40 sedan bridge forum

[scooper321]

That would concern me more than a little bit. It appears to be more than a little spongy. Peronally I wouldn't feel safe hauling my dinghy on that with the bouncing of waves and water getting inside it adding more weight.
I removed my old platform (a 340 Sundancer) and had it reglassed from underneath and it was a helluva job. I helped remove it and the guy did it over the winter and I think it was still $3000. You may find someone who can reglass it on the boat but it would require a big facility.

hey Matt,

I don’t know how hard it was for you to remove the platform from your 340. But I can tell you my installers had a hell of a time removing the platform from my 400. Not only is access ridiculously limited back there, but it is both bolted through the transom and epoxied on dash probably with 5200. Or at least 4200. it took these experience guys well over a full day to get the old platform off. If there was any way to repair this platform on the boat, that would be the way to go. But you were right, that would require a very large tent at least!

I would never try to convince someone to spend what I spent on a hydraulic platform. We just absolutely hated the original one. Too small, too low. Getting the hydraulic platform has truly changed how we use the boat. From hauling and launching the dinghy, to hanging out on the anchor, to just getting on and off the boat, it’s as though we have a new boat. And speaking of that, the decision to get this platform was one we made at the boat show. We went down there to get on and off a bunch of Sabre and Backcove models. They had five different ones there, so we got an excellent sampling. And they are awesome! We weren’t looking to change boats, but we were curious about them, to see if we might want to go that route somewhere down the road. And they are amazing boats. But they are well outside what our price range will ever be. So we decided we probably weren’t ever going to get another boat. I suppose we could win the Powerball at some point, but that’s unlikely. So we ruled out ever getting another boat and decided to put a some money into the one we had, making it perfect for us. And that meant the hydraulic platform. And this was a great decision for us. As I said, it transformed the way we use the boat. But it may not work for everyone else. I did want to share our mindset behind why we made this investment.

 

[Njlarry]

Although my GHS platform lift has been inoperable all season, they are great when working. What brands did you look at and which one did you select.
Anyone putting on a new platform should consider a longer one may tend to dig in as you get up on a plane as the lenght puts the trailing edge lower into the water. Will be raising my 4 foot platform 3 plus inches this winter.
They do make dingy launches much easier.

 

[Legal-Holiday]

I had a problem with the shower pump float switch and after fixing it noticed water in the center dry bilge. It appear to be coming from the stern and weeping forward. I keep hearing the fresh water pump cycle on every ten minutes for a split second. The questions are has anyone had this problem and any ideas where the water may be coming from.
Thanks

 

[MAKC]

This is epic, thanks for posting. Glad to know it’s possible without cutting and slicing. What happened to the old 3116 failure wise and how many hours. What new stuff was needed, e.g mounts. You can probably sense I want the whole story bit by bit but I understand we all have lives aside from posting here

Long story short, the valves shattered on cylinder 4 under rapid deceleration from snagging a lobster pot around the prop and ingesting water into the engine. Removed the engine, sent out for a reman unit, and reinstalled. Original engine only had 1248 hours. Still working out the kinks in the new engine, but its awesome being back on the water on my floating condo! Now if i could just find a spare part for the refrigerator power supply which died...(Dometic 3309723)

 

[TRG]

House batteries. My house batteries are dying and need replaced. Previous owner has 3 house batteries that are group 31 dated 2020. The are westmarine dual purpose batteries https://www.westmarine.com/west-mar...marine-battery-860-mca-group-31-19751684.html. Wondering if I should replace with the same or use a deep cycle battery which may last longer by giving me more cycles? I have 2 starter batteries for each engine and 1 starter batteries for the generator as well besides the house batteries. Also wondering if I should add a fourth house battery also as I have an open spot in my bank in the bilge? Looking for comments on this.

 

[Steve S]

Where the hell are they kept? I have two for each main and one for the generator and my bilge is pretty full. No dedicated “house” batteries.

