OFFICIAL - 450DA Owner's Thread****

The 3126 is a purely mechanical engine so there is no ECM from which to pull data. Nothing is impossible, but it will be expensive since it will require adding electronic senders and an interface device to convert the sender signal to a laanguage the Raymarine equipment can read. THere is only one such installation on a Cat boat that I know of and he didn't use Raymarine, but you can contact ttmott via PM on CSR and inquire. Here is his post on the installation:


http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/66004-Save-your-transmission-modifications
 
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just installing new a127 with gps antenna, wifi radar & depth sounder.... And for analog to digital I have just started researching http://www.albacombi.com/ http://www.nolandeng.com/rs11.php http://www.panbo.com/archives/2013/...log_engine_gauges_to_nmea_2000_happiness.html
 
I'm missing the aft cabin filler cushion. Where was this designed to be stored on the boat?


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In the market for a late 90's 450 DA. Looked at a few and really like them but the cored hulls make me nervous. One has a known issue in bow area, not sure about the others but I'm guessing they have issues of there own. Boa can be bought right and the repair shouldn't be that big. Any input on therse boats is appreciated. Thanks.
 
I'm missing the aft cabin filler cushion. Where was this designed to be stored on the boat?


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If the filler cushions are on the boat, they are probably in the center floor hatch in the salon. You might look in the hatched along the centerline near the fwd head or the forward berth. The filler cushions are so bulky that many owners store the aft ones and the salon couch filler cushions somewhere off the boat.

In any case, I have all of mine and I will trace a pattern for you if you need it.
 
Jmackin, There is a ton I say a ton of information on the 90's 450DA model. Try the advanced search feature. If you have particular questions I recommend you PM
Fwebster (Mr. Frank). There are several VERY knowledgeable owners active on CSR. Good luck in your search. BTW, The 450 DA is an unbelievable GREAT boat IMHO. jc
 
In the market for a late 90's 450 DA. Looked at a few and really like them but the cored hulls make me nervous. One has a known issue in bow area, not sure about the others but I'm guessing they have issues of there own. Boa can be bought right and the repair shouldn't be that big. Any input on therse boats is appreciated. Thanks.


To start with, I would quit reading sites like thehulltruth and Pasco's site because they just spread concern where very little is warranted. Most of the comments you see elsewhere are unverifiable, made by folks who are anti Sea Ray or are made by people who have a friend whose brother-in-law's father had a wet core, by some guy on another dock who never even saw a 450DA or are about a boat that is a different year/model than what you are interested in.

I am aware of 4- 450DA's that have had wet cores repaired. Two suffered hull damage in storms or accidents, one had docking lights that leaked seawater into the hull, and 1 had a transducer improperly mounted in the wrong spot. None of them were from design or construction causes but instead were from poorly done repairs, a poor light installation by a dealer and an electronics installer who knew nothing about boat construction.

The design of the 450DA makes it highly unlikely to have core problems because there are no factory cuts into the hull to mount anything like hull vents, lights (factory mounted docking lights are an exception), or underwater lighting. In fact, this hull is known by the Customer Service folks at the factory as the "Ice Breaker Hull" because it is so tough.

As you know, this doesn't mean there aren't some damaged boats in the market. So, how does moisture get into the hull structure? Submarining a 450 in heavy seas........running too fast in rough seas causing the bow to go under water and thru a wave rather than over it......if you have docking lights is one way. Another is mounting a transducer of thru hull anyplace other than in the solid areas in the hull (forward and aft bilge sumps are laid up with solid glass; no balsa coring in those areas). Physical damage that is repaired without properly drying the core is probably the most likely way a 450 hull gets moisture in it.

One shouldn't fear a 450DA but you should make any deal contingent upon a marine survey that includes a moisture test. A competent marine surveyor can find any moisture problems there may be. Enjoy the search. There are a few very nice 450's out there but by now it is pretty hard to find an all original unmolested one. Enjoy the search.
 
To start with, I would quit reading sites like thehulltruth and Pasco's site because they just spread concern where very little is warranted. Most of the comments you see elsewhere are unverifiable, made by folks who are anti Sea Ray or are made by people who have a friend whose brother-in-law's father had a wet core, by some guy on another dock who never even saw a 450DA or are about a boat that is a different year/model than what you are interested in.

I am aware of 4- 450DA's that have had wet cores repaired. Two suffered hull damage in storms or accidents, one had docking lights that leaked seawater into the hull, and 1 had a transducer improperly mounted in the wrong spot. None of them were from design or construction causes but instead were from poorly done repairs, a poor light installation by a dealer and an electronics installer who knew nothing about boat construction.

The design of the 450DA makes it highly unlikely to have core problems because there are no factory cuts into the hull to mount anything like hull vents, lights (factory mounted docking lights are an exception), or underwater lighting. In fact, this hull is known by the Customer Service folks at the factory as the "Ice Breaker Hull" because it is so tough.

