NEW to SEA RAY products Moving Up (maybe) Express or Dancer

[copb8tx]

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I believe the hardtop will be an issue with the 14' bridge clearance to my home dock

RWS

That's a bummer because I was blown away with what a difference the hardtop was over the Bimini top.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Can someone please share with me the differences between the 460 and the 450?

I think there's more going on here than I first thought.

BEST !

RWS

 

[NotHerDecision]

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I believe the hardtop will be an issue with the 14' bridge clearance to my home dock

RWS

I am under 14’ with a hardtop.

 

[Carver370]

FYI if you do not want pods, you are going to severely limit what you can buy for a Tiara Sovran. The only Sovrans in your range that didn’t have pods were the 36 and the 44/47.

The Formula 45 was VERY rare with anything but IPS and is a very tall boat. I’ve only seen two of them which were early models that had QSM-11 Cummins and shafts.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Time to update this thread.

I'm not dead yet.

Neither is my search for the right boat.

Still actively seeking 450DA, galley to port with underwater exhaust.

I've driven and flown to see several.

Been aboard and out on the water as well.

Had a contract on one, sadly she failed the survey with a wet hull.

I've expanded my knowledge a good bit, especially with the help of others on this site, for which I am extremely grateful.

I am well aware of both the positive and negative features of this model.

All indications are I am a year too late on two boats, (Franks & Seaniles) that were within my price range and in the condition I am seeking.

I continue to check YACHTWORLD, BOAT TRADER and POPYACHTS twice daily.

If anyone knows of such a vessel that may be coming up for sale, please share my interest.

Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy my www.trojanboat.com (photos there) and will not list her until I have her replacement.

So for now, onward and upward.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Strypes]

Without going back through this thread... Are you looking in a specific region? What vintage? Budget? Because there are lots out there. 17 with just a quick search on YW.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Without going back through this thread... Are you looking in a specific region? What vintage? Budget? Because there are lots out there. 17 with just a quick search on YW.

The Admiral has requirements for the forward berth to be the centerline island style & galley to port; this eliminates some late 1997 and most 1998-1999 models
Another Admiral requirement is underwater exhaust. While there are several 1995 models available, the underwater exhaust feature was not introduced until 1996

I've also ruled out the taller 460 series due to my bridge clearance issues and the less desirable (for our needs) layout

So my choices are somewhat narrow and limited to 1996-1997 450DA, galley to port.

On top of all that, not to open a debate (again) here, but my bridge requirement also has blind "S" turns on approach in both directions.

I have to line up in the opposing traffics lane to enter this divided span straight on. One cannot make a turn while under this poorly designed bridge.

Plus when the incoming tide is moving strong, it will push a boat SIDEWAYS, just as one approaches the bridge - not kidding. Novice boaters are frequently pushed into the wrong lane and quick evasive action may have to be taken to avoid an accident, many of which happen at this bridge either between 2 boats, or one boat going too slow to maintain steerage and slamming the center concrete span, which now has wood wrapped around it due to the frequent encounters.

I completely agree that in normal circumstances a bow thruster is NOT needed on the 450, and I don't need it on my current 33' Trojan diesel with her 13' beam, however the 450 boasts an LOA just over 50' that combined with my unique bridge issues and my own safety requirements call for me to add a bow thruster at $15,000.

Once one adds in the thruster and transportation costs, those 1,000+ mile away boats become cost prohibitive.

On the other hand, Franks boat in nearby Destin, FL at $137,000 with no significant transport costs would have been the perfect choice.

There's one in Jacksonville exhibiting excessive long spyder cracks, clearly spreading at each bow hatch opening, indicating tremendous moisture content.

At the present time there is nothing else available in FL, GA, AL, MS, SC, NC or LA.

While I am not desperate and far from boatless, I am ready to move quickly for the right vessel.

Anyhow, If anyone knows of something, please pass along my continued interest.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Quite by accident, I just came across this thread.

A whole lot of boating changes have happened for me during this past year.

I truly do appreciate all the input here on CSR which helped educate me and the new friendships I have made as a result.

A year ago I never would have dreamed I'd own a 450DA before the end of 2021, and have so much accomplished on her by this time in my attempt to get her into the same mechanical/physical/cosmetic condition as my 10 Meter Trojan International.

In addition to all those who shared their knowledge with me, I especially need to thank Frank Webster for all his time and input.

I absolutely love that 450DA that is now docked behind the house and I find myself comparing her to my Trojan, with her groundbreaking design and features, whom I loved for 21 years and to my extreme shock and surprise, I really don't miss that boat at all.

Didn't expect THAT !

Anyhow, THANK Y'ALL AGAIN !

BEST !

RWS

 

[techmitch]

Quite by accident, I just came across this thread.

A whole lot of boating changes have happened for me during this past year.

I truly do appreciate all the input here on CSR which helped educate me and the new friendships I have made as a result.

A year ago I never would have dreamed I'd own a 450DA before the end of 2021, and have so much accomplished on her by this time in my attempt to get her into the same mechanical/physical/cosmetic condition as my 10 Meter Trojan International.

In addition to all those who shared their knowledge with me, I especially need to thank Frank Webster for all his time and input.

I absolutely love that 450DA that is now docked behind the house and I find myself comparing her to my Trojan, with her groundbreaking design and features, whom I loved for 21 years and to my extreme shock and surprise, I really don't miss that boat at all.

Didn't expect THAT !

Anyhow, THANK Y'ALL AGAIN !

BEST !

RWS

@fwebster

 

[Pirate Lady]

to my extreme shock and surprise, I really don't miss that boat at all.
RWS

Kind of like an ex wife!