Thoughts on a 420DA vs a 460DA

[SAC850]

I know I have been all over the map on my boat quest but after a failed survey on an older 450 I'm to the point that I'm just going adjust my budget and get a boat that is newer, has more of a modern look and that is aesthetically pleasing to my eye and still functional for our needs. The 450 was definitely functional but I was never overly keen on the dated look but price wise they are probably the best boat for the money....if you can find a well kept one.

With that said I like the "looks" of the 420DA over the 460DA, not necessarily the outside profile as much as the cockpit and interior. There is obviously a size difference and as a FYI it didn't take me long to eliminate the 400/410 after finally getting to walk on one for the 450 as it seemed bigger and had that 2nd head (ooops I'm wrong on that part in regards to the 410 not having a 2nd head not sure what I was thinking.)

Now this is not hypothetical, if you could purchase a 420DA or a 460DA for essentially the same price both having hardtops which route would you go? and why? I would also like to include future value into the equation as well just gut feeling I think the 420DA would be worth more down the road merely because it has a much more modern look. Future value is not the most important factor but not something to completely ignore as well. I have read that depreciation thread.

Other than the standard build out differences between the two boats these are the three things that stand out:

1. Same engines but the 420 has 500 more hours both are mechanical cummins 430HP (or whatever it actually is)
2. 420 does not have cockpit AC nor a camper canvas (I don't know how important that is to us first inclination is that I would be yanking the camper canvas down to have a more open feel.)
3. On paper without an actual survey at the moment if you take into consideration the information provided and speaking with both brokers the 420 appears to be have been spared no expense so to speak as far as maintenance goes and they have the documentation to back it up. The 460 not so much information available. Both are being sold by original owners however.

Without having walked on either all I have to go on is pictures at the moment, of course the smart thing to do would be to drive down and look at both. I would really like to hear thoughts on this though. I have read through quite a bit of both threads and everyone seems to really love their 420's.

Thank you for your input

I forgot to add this I do know the 420 is overall smaller that the 460 as the length in the specs is including the molded in swim platform, it basically looks to be a compromise between the 460 and the 410.

 

[Dani-Lu]

The 410 has a second head.

But a hard top on the 420 definitely makes it look more current.

But I do not think the 420 is any larger than the early 2000 410.

The 460 with a hard top is a lot more boat than the 420.

 

[SAC850]

Actually there are a lot of little things I'm noticing with the 420 that I like a lot, it's a lot sleeker looking, from everything to the bow area to the big integrated swim platform. The cockpit area definitely has an updated look.

Bottom line is I need to go walk on them, hopefully I can get it done locally.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Cockpit AC is huge! If you are keeping the boat in Florida, it is a very nice option. I can't give any advice on the differences between the two boats, but I will say, on my 360, in South Georgia, I wish I had it.good luck!

 

[juggernaut1]

I looked at a 460 when I was recently looking for my 38. I liked the 460 alot but didn't know how I would go driving it given I was moving up from a aluminium 16.4 foot runabout!! So the size was intimidating for me - but very nice and roomy. The 38 like the 420 has a nice sleek look with updated interior and integrated swim platform which puts it at the perfect height to floating jetties at my marina. In years to come I thought the resale might be better on the 38 as well given it was a few years newer....but perhaps not as the 460 has diesels. I reckon my next boat would be something like the size of the 460.

Tough decision either way.

 

[FastMarkA]

When you're talking about two boats that are both no longer being produced, it's probably best to throw the resale justification out the window and just get the boat you like the most. What is important for resale, however, is that the boat you choose has most of the desirable options (i.e. not having cockpit A/C in a hardtop could make it hard to sell for you). I have some bad news for you: no matter if you choose 420 or 460, either one will depreciate.

That said, for boats that are ~10 years old (or older), the level of maintenance and care that can be observed would have a huge impact on purchase decision.

It sounds like you're talking yourself into a 420, which is a fine boat, but if you came across a 460 with shiny glass and nicely maintained diesels, that counts for a lot.

As other posters have said, the 460 is a lot more boat than the 420. You just need to decide if that is something you'll appreciate. You can't go wrong with either one, though.

 

[SAC850]

Yes I didn't realize that the 420 is a replacement for the 410 the LOA had me confused as it said it was 45' but that's including the integrated swim platform where the 46 is in fact 51' if you include the swim platform. The extra 8" beam and 5' in length is a lot of real estate.

