Sea Trial on a 2011 450 DA with Zeus

[JustUs2]

Powered by CMD 380's and Zeus. Zeus is amazing! Did a hard turn to port at full throttle and thought I was going to soil myself. The response is drastic and immediate. Max rpms is 3050 at a speed of 36.2 mph burning 39.4 gph. Up on plane and level in 12 seconds using the auto setting for the trim tabs. Cruising at 2,400 rpm at a speed of 26 mph burning 27 gph. I think it was Frank that talked about the joystick and how easy it is to over-compensate. Wow, you really need to be careful with it, you can easily scare the crap out of everyone by how fast you can move around with it.

The power steering takes some getting used to as well. It is not power assist, it is power steering. You can spin the wheel easily with your pinky. It really is as responsive as a sports boat. Had a lot of fun. I was also amazed at how quiet the boat is. I'm assuming that is because of the thru-prop exhaust. If all the stars align correctly, we might just wind up with it. I gotta admit, I was thoroughly impressed!

 

[tgalloway]

Well, so much for getting useful info out of you guys for the twin boats. Jealous would be the word of the day.

 

[JustUs2]

Well, so much for getting useful info out of you guys for the twin boats. Jealous would be the word of the day.

The deal ain't done yet ... we still love our 390 and use it almost every weekend. It's just that dealers have to move their leftover models (this is a 2011), interest rates are pretty darn good, and the 450 is a boat with a very limited market. 1 stateroom and 1 head with an 'open' floor plan. Its a great boat for a couple, not so much so for a family. This makes it a great boat for us as we are nearing retirement and it is mostly "JustUs2". The admiral and I are still trying to shake the stars out of our eyes from the sea trial.

Having never had diesel engines before (at least double the lifespan of gas I'm guessing if well maintained), the fuel to distance ratio (at cruise, 1:1 for the 450 and .6 to 1 for the 390) and of course the responsiveness of Zeus is making it hard for us to be practical (but of course, if we were that practical we wouldn't own a boat in the first place...).

We started making a list of the negatives of this boat to kind of re-align our brains. There aren't many but there are some:
1) The annual maintenance costs will increase each year (Zeus requires oil changes like the engine), and the zincs are very expensive.
2) This boat is really a 41.5 foot boat with an extended platform. But you'll pay slip and docking fees for all 45'.
3) The extended swim platform is not molded in, but is a bolt on. The weight limit (according to the Searay) is 400 lbs. (this limits your dinghy solution).
4) We simply don't know squat about diesel engines, maintenance costs, what to look for, etc. We will have to rely on the dealer or other mechanics for advise on repairs and maintenance (at least in the beginning). Of course, we always have the fine folks at CSR to ask.

We are taking the next step and checking out financing options, but that always is a factor (what interest rate do you qualify for, etc.). Most likely scenario is that we will enjoy our 390 for a few more years... but you never know what the outcome will be.

 

[copb8tx]

I like the 450 a lot but i think it will eventually get hammerred in the resale market for the reasons you mentioned. With that in mind I would really be putting the screws to Sea Ray on their price.

 

[tgalloway]

No matter what you do...it is a win win.

 

[jeokeefe]

Anyone know anything about the 450 option:

"Doors, Dual Sliding Handcrafted Solid Wood w/Translucent Screens - Pocket (In Lieu of Standard Curtain) - Lower Salon"

 

[Jimsroc]

This option is designed to make the aft "theater area" a private stateroom - would be popular with owners with kids or those that wish to cruise with other couples for overnight stays. Not real popular in US but used more over seas

 

[ziekman@cox.net]

Justus2, so you did get the 450, congrats. Would love to know what options, and pics please!


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