Problems, Pet Peeves & Solutions
Every boat has it's problems, and the 400 is no exception. Here is a list of problems or issues, and the action taken to fix or work around some of these issues. Some of these issues may not be of be of a type to seek a warranty remedy, but are just the way things are. Don't get me wrong, these are great boats and I love mine, but none-the-less, as in any new boat, there will be problems and issues that arise from a variety of different causes, from design, manufacturing quality control, or accessories and systems purchased from third party manufacturers or vendors. I will also list useful modifications to improve comfort or utility. Many of these improvements can be found on the projects page. Many of the issues posted here may have nothing in common with other 400's, as there have been many changes to this model through out it's early production. Just as a point of reference, Stella Blue is hull #6.
Steering
Steering from the upper helm has been a bone of contention between Mainship and some owners of single screw 400's. At high power settings, the prop wash from the 26" propeller, puts considerable pressure on the large rudder causing it to favor a turn to port. At a very efficient "low speed cruise" of 8 knots, there is no problem, but as speed increases, steering to starboard becomes increasingly more difficult. It becomes so difficult at high cruise speed (3100 RPM), that it becomes impracticle to steer manually from the bridge. One owner has had a power assist system installed, by Mainship to cope with the problem. I had some conversation with Mainship on this subject in spring 2004, and they said engineering was looking into the problem but never heard any more from them. I have installed the Raymarine 8001 autopilot control in Stella Blue, which allows you to power steer using a dial knob. This is an adeaquate solution for me and I generally let the autopilot steer anyway. For the mannor in which I use this boat, the steering problem is not a great issue, but for some others, it may be. At the lower helm, with the mechanical advantage of the larger wheel, the problem is much less noticable, and is not a problem. This is one of the few problems, in which I feel, Mainship has responded in an unsatisfatory manner.
Cabin Sway
While sitting quitely on the hook one afternoon, and taking alot of boat traffic wake on the beam, I could hear alot of squeaking going on at the rear cabin doors. As I looked at the situation closer, I noticed substantial swaying of the rear cabin and flybridge as the boat rolled from side to side. This swaying causes some flexing at the joint between the cockpit deck and rear cabin corners and on some boats cracking under the rear doors. This causes the gel coat to crack in this area and could allow water intrusion into the deck core. In investigating why this swaying in happening, I found that the rear bulkhead is not tabbed or otherwise fixed to the superstructure. In fact there is a large gap between the bulkhead and superstructure in the areas beneath the rear cabin corners. My first complaint to Mainship was met with the usual "this is normal attitude". Well maybe I didn't convey the severity of the problem well enough, so over the winter I took pictures and prepared a full description and sent it to the dealer and Mainship. This time they said they had a fix for the problem and the dealer ordered the kit which consisted of some stantions to be places between the deck and stringers below. Then they would repair the gelcoat.
The dealer has installed the "kit" supplied, but I am not happy with the Mainship solution, and do not believe it adequately addresses the problem. Although this will add some support under the deck, it will not support the corners and may actually aggravate the gelcoat cracking in the corners. So as the old adage goes, "if you want something done right, you better do it yourself."
I am working on system that will tie in the bulkhead to the cabin and I will post pictures and description when it is completed. If your 400 is developing cracks in these areas, you may want to check here from time to time. I expect to have something installed by mid June 2005.
Air Conditioner Pump
On Stella Blue, the open, 220 volt motor for the A/C water circulator was mounted directly under the seawater strainer. It was also mounted upside down with the lubrication points on the bottom. This was a disaster waiting to happen. Luckily there was enough cord and hose length to relocate the motor with the lube points on top and away from the seawater strainer. The pump is now located under the accumulator tank. (Picture below is before relocation of the pump.) This has been changed in newer boats.
Windlass
Mainship has done an aethetically wonderful job of mounting the windlass on this boat but function has suffered as a result. Read my page on anchoring the 400.
I would also be very interested in any comments by other owners. E-mail to
This page last updated: 01/29/07