Still like the 420 though, even before I picked up on the numbers I could tell just by looking at the salon the 460 appeared more spacious, keep thinking of that reclining chair.

 

[swaterhouse]

Having just purchased my 44DA we looked at several 420's which is the same hull/deck as the 2006+ 44.

The layout is great, we are loving our boat and for me the hardtop was a must have. Cockpit AC and Heat became a high priority but found it was rarely installed on a 420. Since it was an option the generator and electric system was sized for the load, and I was quoted about $5,500 to install one in a 2005 420.

In the end we went with the 2007 because we liked the big windows, wanted the QSC engines and none of the 420's offered locally were maintained in any where near the shape we weer happy with.

 

[Z-Worthy]

Maybe I'm off the mark here, but I feel like a hardtop 460 is actually going to hold it's value better than a hardtop 420. You have to remember that the 460 has already "depreciated" more as a percentage than the 420. So it's a bit further down on the "depreciation" curve than the 420. If you plot the FMV as a curve over time, the slope is currently steeper on that newer 420 than it is on the older 460. Obviously the condition of the boat throws that curve off, as do countless other variables. But if you compare the avg selling price of a 460 in 5yrs to the avg selling price of a 420 in 5yrs, my guess is that the 460 will have a higher FMV.

The 420 replaced the 410, which replaced the 400. If you're comparing, the late 90's 400 is almost the exact same "size" as the 410/420/44. But the 460 is actually a 50' boat LOA. Those extra 5ft are HUGE when you put those two boats side by side. There comes a point in time where size trumps "newness" and I think those big 460s will be worth more than the considerably smaller 420s in a few years.

 

[fr8dog]

Here are my thoughts on your decision. My wife and I had the same decision to make and ultimately decided on the 460. It is a substantially larger boat. 51.5 with standard swim platform. 53 + with the hydraulic one. The interior affords far more space. The master shower and head are in the same space as opposed to the 42 that has the head on one side and the shower on the other side of the boat. The 460 has a full size refrigerator. The cockpit on the 460 is a good deal larger. It also has a electric rear seat that opens up to a large cushioned lounge area. Other items like an electric powered shore power cable are nice. Both boats are very easy to handle around the dock. If you plan on spending time on the hook or in marinas for any length of time the 460 is the boat. Sometime in 2001, Sea Ray changed from cored hull sides to solid. You'll want the solid. You can call Sea Ray with the hull number and get that info. In 2003 they offered the 480CE engine with electronic upgrades. For us the hardtop was mandatory as well as cockpit air. I notice you are in Florida so you will want that with either boat. Good Luck!!

 

[Graham Lorimer]

Hi

Happy to throw my 2 cents worth on the table, we had a 97 400DA for 4 years and then moved up to a 2002 460.

Although I have not been on one, it seems the 410 and 420 are derivatives of the original 400, and the extra real estate you get with the 460 is massive. No real noticeable differences in the boats to drive, the 460 I have has 480hp Volvo engines and came fitted with both bow and stern thrusters, two of us can park it anywhere, never an issue.

Obviously previous history, condition and extras are all a part of the decision making process, but I would spend some time on the 460 first, and then see how the size compares when you board the smaller boat, it really is that different.

Good luck with your search.

 

[katricol]

No question at all...the 460

 

[srkartholl]

When I started looking, thought the 50 SunDancer was the way to go...but the interior layout (essentially bunkbeds in the 2nd cabin) changed my mind. Also looked at the 54 Dancer, even a 58. All 2000 or so vintage. Thought the larger boats would be difficult to handle solo...looked at a 460. Has everything one could ask...much space below, full-size fridge-freezer, excellent cockpit layout with good sightlines fore & aft. Easy to handle with 6CTA Cummins, W-Beke genny quiet enough to not be intrusive. Cabin Bose audio system, SAT TV and radio...these boats have everything. Bought a 2000 460 about a year ago, couldn't be more pleased with the boat. BTW...canvas was getting tired...Boatswain's Locker in Jacksonville (OEM SeaRay supplier) had all the data/measurements/patterns for my boat. Took them approx 3wks to produce excellent canvas/eisenglass...and price was VERY reasonable. Would highly recommend.

