480 DB Owners Club

[WDR]

I'd like someone smarter than me to explain how important they are on a diesel boat. ABYC doesn't require them and requires four B-1 extinguishers for your size boat.

I’m not pretending to be smarter than anybody. But On a boat this size I don’t think you are able to insure it w/out an auto fire suppression system. If you have the QSM11s the exhaust manifold/turbo housing operates at 900+ degrees under load, any of the fluid hoses get a leak under pressure and contact the exhaust And I think you are going to want a suppression system that does not require you to open the hatch, or at least gives you the option not to.

 

[Robert Pearson]

Hey, On a 2004 480DB or similar,
Has anyone had to change out the Sea-Fire extinguisher because it’s Halon. The replacement seems way too big to fit in that spot. I can’t imagine having to repeat-rout that cable and wiring, surely there’s an easier fix for this and I’m not the first one. TIA.

Just had mine hydro tested and passed by a fire extinguishing company. Hadn’t been done since new in 2003.
Cost 595.

 

[Robert Pearson]

You don't say in your sig if you are fresh or salt. Take the end of your HE and inspect for clogging...as well as the impeller. If you are over two thousand hours, you might replace the whole pump - the cam wears...

Thanks, new pump and impeller 50 hours ago. Over 2800 hrs on gen. Just took out the thermostat, I don’t need it in these warm salt waters. If I went to 100% coolant, would that help?

 

[Robert Pearson]

I'd like someone smarter than me to explain how important they are on a diesel boat. ABYC doesn't require them and requires four B-1 extinguishers for your size boat.

They are essential for safety. You see a fire in the engine room, hopefully you have a camera, and can pull the lever at the helm if it doesn’t do it automatically. The engines shut down so fuel doesn’t go everywhere if that was your problem. Also there is an override switch on the dash to start them if you are headed for the rocks. Tough choice

 

[Robert Pearson]

When was your last impeller change? Take a look at your genny water flow out the rear port corner of the boat and see what type flow you have. If it is weak or intermittent then you need a new impeller. You should have a strong flow of water shooting out the exhaust.

Keith

Hey Keith, thanks for the help. I seem to have a good water flow. It shut down the other day due to high temp. Will that hurt the impeller? When it is running, it flows and spits. Is that what is meant by weak?

 

[quality time]

I'd like someone smarter than me to explain how important they are on a diesel boat. ABYC doesn't require them and requires four B-1 extinguishers for your size boat.

Rumor has it a boat in our marina was boarded by the Coast Guard and fined nearly $10,000 for an out of date auto extinguisher. Needless to say I'm looking into inspection services.

 

[carterchapman]

Thanks, new pump and impeller 50 hours ago. Over 2800 hrs on gen. Just took out the thermostat, I don’t need it in these warm salt waters. If I went to 100% coolant, would that help?

50/50 mix actually cools better than 100% coolant...

 

[dcpringle]

Thanks, new pump and impeller 50 hours ago. Over 2800 hrs on gen. Just took out the thermostat, I don’t need it in these warm salt waters. If I went to 100% coolant, would that help?

Something else to keep in mind is that a thermostat also act to restrict the flow within the engine to allow it to transfer heat thru the heat exchanger... if you complete remove it, it creates a larger amount of flow which decreases that amount of time the coolant stay inside the heat exchanger... if you are concerned that the thermostat is sticking, take the guts out of the middle of it and put the remainder of it back in... It becomes permanently "open" at that point.. Just my 2 cents..

 

[The crime scene]

Hey Keith, thanks for the help. I seem to have a good water flow. It shut down the other day due to high temp. Will that hurt the impeller? When it is running, it flows and spits. Is that what is meant by weak?

Do you have a regular water pump also? Years ago I was having nearly the same issues on a westerbeke and the water pump was going bad. I changed both the water pump and belt and it fixed the problem.

Keith

 

[CLC3]

This is probably redundant so please excuse the repeat if so. I searched the thread but could not find the information I'm seeking....

I'm looking for an early-mid 2000's 480 Sedan Bridge as an upgrade from our 1997 370 Sundancer. For me, that's a gas to diesel transition (and boy, am I ready - bye, bye Mercruiser!) and a big jump in overall boat size (ready for that too). My question involves fuel burn - what can I expect at hull speed and normal cruise and, what is normal cruise speed with the Caterpillar and Cummins engine options assuming clean bottom and running gear with well tuned props?

TIA for any replies or links to relevant posts.

 

[Steve S]

The 480DB was manufactured from 1998 - 2004. I have been checking them out also. The Cummins will burn about 45 GPH and the Cats I believe will burn slightly more. The 480 owners can update this.

 

[ttmott]

The 480DB was manufactured from 1998 - 2004. I have been checking them out also. The Cummins will burn about 45 GPH and the Cats I believe will burn slightly more. The 480 owners can update this.

Hope not - 34 - 36 GPH at 1800 RPM which should give between 21 and 23 mph for the QSM11.

 

[Steve S]

Hope not - 34 - 36 GPH at 1800 RPM which should give between 21 and 23 mph for the QSM11.

I was speaking total fuel burn not per engine, based on several conversations I have had with with several owners.

 

[ttmott]

I was speaking total fuel burn not per engine, based on several conversations I have had with with several owners.

That is total. Each engine should be loaded to 17 GPH at 1800...

 

[Bach]

Does anyone know where I can get the replacement light for engine room?

 

[quality time]

I'm dialed in as recommended by Tony Athens and burn 38-39 GPH total @ 2000 RPM doing 20-22 knots depending on sea state. The guys burning 45-50 GPH in QSM's are over propped and will pay for it at some point.

I've never paid attention to fuel burn at hull speed because I only pass that getting on plane and coming down.

 

[mquiet]

I have the cat 3196 and here are my number: 1050rpm=5gph and 8-9kts. 1750rpm=16gph and 16-17kts. 2000rpm=20gph and 22kts. Hope that helps.

 

[CLC3]

Thanks gentlemen.

Mquiet.... confirming your numbers are per engine, right? Or, what’s your secret?

 

[mquiet]

Thanks gentlemen.

Mquiet.... confirming your numbers are per engine, right? Or, what’s your secret?

Correct, the burn rate is per engine. I usually cruise at 1750rpm. He load is 65%, so engines are not pushed and really like that spot. I will also add a little of th tabs to push the bow down and you can hear the difference.

 

[Ranger Mike]

Anyone out there have a digital copy of the GHS Hydraulic Swim Platform owners manual? I'm trying to figure out what needs to be serviced on the Hydraulic system, where the fluid fill is, and general stuff like that. I appreciate any help you can give me. Mike