Advice

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Andrew_emd

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Feb 15, 2022
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Looking for a first boat, I have 10-30k I'm willing to spend. Boat will be used in Rhode island waters in Narragansett bay and I would like to be able to take it to block island occasionally. Opinion on size for this type of water would be appreciated. I'm leaning towards 24 feet instead of 27 while I'm learning unless people have reasons why 27 would be better Bellow is one boat I am currently interested in. . Would love to hear thoughts on it as well.

https://providence.craigslist.org/boa/d/westerly-24-ft-searay/7445527706.html
 
That's a lotta boat for $11k!

Will you trailer the boat or leave her in the water?
 
Keep it at a slip, any advice on things to look or ask for when checking out the boat? I have called all over and can't find a mechanic I can hire to take a look at the boat with me, they all seem to have full schedules. I'm a heavy equipment operator for a living so I am mechanically inclined with diesel engines but I know a boat is alot different mechanically so any advice would help
 
Last edited:
Bellow is the information I was given by seller and the information I was given when I contacted the boatyard where the latest mechanical work was done on
 

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You're going to be in the sweet spot of "do we get a survey or not". I've purchased two boats under 24' without a survey. Got lucky on one, not quite as lucky on the other.

You'll get some good advice around here on what to look for. Assuming you can verify the boat runs well the biggest issue I'd think you'll want to look for is rot/moisture in the hull and on the deck. Walk on the foredeck and check for soft spots. Especially around the windshield. Get the boat out of the water and yank on that outdrive, see if she moves at the transom.

If she runs well, even if a little rot is there, you could get a long life from that boat. What you certainly don't want is rotten transom, rotten stringers, big leaks at the windshield...those kinds of things.
 
I like the 24 footer. Almost got one myself last year but someone bought it out from under me for 16K. Same condition as that one you show. Ended up buying a 270 DA. But, one caution, that boat you are looking at doesnt have fresh water cooling. The one I was looking at didnt either. Salt water wreaks havoc on engine internals. When you test drive, Bring a infrared temp gauge and/or lay hands on the exhaust risers. Feel for hot spots. you should be able to hold hand on the riser for few seconds without issue and the heat should be consistent across. Just one of may measures to use as part of the vetting process. I looked into getting fresh water cooling for the 24 I was looking at but was told the engine would need pulled to affect and that translates to money-3K or more (labor and 1Kish parts). I would not have installed the cooling and just went with as is and waited for the engine to give up the ghost and put a new Scorpion 383 in with fresh water cooling assuming I was going to get 2-3 years down the road. I am in the northwest and do Puget Sound boating and the 24 is a bit on the small end for moderate ocean chop. And while 24 foot is doable and good for first boat, 27-30 footer is better. Its all about your risk management plan though - Meaning you dont take a 24 out if the winds are say >5-8MPH and >2 foot swells. 27 footer will be a bit of a rough ride too in these conditions but will have better stability if you choose to increase your risk level. Good luck on the search!
 
JimG said:
A 24" boat is a good starter boat, and that one looks pretty nice. Survey and sea trial are recommended.

Some reading for you:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-240-sundancer-thread.436/

Best of luck and welcome to CSR!
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Unfortunately
89P270 said:
I like the 24 footer. Almost got one myself last year but someone bought it out from under me for 16K. Same condition as that one you show. Ended up buying a 270 DA. But, one caution, that boat you are looking at doesnt have fresh water cooling. The one I was looking at didnt either. Salt water wreaks havoc on engine internals. When you test drive, Bring a infrared temp gauge and/or lay hands on the exhaust risers. Feel for hot spots. you should be able to hold hand on the riser for few seconds without issue and the heat should be consistent across. Just one of may measures to use as part of the vetting process. I looked into getting fresh water cooling for the 24 I was looking at but was told the engine would need pulled to affect and that translates to money-3K or more (labor and 1Kish parts). I would not have installed the cooling and just went with as is and waited for the engine to give up the ghost and put a new Scorpion 383 in with fresh water cooling assuming I was going to get 2-3 years down the road. I am in the northwest and do Puget Sound boating and the 24 is a bit on the small end for moderate ocean chop. And while 24 foot is doable and good for first boat, 27-30 footer is better. Its all about your risk management plan though - Meaning you dont take a 24 out if the winds are say >5-8MPH and >2 foot swells. 27 footer will be a bit of a rough ride too in these conditions but will have better stability if you choose to increase your risk level. Good luck on the search!
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My big issue right now is I don't think I will be able to test drive the boat first since it's winter or do you think I should push the guy into putting it in the water so I can still test it. Not sure if that's an unreasonable request since the boat is probably winterized. At the very least I was going to test the motor out of water using the water clamp method
 
