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Stepped up to a EC420 from a Chaparral 310
Dirtythirty
Member Posts: 393 ✭✭✭
Just moved up to an '07 EC420 with 180hrs, Volvo Penta IPS500, pod drives. Boat was ordered from factory with a bow thruster , but I am installing the joystick now. Burgundy gelcoat was slightly chalky, so I am painting it in a beautiful Dark Firethorn metallic clear coat . Replacing the factory white canvas with burgundy Sunbrella. Lots of other little things too. Stay tuned for updated pics.
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All I've wanted was to just have fun.
Do you have the optional washer/dryer? If you do, you may find it will fill your black water tank extremely fast. I know others that had it go overboard instead and then always use bio safe detergent.
good luck! & let's see some pics when you get the gel coat redone!
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
I do have the washer/dryer, but since they have never been used and still have the original plastic on them, I most likely won't use them either. We just don't spent THAT amount of time on the boat that we need to do our laundry there.
I do have some questions, and perhaps I can pic your brain for a moment...
Do you happen to know where the joystick was mounted when the boat was built with that option ? Perhaps the right side cup holder, just to the right of the steering wheel ?
Have you encountered anyone who had replaced the flip down TV/DVD player on the hardtop ? I was thinking a 32" flat screen/with built in DVD player, but not attached to the hardtop, perhaps mounted to the double stainless steel hardtop support facing the aft seating area ? (just an idea).
Any thoughts where I may be able to pic up one or both of the bedding sets ? I have the one for the forward cabin, but the aft cabin set is no where to be found and the mattress is an odd shape. Does Rinker still carry these items ?
Funny you mentioned the "waterline gelcoat" ...there is a 410 sitting right next to mine in the paint booth. It has the full hull dark blue gelcoat, and it looks like a 3rd grade blackboard. He is getting his repainted, but in the same non metallic, blue that came from the factory. It should be beautiful when its done. Ive seen the work they have done at my marina and I an VERY impressed. Guess ill just have to be a little more careful when it comes to fender rash.
It is a shame that Al is isn't on here anymore... He helped with the design of the hull of the 420. If you have a Facebook account, join the Rinker Owners group. He is on there and is a wealth of information.
Go Steelers!!!
2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX
Not sure of the type of boating you like to do (anchoring or docking), but I do know one of the problems I've seen most 420 owners have is the ability to anchor long without running the generator. It is mainly because of the nice full size fridge/freezer. I think if you do moderate anchoring, you won't notice. But, if you like to anchor for 3 days at a time very often, you will definitely notice.
Greg, my dock neighbor has a 420 with blue hull and ended up painting (due to other reasons - fire in the marina). You do have to be a lot more careful now because it rubs off much easier. Fenders will easily leave permanent marks, that in gel coat you could buff out. Definitely something to think about. There is a 390 two down from me that has been contemplating for years about paint, but now has a nice Formula that moved in next to him with a few rub marks from Fenders. It has made him think twice about the paint.
Dirty, I hear you on the washer/dryer. I see most people not using them at all, partly cause they are pretty small and take a while to dry. I thought it'd be great for towels until I saw how many could fit.
DVD, I'm still trying to figure out what I can do to replace that thing. It really is way to small and doesn't have a tuner (although someone on here had a way to use the input for a tuner). Probably could use the stainless bars to mount one. (I see you have the dance pole as well. I believe that was added on because the hardtops on certain models tended to move quite a bit). I always thought it'd be neat to have a TV you could pull out of the cabinet behind the helm seat. I'm surprised the aft cabin bed is odd shaped. I thought it was a queen? I'll check around when boating time comes and see what others have done. I have two twin beds in the back of mine that take regular sheets. We boxed up all the original bedding and used our own fun stuff. I'd say find a local shop to make some up if you can't get something to fit. It'll be much cheaper that way.
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
I have had a lot of very nice comments on the design and color of the merlot. It is unique, and I haven't seen another like it. I will just need to be extra careful with the paint, and Im ok with that.
Dream-Inn, yes, the boat is in Stone Harbor until it gets commissioned and heads up the Delaware. The boat rides amazing !! it is actually quicker on plane than my 310 was, and it just gives you the impression of being a rock solid boat, although it feels light and maneuverable. I suppose at 24,500b, she is pretty heavy. She turns well and I was pretty impressed with how quiet she is. Also, I guess because the exhaust exits through the pods, there is NO ODOR at all of diesel fumes (something that had worried me). I've heard 30% better fuel economy, but I can't chime in on that yet, so summer will tell.
I appreciate all of the input re: my questions. Im new to the Rinker world and your suggestions and comments come well received. Thank You !
Boat Name: King Kong
"Boat + Water = Fun"
New canvas is on.......4 new props are polished , balanced and awaiting install....and the joystick is FINALLY installed !!! Bring on the SUMMER !!
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
You need to bring her down to the Chesapeake Rendezvous in July! There is 400 that comes down every year from NJ, maybe you could follow him down.
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Dream-Inn, you'll have to wait on those pics, I don't have any readily available..I only have portioned off detail pics of the engine compartment, no overall pics. But I can tell you this, you are correct , with the pod drives, there is a ton of space..heres one you can see what I'm referring to.