Request for thoughts/expereince and insight to the 480 db

M

Michael and Jeanne V2

Member
Dec 30, 2008
49
Bristol, Rhode Island
Boat Info
480 Sedan Bridge
Engines
QSM - 11s
Searay Owners and Enthusiasts,

My wife (Jeanne) and I have owned our 400DB for 6 years and love the boat and its layout/performance. It has been a perfect boat for the Narragansett and surrounding destinations. We enjoy cruising and are comfortable on moorings/the hook along with occassional alongside stays. We expect this is the way we will continue to use a larger boat too.

We are getting serious about moving up to the 480 DB. Jeanne wants more space (planning for grandkids and more guests) and I like the hydraulic swim platform, power-assist shore cable and the helm aft so I can clearly see astern for backing into the slip.

We are beginning the hunt and would like to turn to the Sea Ray Club membership with 480 DB experience for your advice. This will most likely be the last 'big' boat we will buy and want to make as well-informed decision as we can. Any thoughts/experience and/or insight that you would like to share would be greatly appreiciated.
 
Michael and Jeanne V2 said:
This will most likely be the last 'big' boat we will buy and want to make as well-informed decision as we can.
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good one... I've told my wife the same thing on every boat I've bought...

I had a 400DB before the 480 so here are some observations and thoughts for you. there is no comparison between the two boats from a size standpoint. the 480 is a much, much larger boat than the mere 8' would suggest. you're looking at a 50,000lb wet boat vs. 25,000 for starters. that may sound intimidating to some but the 480 is the most solid and easiest boat to maneuver and operate I've ever been around. visibility, close quarter handling, rough seas, and so on. Maybe the biggest compliment I can pay the 480 is when you're offshore and there's no land in sight, you have confidence she will get you wherever you're going safely.

There are a lot of systems, including satellite, thruster, hydraulic lift and the cablemaster system you mention. cablemasters work great in warm weather but as the weather gets colder and the 50A power cable stiffens up, some don't work as well. hydraulic lifts require maintenance. ignore it and you'll be putting some big dollars into repairs, cylinder replacement, etc. a/c & fridge/freezer are 240ac systems, so no more ac/dc, so expect to put a lot more hours on the gen.

you've obviously been around the block wrt diesels. only thing to remind or make you aware of is due diligence if you look at the 3196s. many will simply advise you not to go there but if you bring in the right people to inspect the motors, thoroughly check out the service history, verify the upgrades have been done, etc the engines can be just as bullet proof as any other. There is no question the early aftercooler designs caused catastrophic failures in many 3196s. Obviously the Cummins QSMs have a solid track record but if you search the 480DB Owners threads you'll see there are a couple of problems, albeit nothing major, to be aware of. MANs are great motors but parts and service aren't for the meek.

you will be looking at ~45 gph at cruise which is 28mph or so depending on load, seas and other conditions,swinging 28x33 wheels. you'll tend to use more fuel but you can get there faster if you so choose. when you put the motors in gear, the rear end will squat. when the turbo kicks in, you will take a step backwards. when you reverse gears, there will be some shudder. all just nature of the beast.

we could go on and on but probably best if you ask specific questions. i'd recommend you search the owners thread where Gary, Greg and a few others have posted tons of useful info there. I'd also recommend you spend some time on boatdiesel.com reading about the motor set-ups.

all in all, its been one of SR's best selling boats. I've had zero issues and its been a good family boat for us. only gripe I can think of is the galley storage isn't what we'd (she'd) like it to be--she still misses the 400DB's pantry closet.

I ran the boat to FL last October and back early this summer, she literally looked at those 1,700 miles and laughed...then said "is that all you got?"
 