 

[TotallyGross]

House batteries. My house batteries are dying and need replaced. Previous owner has 3 house batteries that are group 31 dated 2020. The are westmarine dual purpose batteries https://www.westmarine.com/west-mar...marine-battery-860-mca-group-31-19751684.html. Wondering if I should replace with the same or use a deep cycle battery which may last longer by giving me more cycles? I have 2 starter batteries for each engine and 1 starter batteries for the generator as well besides the house batteries. Also wondering if I should add a fourth house battery also as I have an open spot in my bank in the bilge? Looking for comments on this.

I am confused also. I have 4 group 31 dual purpose batteries, 2 for each engine. My port uses the house 2 I believe.
1 cranking battery for the gen but smaller.
2 deep cycle batteries for the thruster.

 

[Pgeee]

I am confused also. I have 4 group 31 dual purpose batteries, 2 for each engine. My port uses the house 2 I believe.
1 cranking battery for the gen but smaller.

House batteries. My house batteries are dying and need replaced. Previous owner has 3 house batteries that are group 31 dated 2020. The are westmarine dual purpose batteries https://www.westmarine.com/west-mar...marine-battery-860-mca-group-31-19751684.html. Wondering if I should replace with the same or use a deep cycle battery which may last longer by giving me more cycles? I have 2 starter batteries for each engine and 1 starter batteries for the generator as well besides the house batteries. Also wondering if I should add a fourth house battery also as I have an open spot in my bank in the bilge? Looking for comments on this.

2 deep cycle batteries for the thruster.

I’m guessing you have them where the ice maker was as I do. It’s a superb use of that space . My surveyor advised to up to 4 from 3 and to properly isolate from starboard batteries so starboard batteries cannot discharge to zero but still remain connected to house circuit. . I am thinking dc to dc charger but haven’t figured it out fully yet . You can also future proof by using that setup as dc to dc charging with lead to crank and lithium for house is feasible . Plus you can use deep cycle for house and cranking for cranking as it were which is ideal setup . Cranking and deep cycle in parallel is not ideal. If you have to have a parallel setup dual purpose batteries are best across the whole . I also have solar through mppt regulator to the house batteries.

 

[TRG]

I am confused also. I have 4 group 31 dual purpose batteries, 2 for each engine. My port uses the house 2 I believe.
1 cranking battery for the gen but smaller.
2 deep cycle batteries for the thruster.

It’s pretty crowded in the bilge, especially with the pump for the hydraulic swim deck. I have the house batteries in the walkway. The engine batteries are on port side aft of the engine, and generator battery starboard side next to the generator.

 

[scooper321]

Man, I curse having to get into my bilge with no batteries in there (no thruster). Can’t even get my head around how I’d pop down to cleaner strainers or do other maintenance with those in the passageway.

 

[torombolo]

Hi group, I have been a reader for a few years now, and did not go with SR for my first boat years back but I have fallen in love with a 400 that I know it has been docked without use for a few years at my marina (salt water) I will be taking a quick look tomorrow with the owner, any suggestions what should be the first things to look at? TIA

 

[Pgeee]

An out of water survey is essential and an engine assessment . The surveyor may not have skills for the engines and you if so, will need a separate engineers report . Make sure surveyor sounds out the hull with a moisture meter at least if not tapping Oil samples need to be taken and sent to a lab for assessment. It’s like a blood test . You can also do the same with the coolant . On board look for water damage in headlining, water in bilge is ok at stern bilge pump but anywhere else it would be dry except maybe a little at the centre bilge pump in engine room . Check rails and stanchions , often they are bent. If it’s diesel at start up any smoke apart from a small puff or two might mean an issue. Check engine mounts especially outside of the engines (lean over with torch ). Make sure the boat is tested a wot for 10 to 15 mins, to check for overheating.

I could go on further but we probably all (including much greater experts than I) need to know the specification, e.g generator type, hours mainly. I’ll go thru my last survey looking for the key items and get back to you. Don’t be fazed into not buying by the long list of all the necessary checks, these are great boats .it’s only if something comes up scary , like too much smoke.

btw I just saw you said it’s not been used for a long while, this could be an issue , diesels hate to sit , for instance fuel in the tanks might be shot, oil probably needs changing straight away, full cooling system service , belts, impellers, Make sure all the items found are factored into the price .

