480 DB Owners Club

[quality time]

If you prop a 480DB correctly to mitigate the manifold issue you will be cruising 20-21 knots. Probably no faster than you are now and about where most Sea Rays are made to cruise.

That’s the reason I switched to a totally different style of boat.

 

[rlynch03]

MPH
On the pins 35 MPH

Running light I have seen 35mph

 

[The crime scene]

Running light I have seen 35mph

I’ve seen 35 mph also in the right conditions, which is sort of amazing for a big boat.

 

[LattitudeAdjustment]

If you prop a 480DB correctly to mitigate the manifold issue you will be cruising 20-21 knots. Probably no faster than you are now and about where most Sea Rays are made to cruise.

That’s the reason I switched to a totally different style of boat.

So you went to the Post primarily for performance reasons? I would imagine the ride is better with the deep V hull. I also hear that the Post boats offer higher headroom than many others in similar year/type.

I enjoy offshore fishing and always think the grass would be greener on the other side, meaning going to a sport-fish from the 480. However, we do a lot of entertaining and the 480DB does well in that area. Your post has my mind thinking.

V

 

[quality time]

So you went to the Post primarily for performance reasons? I would imagine the ride is better with the deep V hull. I also hear that the Post boats offer higher headroom than many others in similar year/type.

I enjoy offshore fishing and always think the grass would be greener on the other side, meaning going to a sport-fish from the 480. However, we do a lot of entertaining and the 480DB does well in that area. Your post has my mind thinking.

V

I grew up on a 46' and a 50' Post and even though our three Sea Rays treated us well while the kids were younger, I bided my time until I could get back to a true sportfish for the speed and ride quality. There's plenty of room for entertaining since the salon and cockpit are huge due to the 17' beam. Honestly, the 50 Post is a beast and about the only area the 480DB did better was fuel burn.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I just received my out of water survey results and would like your opinion on the results to see if you would buy or run from the boat. I appreciate all of your help in advance!

Couple of questions -
Do you think the issues below are a big deal? How much money should I request for the transom? The Yacht Yard said they won't do the repairs and I would need another place to do the actual work. I was asked to get a general quote.
What do you think the cost would be to fix the transom issue?
How common is to have elevated moisture readings around the hydraulic swim platform?

Did any of you have bridge moisture on the bridge?

What is the cost to fix the window weather stripping?

Findings
1. Transom - The elevated or L-3 readings were gained from approximate 10”W “bands” on each side of each platform mounting pad.

2. Survey of the hydraulic lift platform showed most surfaces to present well to our visual
inspections. Visual inspections did reveal an approximate 1.5’ fracture in the port edge. Percussive
testing of the structure didn’t reveal any anomalies. Moisture readings gained from the solid FRP
surfaces registered in the Level 1 range, while the readings gained from the cored transverse
frames registered in the Level 2-3 ranges.

3. Bow - Sun pads - After boarding the vessel, the attending surveyor inspected the deck and cabin housing by using the same methods as used on the undersides. The noted surfaces presented in a well-maintained
condition. The overwhelming-majority of the moisture readings gained from the deck and cabin
housing surfaces registered in the Level 1 range. Level 2 -3 readings were gained from the
surfaces near the 2nd and 4th (from bow) mounting bases on the starboard grab rail.

From the survey on the moisture spots -
Have a qualified FRP repair facility inspect the areas where elevated and or dissimilar moisture
readings were gained (transom, near 2 port lights, and near 2 bases on the starboard grab rail) and
repair/reseal as found necessary.

 

[douglee25]

Elevated moisture readings are going to be common on a boat of that age. How long was the boat out of water before surveying? Does the hammer sounding confirm wet areas or are they solely going on the meter? Some surveyors don't even use a meter anymore because they're widely inaccurate and they strictly use a hammer for confirming suspect areas. Were other areas that are underwater completely dry @ level 1? Or was it all similar? If the sounding presents well, look at having the platform resealed and inspect when it's off.

 

[The crime scene]

I just received my out of water survey results and would like your opinion on the results to see if you would buy or run from the boat. I appreciate all of your help in advance!

Couple of questions -
Do you think the issues below are a big deal? How much money should I request for the transom? The Yacht Yard said they won't do the repairs and I would need another place to do the actual work. I was asked to get a general quote.
What do you think the cost would be to fix the transom issue?
How common is to have elevated moisture readings around the hydraulic swim platform?

