The Official 450 Express Bridge Owners Club

[Shoyrtt]

Another night on the hook

 

[Shoyrtt]

This is on the “low tech” end of the spectrum, but I thought I would share a little project I finally got to this week. In the third/aft stateroom of a 450 EB, Sea Ray installed a small set of curtains below the main curtains that cover the slider window. On my boat and on the 450 EB I looked at in San Diego when I was buying last year, the small curtains were either missing or in poor condition. On my boat I found half of the set in a dry cleaning bag in the midship stateroom. The problem that I noticed was the fabric loops that attach to the plastic sliders were not actually secured to the main curtains. When I first looked at them, I assumed there was Velcro involved. Upon close inspection, the loops are all stitched in, 12 on each side. I got out the ole needle and thread and did my best Betsy Ross on about 20 loops to get it right. To install them you need to remove the track (which is not straight) that is held in place with a few screws. The Admiral is happy and I move on to the next item on the list.

 

[The Bill Collector]

This is on the “low tech” end of the spectrum, but I thought I would share a little project I finally got to this week. In the third/aft stateroom of a 450 EB, Sea Ray installed a small set of curtains below the main curtains that cover the slider window. On my boat and on the 450 EB I looked at in San Diego when I was buying last year, the small curtains were either missing or in poor condition. On my boat I found half of the set in a dry cleaning bag in the midship stateroom. The problem that I noticed was the fabric loops that attach to the plastic sliders were not actually secured to the main curtains. When I first looked at them, I assumed there was Velcro involved. Upon close inspection, the loops are all stitched in, 12 on each side. I got out the ole needle and thread and did my best Betsy Ross on about 20 loops to get it right. To install them you need to remove the track (which is not straight) that is held in place with a few screws. The Admiral is happy and I move on to the next item on the list.
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We finally got rid of our curtains and got real wood blinds... Best decision ever !!!

 

[The Bill Collector]

 

[Forrestkk]

This is on the “low tech” end of the spectrum, but I thought I would share a little project I finally got to this week. In the third/aft stateroom of a 450 EB, Sea Ray installed a small set of curtains below the main curtains that cover the slider window. On my boat and on the 450 EB I looked at in San Diego when I was buying last year, the small curtains were either missing or in poor condition. On my boat I found half of the set in a dry cleaning bag in the midship stateroom. The problem that I noticed was the fabric loops that attach to the plastic sliders were not actually secured to the main curtains. When I first looked at them, I assumed there was Velcro involved. Upon close inspection, the loops are all stitched in, 12 on each side. I got out the ole needle and thread and did my best Betsy Ross on about 20 loops to get it right. To install them you need to remove the track (which is not straight) that is held in place with a few screws. The Admiral is happy and I move on to the next item on the list.
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Cool project! Looks great.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Every once in a while, I'll take a look at boats over on Yacht World. I'll search for boats here on the west coast, just to see what is available and I also like to see what prices are like on 450EBs here in the US. I know there is a thread here on CSR about boat prices going up, but I was still surprised to see the listings for our boats increasing as well in the last year. Right now there are 7 of the approximately 240 boats produced for sale on the site. The lowest being listed at $179,000 and the highest at $285,000. Don't get me wrong, the 285K boat is nice, but its not perfect by any means. I wonder if the bubble will burst soon, or will this be the new normal with low supplies and a lot of the manufacturers going out of business or not producing 40'+ boats.
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2003-sea-ray-450-express-bridge-7860786/

 

[Forrestkk]

Every once in a while, I'll take a look at boats over on Yacht World. I'll search for boats here on the west coast, just to see what is available and I also like to see what prices are like on 450EBs here in the US. I know there is a thread here on CSR about boat prices going up, but I was still surprised to see the listings for our boats increasing as well in the last year. Right now there are 7 of the approximately 240 boats produced for sale on the site. The lowest being listed at $179,000 and the highest at $285,000. Don't get me wrong, the 285K boat is nice, but its not perfect by any means. I wonder if the bubble will burst soon, or will this be the new normal with low supplies and a lot of the manufacturers going out of business or not producing 40'+ boats.
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2003-sea-ray-450-express-bridge-7860786/
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Ha, I was doing the same thing yesterday marveling at the prices.

Also thankful we got ours!

 

[Forrestkk]

Annual Maintenance Begins

So, I have decided to do my annual work in stages so I can keep using the boat.

I replaced the Duralight air cleaner on the starboard with a K&N, and inspected the turbo compressor. No play on the turbo and just the typical look of a compressor.