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Nice post Tim. Wondering.....would you ever consider going up to a 56 or is this the largest boat you would want? And why.
 
katricol said:
Nice post Tim. Wondering.....would you ever consider going up to a 56 or is this the largest boat you would want? And why.
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Funny you should ask. Ive never owned a boat for more than 5 years. Not by design, just has worked out that way. So im coming up on that mark pretty quick. This has been my favorite boat by far but I've got a wandering eye and can't stay away from yacht world. I think the best looking sea ray ever is the 560db but id like my next boat to be newer than the '04 which was the last year for her, so I've been kicking around the idea of a 58. But, I'd not be telling the truth if I said I wasn't thinking about a Viking or Hatt sportfish too. Then there are the days when I want out of big boats and just have a place on water with a 30' intrepid cc. What about you?
 
Micheal I have the 480 with 700hp Manns and damn I love them . The boat I have No complaints , ACs are great, AC on the bridge is the best , I have bow and stern thrusters do there's nowhere I can't squeeze into. I put a hole in it the size of a volley ball so now I'm not afraid to put her through her paces . Funny you started looking now, there are a lot of them on boat trader now , look at the blue hull 480,2004 with Mans it's a great boat great engines and low hours for a great price too .
Also I have my MANS man too, he's the only mechanic to ever touch my thundering cathedrals of Torq, he's great and he travels.
You will love the 480 we love Ours her name is Ambiance it's awesome
 
searay40dad said:
Funny you should ask. Ive never owned a boat for more than 5 years. Not by design, just has worked out that way. So im coming up on that mark pretty quick. This has been my favorite boat by far but I've got a wandering eye and can't stay away from yacht world. I think the best looking sea ray ever is the 560db but id like my next boat to be newer than the '04 which was the last year for her, so I've been kicking around the idea of a 58. But, I'd not be telling the truth if I said I wasn't thinking about a Viking or Hatt sportfish too. Then there are the days when I want out of big boats and just have a place on water with a 30' intrepid cc. What about you?
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Tim..I'd trade you a nice old 340...even up.. not even make you pay me any boot :lol:
 
Oh yes there's a story alright , as I was done getting fuel the dock hands threw my lines on board as I started the genie, wind was hitting the now hard as a front came out of the north west , raced to the bridge wher I started starboard main and I believe it started in reverse , which threw a fault code rendering my throttles useless , I slowly drifted into a dock 10x10 wooden pilon hanging just low enough to catch the aft corner , what an Erie sound fiberglass makes as it's cracking slowly ....... Genes 14,000 dollar repair ......
 
Damn. I had heard the fault code story, but not the details. I found the rub rail gap back there (where the h-d joint rail ends before the platform rail begins), but it was just a scratch.

The cracking sound must've been sickening!
 
I had an 01 400DB and upgraded to the 04 480DB with QSM11's. Very few problems with the cummins. I took it to Baltimore from Clearwater 2 years ago and this year to the central and southern Bahamas. I cruise at 30.5mph at 45 gph. No comparison to the 400 db. Much larger, hardtop, bridge A/C, thruster, 3rd stateroom, lift. This might be my last boat. Going up 5 more feet just too much more $$ for what you get. I don't think you will find a boat of this size more efficient. I too think it may be the best SR built. I am partial to the classic styling. A broker asked if I wanted to sell, I said it would take 600k. I know the boat and it cant be matched.
 
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Thank you for your extensive and thorough comments. We were aboard our first 480 last week. Your comment about the difference is more that the mere 8 ft is so true. We looked at each other and said," this is a big boat". Thanks again...
 
It may feel like a big boat but they drive and handle so well and easy lot easier than my 320 . Mike make sure you get a damn good survey, mine was and turns out they found nothing. Good to have though, these diesels will rock you for sure.
 
Thanks one and all...We are in the hunt for a 480. I think my wife is still intimitated by the size...but I'll work on her. Thank all for the good advice. I get the overwhelming sense that you-all give the 480 a two thumbs up. I know... I sure like the lines, features and cruising potential this boat offers. Your comments help us move forward with more confidence.

Again... Thanks shipmates...
 
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