480 DB Owners Club

Not without adding shut off valves, which wouldn't be hard. Not sure what year they switched to a manifold system but my '03 doesn't have one.
 
I would add the valve as close to ER as possible to keep the line from freezing. I keep my boat in year round and have been ok without it, but it is a great idea.
 
Yes, I bought the proper tool and fittings. I plan to add shut offs to the anchor wash feed under the floor next to drain sump and the transom shower/ fresh water wash down feeds in the lazzarette.
 
I removed both pumps from the vacuum tanks and rebuilt them at home over the winter. It wasn't hard to get them out so I'd just do that instead of fighting with it in place.
 
quality time said:
I removed both pumps from the vacuum tanks and rebuilt them at home over the winter. It wasn't hard to get them out so I'd just do that instead of fighting with it in place.
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So... you crawled between the bulkhead and motor and unbolted the 4 nuts, unscrewed the fittings, disconnected wires and removed the pumps? How big are you - you fit? Looking at it it appears that only a small child would- and then getting back out! I'm pretty sure I'm not going to fit, was hoping there was something to it/remove click my heals something
 
Maybe CAT boats are different but I've got about 2' in front of my engines. I'm 6', 165 lbs so yes I can fit in there no problem. I replaced all of the head hoses in the boat last winter and access wasn't too bad. QSM's have 3 zincs on the outboard side of the STBD engine and that fun to reach port impeller and fuel cooler zinc.
 
quality time said:
Maybe CAT boats are different but I've got about 2' in front of my engines. I'm 6', 165 lbs so yes I can fit in there no problem. I replaced all of the head hoses in the boat last winter and access wasn't too bad. QSM's have 3 zincs on the outboard side of the STBD engine and that fun to reach port impeller and fuel cooler zinc.
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Wow okay, I don't think I have two feet and there are obstacles. It must be possible so I guess I will give it a shot!
 
Russ, I'm 5'10" and 205 lbs. Same engines as you but mine doesn't have bow thruster batteries in front of the engines. Either way you should have enough room.

2 hoses with 2 clamps on each.
Positive and negative wires, Mine had connectors already on them to unplug.
2 of the 4 screws/barrel guides to remove. The ones in the back stay in place.
Make sure there is no vacuum buildup (of course you duckbills are bad) or you will have a hard time getting the suction hose from toilet off
 
You can get there by unscrewing the back panel in the cockpit cabinet to the right of the salon door, then feed down into the engine room behind the STBD muffler, then onto the outlet on that bulkhead. Not sure if you're trying to run power to or from the engine room. There's also an outlet in the same cabinet I first mentioned.
 
quality time said:
You can get there by unscrewing the back panel in the cockpit cabinet to the right of the salon door, then feed down into the engine room behind the STBD muffler, then onto the outlet on that bulkhead. Not sure if you're trying to run power to or from the engine room. There's also an outlet in the same cabinet I first mentioned.
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Perfect, that's what I needed, thank you. I'm running a HD cord from 110 on the dock to the engine room- to run one block heater and a boat safe on a totally independent circuit.
 
Has anyone accessed the fuel senders? My port gauge bounces more than I'd like so I'm thinking about replacing with the floatless type. I'm pretty sure there are access panels in the salon floor but not sure if the couch and cabinets need removed?
 
quality time said:
Has anyone accessed the fuel senders? My port gauge bounces more than I'd like so I'm thinking about replacing with the floatless type. I'm pretty sure there are access panels in the salon floor but not sure if the couch and cabinets need removed?
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Sorry, not sure but I believe the best access will be from below - but again I'm not sure. Not much seems easy to access in this boat, surprising.
Have you checked voltage at the gauge itself?
 
There's only a couple of inches between the tanks and the floor so there has to be another access. I'm pretty sure I saw an inspection plate on the STBD side when I had the carpet up a few years ago and I've heard there's a panel to access the central drain tube under the couch. I'll do some digging this weekend and report back for future reference.

I did unplug the gauge and put some contact cleaner on the pins but have not verified voltage. Probably a good idea to check that first - thanks.
 
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There is a panel (about 6" round in my boat)on the floor behind the sofa. The cushion of the front half of the sofa can be removed and I think this will give you enough room to get to the panel. If not then just finish removing the sofa frame.
 
Hello 480's! Thinking about moving on up from the 400DB to the 480DB (or possibly a 560). Wanted to get some input from the group and see what positives and negatives you guys experience and what to look out for. Im probably looking 2002-2004.

Thanks in advance

KtC
 
positives, lots of room and the aft helm is great for backing down, hard top is much better than what you currently have. 2 state rooms with a bunk room on starboard side. Cummings and Cat engines are great, but both can have issues if you do not keep up the maintenance. The DDEC's are also potential issue due to the high HP they are trying to get out of them. The other boat is just bigger and will have more creature comforts, but both are good. the negatives...its a boat :)
 
I would say that Maintenance and records showing it are very important. Hrs. on the Mains and Generator are not as important as their upkeep. You loose an engine in either of the two boats mentioned, Standby for the BIG BUCKS. Also the year being 2002 and up may not necessarily be the best deal out there. 99-01 could have some good deals with many upgrades already done that newer models haven't done yet. BTW both are great boats. I have been in the engine room of the 56 and there is a lot more room in there to do the maintenance. Good luck hunting.
 
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