As you know, this doesn't mean there aren't some damaged boats in the market. So, how does moisture get into the hull structure? Submarining a 450 in heavy seas........running too fast in rough seas causing the bow to go under water and thru a wave rather than over it......if you have docking lights is one way. Another is mounting a transducer of thru hull anyplace other than in the solid areas in the hull (forward and aft bilge sumps are laid up with solid glass; no balsa coring in those areas). Physical damage that is repaired without properly drying the core is probably the most likely way a 450 hull gets moisture in it.

One shouldn't fear a 450DA but you should make any deal contingent upon a marine survey that includes a moisture test. A competent marine surveyor can find any moisture problems there may be. Enjoy the search. There are a few very nice 450's out there but by now it is pretty hard to find an all original unmolested one. Enjoy the search.
Well this one has wet section that runs from the docking lights to the side vents on both sides, so its about 8-10' long. But it is only 12-14"H because it from rub rail down to molded body line. I'm told it is contained there because the rest is separate from other cores. So it is as bad as it will get and has probably been that way for yrs. You cannot see it but it pegs the meter. Thanks for your reply.
 
If the filler cushions are on the boat, they are probably in the center floor hatch in the salon. You might look in the hatched along the centerline near the fwd head or the forward berth. The filler cushions are so bulky that many owners store the aft ones and the salon couch filler cushions somewhere off the boat.

In any case, I have all of mine and I will trace a pattern for you if you need it.


No luck on either hatch. I did find my salon table under the front berth while replacing the mattress. I'm more concerned with the aft filler. Is it just one piece? Wood on bottom, cushion on top? That''s what I'm considering making but storing it is gonna be an issue.


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Not gonna be that easy........

There is a piece of aluminum square tubing that fits in the wood trim under the edge of the aft seat cushion. The tubing runs across the boat from side to side, then there are 2 fiberglas coated pieces of plywood that fits on top of the aluminum bar and sit on the wood trim under the seat cushion. Then, there are 2 (maybe 3) filler cushions that fit on top of the plywood pieces. I don't know what your plans are for using the aft bunk, but it sleeps about as comfortably as the dock behind your boat would.....don't expect a lot.
 
We have a 98 450, It came from 4 seasons, It is at Cumberland now But would be glad to pull ours for you to look at. We didn't find all out pcs. for weeks, Scattered in all the compartments through the boat. Franks right, It sleeps like crap. We put memory foam on top of the Whole thing and just leave it made up as a bed all the time. 450 is a great boat, Best bang for you buck in my opinion.
 
We have a 98 450, It came from 4 seasons, It is at Cumberland now But would be glad to pull ours for you to look at. We didn't find all out pcs. for weeks, Scattered in all the compartments through the boat. Franks right, It sleeps like crap. We put memory foam on top of the Whole thing and just leave it made up as a bed all the time. 450 is a great boat, Best bang for you buck in my opinion.


Thanks! A few pics would work. Now that you both mention the coated wood I do remember some grey wood planks. I may have the structure but not the cushions. I have 3 younger boys and they are sleeping on the U sides or the salon couch for now but I know that won't last much longer as they grow.


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I think there was 3 of the grey planks. We found the aluminum tubing in a compartment on the starboard side, all the way back to the stern. Take out the seat and there was a door there. I will get some pics next time to the boat. I bet it is there its just finding it.
 
So, some unforeseen circumstances may have required us to put our 1998 450DA up for sale. Located in La Crosse, WI. Please PM me or email me at ddaoust@wincraft.com for details if interested. I know there were a few people out here looking for one. She is one of the nicest, cleanest, great-running 450's out there with tons of extras. Cat 3126's.
 
So, some unforeseen circumstances may have required us to put our 1998 450DA up for sale. Located in La Crosse, WI. Please PM me or email me at ddaoust@wincraft.com for details if interested. I know there were a few people out here looking for one. She is one of the nicest, cleanest, great-running 450's out there with tons of extras. Cat 3126's.

That's too bad but life happens. You should post an ad here on CSR with some great pictures. Someone will want that model for sure!
 
No prizes for this project but... the flag at the bow is a PITA to take down at the end of the weekend. And if you leave it up the flag fades and weathers very quickly especially in the southern sun.

Solution: a 2" diameter plastic pipe, capped at one end and painted to match the hull. Easy to do and very effective.


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Has anyone replaced the seals on their port hole windows or hatch covers? Can you order replacement seals?
 
Has anyone replaced or upgraded the original red LED System Monitor on the dash? I realized mine stopped working. I hit the test switch and nothing happens. Getting 12v and ground is good.
When I unplug it and plug it back in it gives a faint chrip, but only life it gives.
I was thinking maybe doing a NMEA 2000 system? Saw an intriguing post on here that they can maybe use the existing analog sensors and plug into a module to translate into NMEA 2000, such as a www.albacombi.com.

Any thoughts or suggestions, experiences?

Cheers!
 

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