Starboard compressor

The port was a different story. It had some K&N clone that uses springs to hold the filter end cap on. The breather has a little airfilter (SBMAR calls it enviro-vent). This is why good air filters are important. Zoom in and look at the leading edges on the first stage compressor...ouch. Something went through there that wasn't supposed to. Not sure how it happened. It was either sloppy mechanic work, or the little breather air filter. I poked around a bit and found that the whole thing is rotted and falling apart. The engine makes power, and the second stage looks okay so I will keep going. Unfortunately, I am sure I am losing some efficiency.

Port Compressor

 

[Shoyrtt]

Annual Maintenance Begins

So, I have decided to do my annual work in stages so I can keep using the boat.

I replaced the Duralight air cleaner on the starboard with a K&N, and inspected the turbo compressor. No play on the turbo and just the typical look of a compressor.

Starboard compressor
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The port was a different story. It had some K&N clone that uses springs to hold the filter end cap on. The breather has a little airfilter (SBMAR calls it enviro-vent). This is why good air filters are important. Zoom in and look at the leading edges on the first stage compressor...ouch. Something went through there that wasn't supposed to. Not sure how it happened. It was either sloppy mechanic work, or the little breather air filter. I poked around a bit and found that the whole thing is rotted and falling apart. The engine makes power, and the second stage looks okay so I will keep going. Unfortunately, I am sure I am losing some efficiency.

Port Compressor
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Did you have trouble removing the port side turbo? I know when we bought our boat last summer, the port side turbo had an oil leak. The repair estimate included removal of the cockpit deck in order to access it. Luckily it wasn’t needed.

We are back in Cherry Cove for the “Buccaneer Days” event at nearby Two Harbors. The 450 even dressed up like a pirate ship for the weekend.

 

[Forrestkk]

Did you have trouble removing the port side turbo? I know when we bought our boat last summer, the port side turbo had an oil leak. The repair estimate included removal of the cockpit deck in order to access it. Luckily it wasn’t needed.

We are back in Cherry Cove for the “Buccaneer Days” event at nearby Two Harbors. The 450 even dressed up like a pirate ship for the weekend.
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Nice look! Do you know why pirates are so angry? They just arghhhhhh!

I did not pull the turbo, but on the Cummins there is no way you would have to pull the floor for the turbo removal on either side. In fact, short of pulling the head or engine I can't imagine needing to pull the floor. I can actually get behind engines (it is not fun) and work on the outboard bits.

Enjoy the weekend! We will be out Sunday afternoon.

 

[LMBoat]

I agree on cockpit floor removal not being needed except for engine replacement. You might even be able to remove a trans w/o pulling the floor. Hopefully, I will never have to find out (lol). in 10 years, I've been able to do all maintenance, including checking valve clearances, removing the exhausts, and the aftercoolers. Strb A/C is a #itch. I have learned a few tricks if anyone needs it.

I did see one of our boats that had an electrically operated floor hatch. It was hinged at the forward edge. When I first bought the boat, I was going to make that retrofit, but it turns out I have yet to need it (fingers crossed, knock on wood)

 

[Forrestkk]

I agree on cockpit floor removal not being needed except for engine replacement. You might even be able to remove a trans w/o pulling the floor. Hopefully, I will never have to find out (lol). in 10 years, I've been able to do all maintenance, including checking valve clearances, removing the exhausts, and the aftercoolers. Strb A/C is a #itch. I have learned a few tricks if anyone needs it.

I did see one of our boats that had an electrically operated floor hatch. It was hinged at the forward edge. When I first bought the boat, I was going to make that retrofit, but it turns out I have yet to need it (fingers crossed, knock on wood)

@Shoyrtt you should be able to remove/repair/replace the turbo by yourself.

To show you what the Cummins require for turbo removal (fighting some corrosion due to my previous shaft seal issue):

4 nuts on exhaust manifold

Exhaust elbow(not pictured)

Oil and coolant feed lines and compressor discharge clamp

Oil and coolant return lines

 

[Shoyrtt]

I’ll send a picture later, but the turbos on the Cat 3126s are both on port side of the engines. It’s easy to get at on the starboard engine, but the port engine is a tight squeeze.
I met another 450 EB owner from Marina Del Rey. Here is his 2001 boat:

 

[Forrestkk]

I’ll send a picture later, but the turbos on the Cat 3126s are both on port side of the engines. It’s easy to get at on the starboard engine, but the port engine is a tight squeeze.
I met another 450 EB owner from Marina Dey Rey. Here is his 2001 boat:
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Yeah, I could imagine if they are on the side it would be rough on the port. I am dreading changing the starboard fuel filter that is outboard.