This size boat is not well suited for running 9 miles offshore in the Atlantic. Any weather could cause you real problems. Personally, I would feel more comfortable in a bigger boat with twin engines if going out into the ocean very far. Then there is the usual stuff with older boats with an unknown maintenance history. I sold a well maintained 30 foot Sea Ray express with twin Merc 350s to a guy who managed to blow the engines up before their time because he liked to run at 3600+ rpms while cruising. Cruise rpm on a 350 should be around 3050 to 3100.
 
Andrew_emd said:
Unfortunately

My big issue right now is I don't think I will be able to test drive the boat first since it's winter or do you think I should push the guy into putting it in the water so I can still test it. Not sure if that's an unreasonable request since the boat is probably winterized. At the very least I was going to test the motor out of water using the water clamp method
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Never buy a boat out of the water. The engines can sound great but when under load in water it’s a different story. Happened to a friend of mine.
 
Nypdnarco69 said:
Never buy a boat out of the water. The engines can sound great but when under load in water it’s a different story. Happened to a friend of mine.
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Think I should push him to put it in the water for me or am I honestly better off waiting until spring to buy a boat
 
Andrew_emd said:
Unfortunately

My big issue right now is I don't think I will be able to test drive the boat first since it's winter or do you think I should push the guy into putting it in the water so I can still test it. Not sure if that's an unreasonable request since the boat is probably winterized. At the very least I was going to test the motor out of water using the water clamp method
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Please, please, please, don't be "that guy." I just lost out on a boat because I wanted a sea trial when things open back up in April. Apparently someone was willing to spend the money without even turning it on. You have every right to get a sea trial and a survey. It's expected by those that know what they are doing. No boat is perfect and these inspections will let you know if there is anything wrong with the boat, especially big things. But hey, it's your hard earned money. You can read my saga here http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/sea-trial-or-not.107962/

I also think you should lean 26 feet and above. Since you are keeping it in a slip there is no advantage to a smaller easily trailered boat. You'll have more fun hanging around with more room. Many will tell you to "buy your second boat first."
Good luck.
 
Andrew_emd said:
Looking for a first boat, I have 10-30k I'm willing to spend. Boat will be used in Rhode island waters in Narragansett bay and I would like to be able to take it to block island occasionally. Opinion on size for this type of water would be appreciated. I'm leaning towards 24 feet instead of 27 while I'm learning unless people have reasons why 27 would be better Bellow is one boat I am currently interested in. . Would love to hear thoughts on it as well.

https://providence.craigslist.org/boa/d/westerly-24-ft-searay/7445527706.html
Click to expand...
That’s a really nice boat, I hope it works out for you, nice layout on that one.
 
Unfortunately had to pass on it, he was unwilling to let me put a large sum down pending a sea trial, just said he knows buying a boat out of water can be scary but the trailer is new and worth 4 k.... Maybe it is a gem and works great but the gambles too high, think I might have to wait until spring and see what people start selling when fuel prices go up
 
If nothing else, you can now go looking for a bit larger boat. If you're wanting to be trailer-able, watch for the beam to stay at/under 8'6", which "usually" translates to 27' or less.
 
Andrew_emd said:
Unfortunately had to pass on it, he was unwilling to let me put a large sum down pending a sea trial, just said he knows buying a boat out of water can be scary but the trailer is new and worth 4 k.... Maybe it is a gem and works great but the gambles too high, think I might have to wait until spring and see what people start selling when fuel prices go up
Click to expand...
OMG, what is wrong with sellers these days, and the stupid buyers who buy from them without a sea trial. But same freaking thing happened to me. I hope the boat sinks. :)
 
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