Did any of you have bridge moisture on the bridge?

View attachment 155734

What is the cost to fix the window weather stripping?

View attachment 155733

Findings
1. Transom - The elevated or L-3 readings were gained from approximate 10”W “bands” on each side of each platform mounting pad.
View attachment 155731

2. Survey of the hydraulic lift platform showed most surfaces to present well to our visual
inspections. Visual inspections did reveal an approximate 1.5’ fracture in the port edge. Percussive
testing of the structure didn’t reveal any anomalies. Moisture readings gained from the solid FRP
surfaces registered in the Level 1 range, while the readings gained from the cored transverse
frames registered in the Level 2-3 ranges.

3. Bow - Sun pads - After boarding the vessel, the attending surveyor inspected the deck and cabin housing by using the same methods as used on the undersides. The noted surfaces presented in a well-maintained
condition. The overwhelming-majority of the moisture readings gained from the deck and cabin
housing surfaces registered in the Level 1 range. Level 2 -3 readings were gained from the
surfaces near the 2nd and 4th (from bow) mounting bases on the starboard grab rail.
View attachment 155730
From the survey on the moisture spots -
Have a qualified FRP repair facility inspect the areas where elevated and or dissimilar moisture
readings were gained (transom, near 2 port lights, and near 2 bases on the starboard grab rail) and
repair/reseal as found necessary.

View attachment 155732

There is not a 20 plus year old boat that will not have moisture readings. It's goes with the age. I am not a surveyor and do not have the training to judge the findings. With that said, there is not much I see here that is alarming. The window trim is something most of us have changed by now and you can find plenty of threads about it on this forum. Good luck on the boat. If you purchase, I think you will find the 480 is one of the best boats out there for its era.

 

[Johnny Utah]

The hammer found no issues with the boat, only the moisture meter. I spoke with a few people and feel very comfortable with this awesome boat! I received the oil samples and the results were GREEN! I should close on the boat this week! I love my 400 Sedan Bridge, but it's time to upgrade! I now have my 400 for sale in Chicago. Let me know if you know someone that wants a great boat. I'm currently on page 52 of this thread and look to gain a lot of insight about the boat before I ask you all questions.

 

[douglee25]

Sounds like you're in good shape.

 

[The crime scene]

The hammer found no issues with the boat, only the moisture meter. I spoke with a few people and feel very comfortable with this awesome boat! I received the oil samples and the results were GREEN! I should close on the boat this week! I love my 400 Sedan Bridge, but it's time to upgrade! I now have my 400 for sale in Chicago. Let me know if you know someone that wants a great boat. I'm currently on page 52 of this thread and look to gain a lot of insight about the boat before I ask you all questions.

Congratulations. The 480 has everything you need in a boat. I jumped up from a 400 to a 480 that same as you are doing. You will love that added horsepower when you want to get up and run a little. Weekend trips are far more comfortable also.

This forum literally has a million dollars worth of info. The 480 facebook site as sort of taken over, but i still search this site for answers to questions. Good luck with both boats.

 

[The crime scene]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

 

[scooper321]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

I always scrape with a vinyl caulk scraper. They are cheap at the hardware store. As for caulk, I forget the number but I use the 3M and LifeSeal clear silicone that promises not to crack or fade. I don't use the adhesive caulks for the rails and such topside.

 

[steve4566]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

Sea Ray told me they used UV Protected Sikaflex SIKA 521 when they built the 480DBs. I've also heard that some people have used Dowsil 795.

 

[ttmott]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

Sikaflex 295UV.

 

[Mauler34Rod]

+1 on the Sikaflex 295UV

 

[Shaps]

First up this spring is redoing the exterior caulk. Anybody had any luck with a specific tool to remove the old caulk and not damage the gel coat?

Suggestions on what type of caulk to use?

Keith

I used a ton of those plastic razor blades. Literally went through them like water but no risk to the gelcoat.
+2 on sikaflex 295uv

 

[The crime scene]

Thanks all for the response. The Sikaflex 295uv seems to be the one most liked. I haven't researched it yet but will. Should I use clear or white?

Keith

 

[Shaps]

Thanks all for the response. The Sikaflex 295uv seems to be the one most liked. I haven't researched it yet but will. Should I use clear or white?

Keith

White

 

[LattitudeAdjustment]

Does anyone have a good source for replacing the A/C grills on the flybridge? They have yellowed over the years and are ready to be gone.

Thanks,
V