The Official 450 Express Bridge Owners Club

[Forrestkk]

The pumpout docks are free in the marina where you rent a slip, but they are separate from the fuel dock. We also have the "Royal Flush" boats that will come to the slip, pump out the black water tanks and even rinse with fresh water for $35.
When our valve was stuck, I would make a stop at the free dock at the end of the trip to pump out. On a three day weekend trip, the tanks are usually half full. The Admiral isn't very patient and the time at the dock was counterproductive, so I got the valve open and we can pumpout on the fly. I usually slow down to idle speed to open and close the valve, but while it is pumping I bring the speed up to 12 knots or so. If the seas are rough heading back, I just pay the $35 to keep the peace.

Ahhhh, gotcha. Most of our docks have fuel and pump out co-located so we normally are pumping gas and pumping out at the same time.

Would do the same if I was getting grief from the boss...

 

[Jack O'Brien]

Couldn't get enough leverage to open waste seacock more than 1/2 and don't want to use a hammer to reclose. Will get that tool.

 

[Jack O'Brien]

At Galleon Marina Key West, pump out connections are at the slips. Guy comes with a hose on request and we don't even have to be there. Usually I do it while fueling too.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Couldn't get enough leverage to open waste seacock more than 1/2 and don't want to use a hammer to reclose. Will get that tool.

Even with the magic handle, it is tight in that space to open and close the valve. If the valve is stuck, be careful cranking on it with all of your new found leverage with the tool. If it breaks with the boat in the water, be prepared. My friend the tugboat engineer recommended Sea Bungs instead of wooden plugs. They come in a two pack that I have onboard just in case. https://www.seabung.com/video.html

 

[Jack O'Brien]

I have foam cones like those, hope never to need. My valve isn't frozen, just needs a boost with a longer handle. Wrist leverage tough in that spot as you mention.

 

[Shoyrtt]

I have foam cones like those, hope never to need. My valve isn't frozen, just needs a boost with a longer handle. Wrist leverage tough in that spot as you mention.

Check out the video link on the Sea Bungs that I posted. They work different than a plug and allow you to replace a valve if needed.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Does anyone else here keep a log book for your boat? I received some great advice early on to create my own book in a three ring binder to log distance, fuel, water, black waste, weather and even guests and activities on the trip. I also use it to track maintenance and service items. I found this log book from the original owner of the boat and possibly his original entry in June of 1999. It’s pretty sparse as far as information and he gave up on updating it after two pages.
I’ll post a picture of my book when I get back to the boat on Friday.

 

[Forrestkk]

Does anyone else here keep a log book for your boat? I received some great advice early on to create my own book in a three ring binder to log distance, fuel, water, black waste, weather and even guests and activities on the trip. I also use it to track maintenance and service items. I found this log book from the original owner of the boat and possibly his original entry in June of 1999. It’s pretty sparse as far as information and he gave up on updating it after two pages.
I’ll post a picture of my book when I get back to the boat on Friday.
View attachment 126298

I keep one on a spreadsheet.

Don't track fluids or passengers.

I do track hours, destination, and all maintenance.

 

[Jack O'Brien]

I have two log books, one for Brig dinghy, one for the Sea Ray. No logs from 5yr prev ownership but was able to get some maintenance receipts I put on a spreadsheet. Zero from 1st owner found. Randomly picked this one just after June 2020 on boat acquire. I log everything. I also have a separate spreadsheet of all things maintenance repair or new. Log book is non-fancy, simple & quite adequate for our compass rose themed kitchenware, decking, & stern boat name.

 

[Jack O'Brien]

Just back from Key West cruise with 11 boats at Galleon Marina. Based upon full fuel start, refuel at Key West, waypts of outer channel markers, my calcs are:
To: 262gal @ $4.98/gal (Club discount)
From: 262gal @ $5.92/gal (BoatUS discount)
Totals: 524gal, 280nm, $2855 cost
Avg: 1.9 gal/nm, $10.2/nm
Run speed: mostly 2200 rpm, 18knots, 20-21mph, trim tabs down 100% (bow down, flat planing).

 

[Shoyrtt]

I forgot I had my blank log sheets on the computer in my office. I have two entries on each page of the log. It serves as both a log and a checklist:

 

[Jack O'Brien]

Even with the magic handle, it is tight in that space to open and close the valve. If the valve is stuck, be careful cranking on it with all of your new found leverage with the tool. If it breaks with the boat in the water, be prepared. My friend the tugboat engineer recommended Sea Bungs instead of wooden plugs. They come in a two pack that I have onboard just in case. https://www.seabung.com/video.html
View attachment 126220

Watched the Seabung video, pretty neat yes. I have foam cones prev owner onboard but I might just get these anyways. Also have rolls of hose repair tape, wet & dry & hi heat plus plenty clamps. Ordered that seacock tool.

 

[Forrestkk]

I forgot I had my blank log sheets on the computer in my office. I have two entries on each page of the log. It serves as both a log and a checklist:
View attachment 126311

Cool sheet.

Your draft is about a foot deeper than mine.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Cool sheet.

Your draft is about a foot deeper than mine.

I'm not sure where I got that number from?

I did find another 450 for the list on the first page. I posted a picture of "No Drama" last Fall when we were at Two Harbors. I did a quick USCG search and found it.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Jack, is this your boat?

 

[Shoyrtt]

I added this to the first page also. A "virtual tour" of a 3 stateroom model in Discovery Bay, CA.
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=qzoUVUo3BGc

 

[Jack O'Brien]

Jack, is this your boat?

Yes indeed, it is my boat. Familiar video. Broker mis-spoke twice of it's year, saying 2003 model. It's a 2002. Acquired June 2020, 750hrs. Noteworthy additions I made: bridge & cockpit decking, new Chartplotter, radar, depth finder, and upper VHF. Autopilot inoperable, GPS next to it has middle of screen blank but redundant to Chartplotter anyway. Haven't decided what to do with these yet. Have a quote for autopilot at this point. Numerous other maintenance or improvements made to engines & accessory equipment. She's in really great shape now at 975hrs.

 

[Jack O'Brien]

Received my Top Shelf seacock helper. $29 with shipping. Back onboard Memorial weekend, will operate (carefully) all my valves (both engine thru-hulls we're replaced with new last June). My waste seacock does move, just can't get leverage so I hope this tool does the truck. Tks for the reference!

 

[Shoyrtt]

We are back in Avalon for the weekend. Our friends and slip neighbors took this picture as we raced across the channel. His 50’ Riviera averaged 24 knots so it wasn’t close.

 

[Shoyrtt]

On another note, the new lights sure are bright!