 

[HUMPH]

It all depends on how you will be boating. If just 2 people for the weekend, the 420 is a beautiful boat that performs well. If you will be carrying kids or guests, the 460's mid cabin is a real stateroom for guests. We have 3 460's in our club now and they are really fantastic.

 

[Bill Gillespie]

Ken hit the nail on the head. How will you use the boat? We are stepping down from a 480 DB. I resisted the Sundancer concept but we have decided on the 2006-2007 Sundancer. The 420, now a 44, is plenty of boat for 2 people, and occasional guests, 2 more couples easily. The cockpit is huge and will accommodate lots of fellow boaters easily. Cummins diesels are a sweet option.

Bill

 

[SAC850]

Thank you for all the replies, we will definitely take our kids with us....pretty much have to Sounds like the 460 is the ticket. Now whether they can sleep in the mid cabin stateroom together without problems is another story.

Anybody ever shipped a 460 with a hardtop? There is a possible candidate but she is would come out of the Jacksonville area not sure I'm prepared to float her around the entire state of Florida up to the Panhandle. Would be fun but not as a first trip with a boat of this magnitude and my experience level.

 

[fr8dog]

Thank you for all the replies, we will definitely take our kids with us....pretty much have to Sounds like the 460 is the ticket. Now whether they can sleep in the mid cabin stateroom together without problems is another story.

Anybody ever shipped a 460 with a hardtop? There is a possible candidate but she is would come out of the Jacksonville area not sure I'm prepared to float her around the entire state of Florida up to the Panhandle. Would be fun but not as a first trip with a boat of this magnitude and my experience level.

Yes they can be shipped with the hardtop. I was quoted a price on a boat I was looking at on Long Island for shipment to Florida. They put it backwards on a very low trailer. I was told all the antenna’s had to come off as well as the props. I finally purchased an in state boat, so the shipment was not necessary. From Jacksonville you would not have to go around the state. You could bring the boat through Lake Okeechobee on the ICW. Then up the gulf side. If you are not comfortable you could hire a Captain to help you and by the time you got home you would be all checked out on the boat.

 

[All's Well]

I shipped my 460DA from Lake Erie to Austin, TX., not to big of a hassle. Pull the props, clear the hardtop and secure the rest of the gear and you're good to go.

If I could go by water I would do it. Hire a Captain and you'll know your boat better in 4 or 5 days than you would in 6 months of passive use. I did this with my 370DA, bought it in Coral Gables and hired a Captain and brought it up to Wilmington, NC in 5 days - one of the best trips I ever made.

Take Care

Thank you for all the replies, we will definitely take our kids with us....pretty much have to Sounds like the 460 is the ticket. Now whether they can sleep in the mid cabin stateroom together without problems is another story.

Anybody ever shipped a 460 with a hardtop? There is a possible candidate but she is would come out of the Jacksonville area not sure I'm prepared to float her around the entire state of Florida up to the Panhandle. Would be fun but not as a first trip with a boat of this magnitude and my experience level.

 

[aquadancer]

+1 on the 460! I own a 2002 410 but I spent a good deal of time on 2001 460. I also have a couple of friends with recent vintage 400, 420, and 440 Sundancer and I have hung out on them and run them all.

I think 2000 and newer 460 with hard top, cockpit air, hydraulic platform, and good upkeep and maintenance will continue to be desirable boats. They have a very classis lines and excellent layout (IMHO) both in and out. 460 feels very specious and bright down below, full size fridge is a big deal, aft cabin feels like a real stateroom, there are no filler cushions needed for either aft cabin or salon sofa. Reclining chair is a cool feature. I strongly prefer a good size head / shower room to the split head design on the newer boats and I never really understood why they designed the split head.

Cockpit is huge and well laid out. Convertible sunpad is a cool feature and it doesn't require any filler cushion (as far as I can recall). ER access is pretty good, I can actually fit between the engine on the 460 with no major issues. 460 will have a single 50A shore power cord on a Cablemaster. I believe most 420s still have two 30A cords that you have to manually lug around.

460 is much bigger and it feels much bigger. Also seems quiet at cruising speed and has a flatter, better balanced running attitude.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[ttmott]

If I remember correctly the 420DA has an integrated swim platform and the 460DA is attached. Personally, I would not want an integrated swim platform in the event is was crashed or damaged. An attached one could be removed and repaired. Just a thought.... Also I believe the integrated is quite a bit above the water which I also don't kosher to very well....
It's the little things.