Please Help! Looking into purchasing our first Sea Ray

Hopes

New Member
Feb 10, 2009
52
Edmonds, Washington
Hello!

My family and I are looking into purchasing our very First Sea Ray boat. We are looking at the 210 Select, or the 205 Sport. The salesman we are working with isn't being very helpful and we are getting completely frustrated.

Can someone tell me the differences between the two boats?

Thanks so much!
 
Welcome! For a family I would recommend a 280 Sundancer great space and value. I think someone on this site has a 2003 for sale. Turtle Tone I think, yeah and its not even listed yet. Tell him I sent ya.

Good Luck
 
Welcome to ClubSeaRay!

I have an '07 210 Select, I'll see if I can help you - Not sure if you're looking at an '08 or '09. check out www.searay.com for details. I'd compare the standard/optional items for each and see if you prefer one set over the other for how you might use it. I think no matter which you pick, you'll enjoy it!

There's a couple of threads for these 2 boats

The 205 Sport - http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10071

The 210 Select - http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10022

What I think I noticed most when looking at the 210, are the subtle small things, for instance, the aft walk-thru on the port side, the door in the front walk thru, the gauges are a little nicer, etc. Little things like that. Mine had the optional rear facing seat (which my gf and I really enjoy) and aft remote trim switch and aft remote stereo controls which makes it nice to manage things back there without having to run forward. I can't talk to the quality of the materials for each, it's been to long since I looked at them. I think the 210 gunwales (sides) are higher off the water than the 205, but I forget about that detail (that might be where a lot of the additional weight is?)

Here are the '08 specs for both. First things I notice, in the 205 is the beam(width) is 6" less, the draft - Stern Drive down/up is less (4/2") and probably the biggest thing, is the weight is about 1,000 less than the 210. Dead Rise is 18 vs 20 deg.

The 205 Specifications

Overall Length : 21' / 6.40 m
Beam : 8' / 2.44 m
Draft - Stern Drive Down : 33" / 83.8 cm
Draft - Stern Drive Up : 19" / 50.0 cm
Draft (Inboards) : 19" / 43.2 cm
Dry Weight : 3150 lb / 1429 kg
Fuel Capacity : 37 gal / 140 L
Usable Fuel : 33 gal / 125 L
Dead Rise : 18° / 18°
Max Persons/Weight : 8 / 1120 lb / 508 kg
(MWC) Max Weight - Persons/Gear : 1200 lbs / 544 kg

The 210 Select Specifications

Overall Length : 21' / 6.40 m
Beam : 8' 6" / 2.59 m
Draft - Stern Drive Down : 37" / 88.9 cm
Draft - Stern Drive Up : 21" / 53.5 cm
Dry Weight : 4080 lbs / 1676 kg
Fuel Capacity : 40 gal / 151 L
Usable Fuel : 36 gal / 136 L
Dead Rise : 20° / 20°
Max Persons/Weight : 8 / 1100 lbs / 499 kg
(MWC) Max Weight - Persons/Gear : 1200 lbs / 544 kg
 
I opted for the 205 Sport. It is lighter and will get better fuel economy. The 210 has upgraded features. Like wood trim and stuff you would find in a luxury sedan versus a regular sedan. A lot of the upgrades, like aft stereo remote, etc., can all be added for a lot less than the cost difference between a 210 and 205. My 205 had a spot for the aft remote and a covered hole for a second battery switch. Adding these features is fairly easy and does not cost much. You will need to look at the difference between the two features offered and see if the cost is worth it to you. For me it was not. If you have any specific questions about the 205 feel free to ask.
 
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My 205 gets on plane pretty quick. Maybe 3 to 5 seconds. I have an aluminum prop, which makes a difference. 210's I think come standard with a SS prop. That will make the boat pop up faster and stay on plane at slower speeds. You can always add a SS to a 205 though. I plan to add a SS to mine. My boat will fall off plane around 18mph.