Nice boat, like the hydraulic swim platform...what are the words above QTL?

 

[Jack O'Brien]

I'm looking to replace the carpet in the cockpit, flybridge stairs and flybridge on my boat. It seems like none of the aftermarket suppliers have the deck/stair patterns for the 450 EB with the exception of SeaDek. I communicated with Kelly Key on Facebook (Oasis below) and found out that they used SeaDek on her 450, but did not include the flybridge. I reached out to SeaDek and purchased the patterns for Kelly's boat, but I can't seem to find a pattern for the flybridge anywhere. I contacted several boat flooring installers here in SoCal and most of them are out of business or don't want to let me pay them to give me a laser measurement of just the flybridge. Does anyone here by chance have their flybridge flooring patterns or know where I can locate them?
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You can try SWFL Marine Decks, sales@swflmarinedecks.com who recently did my bridge deck and cockpit deck with "Reflex" decking.

 

[Jack O'Brien]

RE water heater leaks, I think I've mentioned this before, but just in case.....For the water heater compartment (and the salon sump floor compartment), get a water alarm from Lowes Depot. They are used for under laundry sinks, washer/dryer areas, etc at home. They go off if there is any water on the floor. They are battery powered and easy to install. i did not like the idea of a water leak down there and not know it until it became a major problem. This has saved me two water heaters (when that area floods it can hold 50-75 gal of water before the water heater floods and trips the breaker, and if you see water down there, turn off the water heater before you do the fresh/salt water thing). Easy, cheap, and a big payback in sleeping better at night, on or off the boat.

FYI, I thought about using regular float switches for this this, but they allow too much water in before they turn on. These alarms go off if any water in there.

Great idea on water alarm. I see a couple battery operated ones on Amazon. Btw, I recently located my water heater on my 2002 EB to get the model number to see if its temperature could be reduced. Seaward S-1150E-W, manufacturer (Whale Pumps now owns Seaward) responded right away thermostat is non-adjustable fixed at 140 degrees to eliminate bacteria. They said I could add a "mixer" valve at the hot water out line that adds cold water piped to it. I think I'll just continue to mix right at the taps!

 

[Jack O'Brien]

So lets talk about bimini tops for the cockpit. Of course Sea Ray did not offer a bimini top as an option for the 450 EB, so every one I have seen online or in person have all been a little different. The bimini top on my 21' ski boat is easily raised and lowered but the tops I have seen on the 450 all seem to be fairly permanent. For us, sometimes it is nice to get a little sun back there, while at other times the heat can get intense.
So while I'm on the fence about having a custom bimini top made, I decided to improvise a bit this past weekend using the rod holders on the port and starboard sides of the cockpit. I picked up two rectangular patio umbrellas with 1.5" poles that tilt. Now while the center of the cockpit still gets sun, the sides are shaded very well.
If you have the full bimini top, can you show me your set up and let me know if you like it or if you would make any changes. I'm guessing I will probably keep the umbrellas going for the rest of this season and if we decide on having a bimini top made, wait until the winter to start the process. Here they are in the packed Memorial Day weekend crowd in Avalon harbor. Thanks
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Mine is Stamoid canvas that is really thinning along the top of the supports. And the header aluminum bracket which is screwed into SS rail is weakened due to weathering and the force in holding it attached so tightly. Getting a quote on replacement, probably around $3000.

 

[Shoyrtt]

Yeah, I could imagine if they are on the side it would be rough on the port. I am dreading changing the starboard fuel filter that is outboard.

Nice boat, like the hydraulic swim platform...what are the words above QTL?

Above the “QTL” it says “It’s all about the…”

 

[Shoyrtt]

Mine is Stamoid canvas that is really thinning along the top of the supports. And the header aluminum bracket which is screwed into SS rail is weakened due to weathering and the force in holding it attached so tightly. Getting a quote on replacement, probably around $3000.

Welcome to the 450 EB thread Jack! I see that your boat is a 2002 with a hardtop that you bought in June of 2020. Do you know if your boat was formerly used at Disney World for their VIP guests? It seems like a lot of the factory hardtops were sent there. Were you able to find replacement vents for your engine room?

 

[Forrestkk]

You can try SWFL Marine Decks, sales@swflmarinedecks.com who recently did my bridge deck and cockpit deck with "Reflex" decking.

Hi @Jack O'Brien, welcome!

Would love to see pics of your flooring! I want to get mine done as I still have the outdoor carpet, but have some other projects higher up on the list.