 

[TRG]

1st Look at a few different brands and models to make sure you know what you want, what features are must halves, and what price range your looking at. I say this because I just bought a 400 sedan last month after searching for the last couple years. After looking at many boats I narrowed down what I wanted and the price I felt was fair. I actually pulled out of an agreement just before the inspection because I felt like I was getting desperate to find what I wanted and settling for a boat that didn’t have my must halves and required more fixes. Happy to say I found my current boat shortly after. Defiantly get an out of water structural survey and a mechanical survey for the boat once you find one you are willing to pull the trigger on. There can potentially be a lot that wouldn’t be seen without the haul out. I went with separate surveyors since the both had good reputations for there separate skill sets and we’re well known around the marinas and by a couple brokers I checked with. Expect to pay a few grand for these services including the haul out so that is why I say make sure you are sure with the boat you choose. Make sure to get fluid sample tests taken as they can show a lot as well as give you a baseline for future samples. Also with this size boat and weight decide if you what type of engines you want as you can find both diesel and gas. Also newer batteries are a plus as you will probably have at lest 5 on board and the AGM’s are about $550 a piece.

 

[torombolo]

Thanks for the input, I know it has not been run for a few years but will check if it is regularly warmed up at dock. I agree the way to go is the survey and hull out. TRG thanks we have looked and been wanting to go bigger for years, this is the style of boat that we narrowed down too, not exactly the length, but like someone described it before a water condo again thanks for the help

 

[Njlarry]

Anyone know where the anchor windlass and bow thruster circuit breakers are on the 400 DB?
Thank you.

 

[Pgeee]

Bow thruster was discussed recently, depends on installation, I don’t have a breaker but sone do, it’s in the ER on a stringer I think. Anchor is called windlass on main breaker panel

 

[Legal-Holiday]

Anyone know where the anchor windlass and bow thruster circuit breakers are on the 400 DB?
Thank you.

The anchor breaker on my boat is in the afternoon port cockpit cabinet where the battery switches are.

 

[Pgeee]

Long story short, the valves shattered on cylinder 4 under rapid deceleration from snagging a lobster pot around the prop and ingesting water into the engine. Removed the engine, sent out for a reman unit, and reinstalled. Original engine only had 1248 hours. Still working out the kinks in the new engine, but its awesome being back on the water on my floating condo! Now if i could just find a spare part for the refrigerator power supply which died...(Dometic 3309723)

What’s your advice if this happens to any of us, what would you have done different in hindsight to avoid e.g if I got to the emergency stop button quickly enough would it help, etc. I ask because I didn’t realise a snag on the prop could cause this, sort of scary given we can all expect to snag something sooner or later

 

[Njlarry]

Bow thruster was discussed recently, depends on installation, I don’t have a breaker but sone do, it’s in the ER on a stringer I think. Anchor is called windlass on main breaker panel

There are some apparent differences. I have no breakers labled anchor on the dc panel in the port cockpit locker nor in saloon main panel. In the anchor locker is a sealed relaybox and the two
foot switches. There has to be an overheat breaker some where but yet to find it.
The bow thruster has a breaker and fuse on the port stringer next to the batteries and solenoid on the forward engine room bulkhead in front of the port engine. Looking at the SeaRay schematic on page 12.40 the malfunction is likely either the solenoid...not sure how to test..or the main switch which does not have a part number on the schematic. Will update as progresses.

 

[Boston-boater]

Well, we did it. Ran into Florida Bow Thrusters at the Annapolis Boat Show last October and had a long discussion about swim platforms. Then my wife and I went over and walked on all five of the Sabres and Back Coves they had at the show. Nothing like the price of a new boat to make a hydraulic swim platform look inexpensive! We had been looking at new platforms for a couple years and weren’t happy with any of the after market ones we looked at. So we went with FBT. They did an excellent job getting “in there” behind everything to get the old one off and the new one on. No small feat as the exhausts had to come off. Bonus - they relocated my Reverso so it’s now easier to access! We splashed today. After one test run, it didn’t feel low in the stern at all - something I was thinking about. And that’s with full fuel and mostly full water. I find myself still “stepping up” to come in the transom, but I suppose I’ll get used to it. I love that the platform is no longer at the water line.
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I just came across your post. Yu had no issues with the added weight of the lift? May I ask him much?