I looked over the specs. Here are the main differences between that 210 and my 205. The 210 weighs a half a ton more with six extra inches in the beam. The engine has MPI and 40 extra horsepowers. The gas tank handles 6 more gallons of fuel. The prop is SS, which is what you will want for towing and getting on plane quick and staying on plane slowly. For the features, the main ones I noted was a battery switch, remote for the stereo, fuel consumption gauge and nicer trim (e.g., SS cupholders versus my plastic ones).

The more powerful engine, SS prop and more fuel storage will probably become null because of the added weight. My friend has a 210, we need to run together one day. Just speaking with him, our top end is about the same. You will have to decide if the six inches extra beam width and additional features of the 210 are worth the added costs (at the dealership and in fuel).

Regarding towing tubes. I use my boat to tow tubes, kneeboards and wakeboards. My boat works well for all but wakeboards. My friend that I tow on a wakeboard always wants me to slow down, but I can't without falling off plane. A SS prop will probably fix that. Being able to plane quickly really doesn't matter for pulling tubes. You will want to go faster than 18mph with a tube, so falling off plane is not an issue.
 
Coolings,
Thank you for the info.

How fast does the 205 plane up? We are looking for a boat that will plane up quickly at low speeds so that we can tow our two young boys on a tube.

Here is the link to the 210 we will be doing a sea trial on. Thoughts??
http://www.lakeunionsearay.com/searchengine/Details.aspx?diid=1768326&bvdid=8760&type=N&indid=1&sortCol=Length&sortDir=ASC&Model_Year=2008%7C2008&Make=Sea+Ray&Length=20+feet%7C21+feet&Display_Name=210+Select#

How do you like working with Lake Union Sea Ray? Who is your salesman? I am also in the process of buying from them and I have found them very accomodating and easy to work with. They have some work to do to ready the boat for us (electronics, heater, tonneau cover, bottom paint) and I asked for delivery in Tacoma (nearer to Vashon). I am interested in your experience with them. Did you get yours at the boat show?
 
I agree with DR. We've had great luck with Lake Union SeaRay. I'm not sure which location you're dealing with and I'm not sure if the salesperson you're dealing with is guiding you one way or another if that's what you're looking for.

What are your frustrations?
 
dp,
We did start our discussions with Lake Union Sea Ray at the Boat Show. But it didn't go much further than that. We also talked with a Stingray dealer who proved to be much more informative.

The guy at LUSR that we are talking with is Jason Taska at the Seattle location. He rubbed me the wrong way initially because he was pushing a sale PRETTY HARD. But he has calmed down some and is being as accomodating as possible. We are trying to get in for a sea trial this weekend BRRRRRRRR...but we don't want to take our young children out with us so we have to line up some babysitting.

Here is another question. Since they have been working under the Brunswick Corp. I have heard that the quailty of the Sea Rays have been called into question. That the Sea Rays used to be better quality than they are currently. Any truth to that? Also, I have heard that Brunswick is falling on hard financial times (who isn't these days) but that it could be something to consider when looking for a dealer that is willing to work with you, both on the sales side as well as the service side.
 
Regarding towing tubes. I use my boat to tow tubes, kneeboards and wakeboards. My boat works well for all but wakeboards. My friend that I tow on a wakeboard always wants me to slow down, but I can't without falling off plane. A SS prop will probably fix that. Being able to plane quickly really doesn't matter for pulling tubes. You will want to go faster than 18mph with a tube, so falling off plane is not an issue.

Halfway off topic but Tabs will help both boats stay on plane at slower speeds. Also makes it easier for the less experienced driver (I didn't say wife) drive the boat when towing wakeboards, tubes etc. Either Smart Tabs or regular tabs make a big different.
 
dp,
We did start our discussions with Lake Union Sea Ray at the Boat Show. But it didn't go much further than that. We also talked with a Stingray dealer who proved to be much more informative.

The guy at LUSR that we are talking with is Jason Taska at the Seattle location. He rubbed me the wrong way initially because he was pushing a sale PRETTY HARD. But he has calmed down some and is being as accomodating as possible. We are trying to get in for a sea trial this weekend BRRRRRRRR...but we don't want to take our young children out with us so we have to line up some babysitting.

