Official 400EC thread

Not a newbie, but could use some advice.

I've had my 400 EC for a few years but the trim tabs weren't working properly when I bought it. Recently had the boat hauled out and that's one of the things I had repaired. Now that they work I need to learn the proper way to use them. My previous boat was smaller and had no tabs.

1. When cruising at slower speeds, I assume the tabs will be in a neutral position?
2. When trying to get on plane, should the tabs be down or up? At what tach speed do you change the tabs?
3. Once the boat is on plane do you bring the tabs down to bring the bow down?
 
Eluther3 said:
Not a newbie, but could use some advice.

I've had my 400 EC for a few years but the trim tabs weren't working properly when I bought it. Recently had the boat hauled out and that's one of the things I had repaired. Now that they work I need to learn the proper way to use them. My previous boat was smaller and had no tabs.

1. When cruising at slower speeds, I assume the tabs will be in a neutral position?
2. When trying to get on plane, should the tabs be down or up? At what tach speed do you change the tabs?
3. Once the boat is on plane do you bring the tabs down to bring the bow down?
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"Normally" At slow/no wake speed I run them all the way up.
Before going on plane I move them all the way down. I normally cruise at 2800-3000 rpm and the tabs are still all the way down. I might raise them a little to bring the bow up depending on wind/waves.
 
I agree with Nick , all the way up at low speeds. The boat will get to plane on its own, depending on speed. So, I use tabs to get on plane quicker at lower speeds while inching upwards to the 2400 rpm area.Then when at plane, tabs all the way up and let the boat ride. I also use to raise the aft end coming off plan, so to reduce "squat" when entering into areas that are shallow.
 
Nick Hahn said:
Plans for the new electronics is progressing . . the admiral really likes the black carbon fiber that jonsm114 did, so that will likely replace all the old burlwood. One question - is there some way to get the Sea Ray led alarm/information panel information into the new garmin displays? The led's are nearly impossible to see in the sun, and don't readily catch your attention. (Should there be an audible alarm that no longer works on mine?) I'm sure the old can be re-used, but would like to upgrade it if that is possible.[/QUOT
Nick Hahn said:
Got the electronics upgraded. Looks great, just need to get on the water learn the equipment and make sure everything works! Originally was not going to replace the switch panels, but with the new black dash and removing the padded trim, I think updating the switches is in order!

Before:
View attachment 141901
In Process:
View attachment 141902

Finished:
View attachment 141897 View attachment 141898 View attachment 141903
Click to expand...
looks great!

jon
Click to expand...
 
Nick Hahn said:
Got the electronics upgraded. Looks great, just need to get on the water learn the equipment and make sure everything works! Originally was not going to replace the switch panels, but with the new black dash and removing the padded trim, I think updating the switches is in order!

Before:
View attachment 141901
In Process:
View attachment 141902

Finished:
View attachment 141897 View attachment 141898 View attachment 141903
Click to expand...
I like the new look. What material did you use?

BTW - if you decide to update the switches let me know. My 92 has toggle switches and I've been wanting to update my switches to rocker switches. I'm wondering if I could upgrade to the later model rocker panel
 
Eluther3 said:
I like the new look. What material did you use?

BTW - if you decide to update the switches let me know. My 92 has toggle switches and I've been wanting to update my switches to rocker switches. I'm wondering if I could upgrade to the later model rocker panel
Click to expand...

It's a carbon fiber look plastic - Quality Marine Electronics - a local shop did all the work - custom cut and fit everything. Made the mount for the radar and moved the light pole from the windshield to the radar mount. ( I hated the windshield light pole - so glad its gone! ) I don't think there is any reason you could not upgrade all the switches with a new panel - other than the challenge of sorting through all the options to get the ones you need ( or can make work because the old contact arrangement is no longer available. )
 
Any one know the rated passenger capacity for our boat? Wife invited 10 people for a cruise and 16 rsvps came in.
 
Eluther3 said:
Any one know the rated passenger capacity for our boat? Wife invited 10 people for a cruise and 16 rsvps came in.
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I am not aware of a "rated capacity" ( there probably is ) - we have had 10-12 on ours multiple times with no concerns, I don't think you could sit 16-18 on deck, unless you are going to have some down below in the salon.
 
Eluther3 said:
Any one know the rated passenger capacity for our boat? Wife invited 10 people for a cruise and 16 rsvps came in.
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Although you can fit that many “on” a 400EC, in cabin, and cockpit combined, two concerns are obvious. Be sure to have PFD’s for all aboard, as in addition to the safety reasons, a vessel that crowded may draw the attention of marine safety officials, especially the overzealous types. Secondly, plan on a slower cruise, most likely hard to/not getting on plane with an extra ton and a half of body weight (180# average) aboard.
I’ll also add, I feel your question personally, having had the same conversation with “The Admiral”, after the “why can’t we bring everyone?” question ‼️
And THAT explains the “Why” we went from a 340DA to a 400EC‼️
 
The problem solved itself. She invited 16 but only 12 showed. Yes, we did have a nice slow cruise. Had to remind them that not everyone could sit in the back. The trim tabs helped too (thanks again for the tips).
 
Eluther3 said:
The problem solved itself. She invited 16 but only 12 showed. Yes, we did have a nice slow cruise. Had to remind them that not everyone could sit in the back. The trim tabs helped too (thanks again for the tips).
Click to expand...

Your obviously not on the great lakes! We are still waiting to launch for the summer!
 
We were sitting around the marina shooting the bull and we got to talking about things we would like to have on our boats. A few of us thought it would be great to hardtops on our boat. That got me to thinking - have any of you seen a 400 EC with a hard top?
 
Eluther3 said:
We were sitting around the marina shooting the bull and we got to talking about things we would like to have on our boats. A few of us thought it would be great to hardtops on our boat. That got me to thinking - have any of you seen a 400 EC with a hard top?
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Unless someone made one I believe only the 410EC's were hardtops. We looked at several when looking for a 400DA years ago.
 
Hello, I installed a dishwasher in my 400ec in the area that was originally intended for the tube TV. If you are interested I would be happy to send you more information.
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After years of dreaming of owning a 400 ec we are in the final stages of becoming an owner. Our current boat is a 89 280 Sundancer that we had made a lot of upgrades on. The 400 is a well cared for 92. I decided for fun that I would start on page 1 of this thread and educate myself. I was scared by the time I had got to page 10. I am surprised by the number of problems that can come up. Are they fairly trouble free boats and the only reason I am seeing the problems is because this is the forum where you bring your problems? Also we cruise for hours in our 280 at around 1000 /1200 rpm, will we be able to cruise at the same slow rate for hours or will this be hard on the 400 in some way. And will the fuel milage be drastically different with the 454's compared to the 5.7s?. Thanks in advance
 
My 94 400EC has the 502s and I do most of my cruising at about 1200 rpm. That gets me between 8-10 mph on my GPS. I seem to have the normal amount of problems for a boat of its age.
 
We will be installing 2 HeaterCraft 300 series cockpit heaters in our boat once we take possession. In our current boat it's mounted under the driver seat. Im not familiar with the engine room and am wondering if there is a common place for mounting the heaters as well as vent locations. Dont want to reinvent the wheel. Has anyone installed these? It's a 92 400 ec
 
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