, and ask our site hosts from BOEMarine, they have great tech help.

You should be able to get a used e120 easily, check e-bay, Max Marine Electronics in FL, or The Hull Truth forums.
 
Rich122 said:
JB

I ran my 2007 48DA for 4 years until I traded up to the 540DA. It is a GREAT boat, and ran trouble free. As Rocket said just normal maintenance costs and fuel. The 48DA has MORE then enough room, both below and in the cockpit. I love the full windshield and no more canvas, and as far as hot--tat's what cockpit A/C is for. In fact the new 510DA (the 48DA replacement) is far smaller feeling and cramped. I would suggest going for the early models with 540's & V drives.

If you are on the Hudson you may be north of me, and getting the Zeus combo serviced will be an issue. This 540DA is a pod boat so.......

Rich
Click to expand...
Hey Rich,
Came across your advice and pic of your 48 with a tender. I am searching for best option on my 08, 48. any advice?
thanks
Scott
 
Is their an official 48 Sundancer thread? I have looked and not found one. We looked at a White hull 2007 48 Sundancer that was named Beluedere from the Annapolis area over the weekend. Does anyone know about that vessel?
 
I do not think there is an official thread for 48 DA's. Still a lot of different threads on it as well as very knowledgeable and helpful people to answer many questions. As you can see in this thread all the great responses received when we were in pursuit of our 48. We absolutely love ours and have enjoyed the heck out of it with family and friends, now going into our second full summer with her.

JB
 
I agree there should be an official 48DA thread, I'm a new owner and have lots of questions, and can offer alot of advice on what I've already come across and upgraded. I've also looked at just about every one for sale in south florida, I don't know this annapolis boat but if it's a 2007 it's got the glossy laminate be careful lots of problems with delamination and clouding, the boats up north seem to be less prone due to climate, but I settled on a 2006 with the matte finish cabinets, they are almost perfect, only 2 small cloudy spots. You can always get the interior re-done but I was quoted in the $30k range on a 2007 I looked at in fort lauderdale. You pretty much must have the cabins on these boats climate controlled 365 days a year, the cabinetry seems to be very sensitive to heat and humidity. The salon table too, I've seen countless cloudy ones.
 
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