Here is another question. Since they have been working under the Brunswick Corp. I have heard that the quailty of the Sea Rays have been called into question. That the Sea Rays used to be better quality than they are currently. Any truth to that? Also, I have heard that Brunswick is falling on hard financial times (who isn't these days) but that it could be something to consider when looking for a dealer that is willing to work with you, both on the sales side as well as the service side.

Jason is also one of their Delivery Captains. I'm sure all boat dealers are attempting to get sales right now, but I've met Jason several times and he's pretty knowledgable.
One resource at the Lake Union location regarding quality and service is Erik Olson. He's the Service manager and I've known him (through my boats with Lake Unon) for 17 or 18 years. He can answer questions on whichever boat as well. At the Redmond location Jordan St. John is the service writer and he is also great to work with.

On your confidence level with quality as these are Brunswick owned, they have been for awhile and my guess is that seed of doubt was planted by the Stingray dealer.

All boats MFGs have pros and cons but overall I feel, as others here do, that SeaRay hits the high marks more consistently.

Good Luck and hope to see you on the water soon.
 
Nehalennia, I'm sure Jason is knowledgable, it is just some of the things he said in an email that has rubbed me the wrong way.

For example:

"The best part is that you will be dealing with me. I am a perfectionist and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible"

Just more arrogance than I can really stomach. :smt009
 
Nehalennia, I'm sure Jason is knowledgable, it is just some of the things he said in an email that has rubbed me the wrong way.

For example:

"The best part is that you will be dealing with me. I am a perfectionist and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible"

Just more arrogance than I can really stomach. :smt009

Yeah, that's a little much. I would have worded it differently to get the point accross that "I'll ensure your boat is prepped and taken care of properly".

Well all I can say is that once you do own a SeaRay, their service dept is absolutely great. You'll get straight answers from Erik and/or Jordan and their techs.
 
Good luck on your search. It can be a little over whelming. The only word of advice I could give would be go with the biggest boat you can afford. They look big on the showroom floor and shrink as soon as you put them in the water.

I have owned a 190 and 220 and would probably go for the 210. It is nice to have that extra weight and larger beam when the water gets rough. Also I know fuel economy is a big issue too many, but as soon as you purchase a boat that is under powered you wont care as much about gas prices.

Go for the 210 bring a few extra people and have them help pay for gas :lol:.

I dont know if you looked at the Sundeck 200 that is a nice boat as well. I sea trialed one of those before I bought my 230 and was impressed. It was fast and handled rough water well. Now that they have changed the style you could get a deal on one of those.

Which ever you choose sea trial them both and not on calm days but when the water is rough.

I hope this helps. And I know where you can get a nice 230 with a 350 mag......:grin:
 
Nehalennia, yeah we wished that we were dealing with anyone else at the boat show, but Jason was the one who approched us first.:huh:

We will see how the sea trials go.

jarwood, we are thinking that the 210 will be the perfect size for our family for several years to come. Since we will be sea trialing in Feb I'm not sure how choppy it will be, but we will make our own waves if we have to :grin:

It looks like the demo boat will be a little bit different. It will be this one instead.
2008 Sea Ray 210 Select

MERCRUISER 350 MAG MPI BRAVO 1
BLUE HULL W WHITE STRIPE
DOCKING LIGHTS
SUN PAD WITH LOUNGER
BIMINI TOP AND BOOT
INTERIOR WOOD WITH CREAM AND TAN

COCKPIT LIGHTS
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

IPOD INTERFACE W DOCKING STATION
COCKPIT AND BOW COVER
PREMIUM PAINTED TRAILER W BRAKES

LIST PRICE: $$53,460
DISCOUNT: $9,542
REBATE: $2,500
SAVINGS: $15,931
SIGN PRICE: $37,259

Any idea if that is a good/decent price? Also, if we were to offer cash for the boat, what price would/should we give them? Thanks in advance
 
Nehalennia, yeah we wished that we were dealing with anyone else at the boat show, but Jason was the one who approched us first.:huh:

We will see how the sea trials go.
......
Best of luck. Look the boat over good. I'd go for the larger one too. I'm sure you'll be treated right without the chest puff at your seatrial. Call Erik if you have any doubts whatsoever.
 
dp,
We did start our discussions with Lake Union Sea Ray at the Boat Show. But it didn't go much further than that. We also talked with a Stingray dealer who proved to be much more informative.

The guy at LUSR that we are talking with is Jason Taska at the Seattle location. He rubbed me the wrong way initially because he was pushing a sale PRETTY HARD. But he has calmed down some and is being as accomodating as possible. We are trying to get in for a sea trial this weekend BRRRRRRRR...but we don't want to take our young children out with us so we have to line up some babysitting. Quote]

I had a great experience with Ben Johnson at LUSR and we must have driven him crazy between ad deal on a 2008 260 they have had since summer (still there) and this new 240. I shied away from the 260 because of amount of corrosion on a 'new' boat in fresh water. He had me talk with Eric (very knowledgeable) and w/o any pressure we agreed the 240 with the Seacore was a better fit.
I also talk with the sales manager (name escapes me) and did not find any pressure there as well. It sounds like you either have a jr sales person or you finally taught him how to relax and the quality of the boat sell itself!

BTW... I did a sea trail last week... bring a hat and gloves but the weather sounds good on Sat.
 
Nehalennia, yeah we wished that we were dealing with anyone else at the boat show, but Jason was the one who approched us first.:huh:

We will see how the sea trials go.

jarwood, we are thinking that the 210 will be the perfect size for our family for several years to come. Since we will be sea trialing in Feb I'm not sure how choppy it will be, but we will make our own waves if we have to :grin:

It looks like the demo boat will be a little bit different. It will be this one instead.
2008 Sea Ray 210 Select

MERCRUISER 350 MAG MPI BRAVO 1
BLUE HULL W WHITE STRIPE
DOCKING LIGHTS
SUN PAD WITH LOUNGER
BIMINI TOP AND BOOT
INTERIOR WOOD WITH CREAM AND TAN

COCKPIT LIGHTS
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

IPOD INTERFACE W DOCKING STATION
COCKPIT AND BOW COVER
PREMIUM PAINTED TRAILER W BRAKES

LIST PRICE: $$53,460
DISCOUNT: $9,542
REBATE: $2,500
SAVINGS: $15,931
SIGN PRICE: $37,259

Any idea if that is a good/decent price? Also, if we were to offer cash for the boat, what price would/should we give them? Thanks in advance

I bet that boat will fly. Mine will run around 53 with the 350 mag. That boat will be in the 60's.

As far as price goes, I would work them over its a buyers market. I have seen used 230's with more options and about 20 hours selling for $39,000.00. I bet there are a lot of people just waiting for summer to unload their boats. Heck if things get worse I may be one of them.

Good luck
 
...........
BTW... I did a sea trail last week... bring a hat and gloves but the weather sounds good on Sat.

We're going to go stay the night in Langley on Whidbey Island if your boat's ready.

Hopes, again have fun on the SeaTrial
 
Nehalennia, yeah we wished that we were dealing with anyone else at the boat show, but Jason was the one who approched us first.:huh:

We will see how the sea trials go.

jarwood, we are thinking that the 210 will be the perfect size for our family for several years to come. Since we will be sea trialing in Feb I'm not sure how choppy it will be, but we will make our own waves if we have to :grin:

It looks like the demo boat will be a little bit different. It will be this one instead.
2008 Sea Ray 210 Select

MERCRUISER 350 MAG MPI BRAVO 1
BLUE HULL W WHITE STRIPE
DOCKING LIGHTS
SUN PAD WITH LOUNGER
BIMINI TOP AND BOOT
INTERIOR WOOD WITH CREAM AND TAN

COCKPIT LIGHTS
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

IPOD INTERFACE W DOCKING STATION
COCKPIT AND BOW COVER
PREMIUM PAINTED TRAILER W BRAKES

LIST PRICE: $$53,460
DISCOUNT: $9,542
REBATE: $2,500
SAVINGS: $15,931
SIGN PRICE: $37,259

Any idea if that is a good/decent price? Also, if we were to offer cash for the boat, what price would/should we give them? Thanks in advance

I bet you could get them down closer to $30,000 with cash! There are others out there, you can do a google search and find some to compare prices with.

-VtSeaRay
 

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