Anyone else with a 1988 SeaRay Sorrento S24?

jquigley

New Member
Apr 24, 2010
13
Nova Scotia
Boat Info
Sorrento 24
Engines
Merc 5.8 Alpha I outdrive
I've just picked up a 1988 SeaRay Sorrrento S24 and have come to realize that there doesn't seem to be many of these around. I've already had a few people say "You mean an S25, right?". No, it's a S24 but not even the SR website has any manuals for this model.

So, I was just wanting to see if there were any other members here who have the same model and willing to share any information that they might have. I'm not asking for any particular information, just what to see and hear your stories and maybe acquire a group of people that I can bounce questions off when the time arrises.

So far this site has been a wealth of info since I signed on a few days ago. Oh, and sorry if this post is in the wrong category - I'm a newby.

Jeff
 
I've just picked up a 1988 SeaRay Sorrrento S24 and have come to realize that there doesn't seem to be many of these around. I've already had a few people say "You mean an S25, right?". No, it's a S24 but not even the SR website has any manuals for this model.

So, I was just wanting to see if there were any other members here who have the same model and willing to share any information that they might have. I'm not asking for any particular information, just what to see and hear your stories and maybe acquire a group of people that I can bounce questions off when the time arrises.

So far this site has been a wealth of info since I signed on a few days ago. Oh, and sorry if this post is in the wrong category - I'm a newby.

Jeff

Jeff ,the S24 was introduced in 1987 and was marketed as an S24 in 87 and 88.In 89 the boat was known as a 230cc. and became available with a big block and a bravo drive.also Sea Ray decided in 89 to stop gel coating the deck in colors as fading was a problem.You are right they do not list your boat,however the 1990 230 cc PDF(same boat) is available to download.I had an 88 like yours and enjoyed every minute I used it.Good Luck
 
I am also a newby and have an 87 Sorrento s24 bow rider. It's been in our family since new and I am the official "maintainer". It is a wonderful lake boat. I just rebuilt the seats, frames and all, as original. I am having a heck of a time finding parts, especially the foam covering the screw holes around the base of the windshield and the vent covers i had to adapt from another boat. Also I'd like to rebuild the outdrive as its feeling a bit loose. All in all I still think its one of the most comfortable boats out there, new or used. Enjoy, Paul
 
I had an '87 S24 for about 5 years and we loved it. I bought it in Southern Cal and took it to Catalina Island (26 miles off shore)many times.

I still have a lot of pictures and did all the work myself so I know the boat pretty well.

Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. Hopefully the brain cells I murdered since I sold it aren't the ones you need.

Shawn
 
I've just picked up a 1988 SeaRay Sorrrento S24 and have come to realize that there doesn't seem to be many of these around. I've already had a few people say "You mean an S25, right?". No, it's a S24 but not even the SR website has any manuals for this model.
Jeff

Hi Jeff, we have a 1987 Sorrento S24. You are correct, there isn't a lot of information floating around out there that isn't already in this forum.

I see that you have the camper canvas on yours in your signature picture. It wouldn't happen to have a manufacturer tag or plate somewhere on it would it? There are a few of us trying to track down the camper enclosure for our older Sorrentos. My wife and I had even considered trying to do it ourselves which would have been interesting and probably a slow motion disaster :smt001

You will enjoy your boat. Congratulations with your purchase!
 
I just recently picked up an 88 Sorrento S24. I myself have also had alot of questions without answers. These boats were rare. I've done some work to mine since I aquired it. I took the engine out, went through it, added a cam, intake, a Holley carb, thru-hulls, new gimble bearing and CD player. I also took the outdrive apart and put in new bearings and seals. I've got everything working exept for the pump for the Bennett trim tabs. My boat has been repainted with Awlgrip and was done very nicely. I'm now trying to figure out where this S24 should be performance wise. I don't want a speed demon but would enjoy 45-50mph more or less. So far the best is 38mph GPS with 4K on the tach and that's with a 14.5x19 alluminum prop. :huh:
 
I have a 1988 24' Sorrento also. Done alot of work to it myself and might be able to answer some things. If you end up owning it for a while and do things yourself sooner or later you will have done everything. Bet you can't wait. As far as speed, weight has alot to do with this big, heavy boat. You should be turning 4400-4800 rpms with this 5.7L. If you change pitch from 19"-17" you will get into the boats power band and most likely get some more speed. I run a 14.5 X 17 SS prop. Stainless will give you 3-4 mph right out of the box. I can get up to 41 with 2 on board. This is not a ski boat it is a cruiser. If you can get this boat to go 45 you are doing somthing no one else is with this boat but you have added some work to it that may help you get there. Also fix your trim tabs they help.


Good luck!
 
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Also an S24 owner. Actually have just started fixing it up from a rather poor state of repair. Love the boat, had it in the water for a couple shakedowns to see what it needs..... Well pretty much everything! But looks to be a worthwhile project.
 
Thanks MikeC and Towerguy1. I'm still fine tuning it a little bit. Mine will cruise at 30 -32mph with a half tank of gas and 3100-3200RPM and two people on board. It sounds alot faster than it really is with the thru-hulls. I've done a bit of work to mine. I've got some pics I'll post later when I get home from work. Mine still needs some minor work but for the most part it's completely enjoyable.
 
You still need to get more RPM's. If you are getting up to 4400 at full power, then backing down to 3200, OK. If that is all you can get with just 2 on board, you still have some issues. You said in an earlier post you had it at 4000 so I assume you are backing down. Remember running these engines at less than WOT for long times can do as much damage as over reving them. Did you fix your Trim Tabs? They will really help you get up on plane fast. Blew the alternater belt on mine this weekend while out in the Lake. One of the best things you can have is a backup for all belts and hoses on board.

Keep Dry
 
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Yep that was after backing down. I'm going to put the stainless 14.5"x17" prop back on it next weekend and go from there. I just didn't like cruising around 30mph at 3500rpm which is where the 17" puts me. I can do that same speed at 3000RPM with the alluminum 19". I've had the engine up to 4500 easily with the 17" and backed off because it was the maiden voyage since rebuilding the engine. But you are very right, this engine needs to run where it makes the most power. I also have a 17" alluminum prop I thought of trying but it looks like it needs re-hubbed.We'll see how it goes next weekend! :grin:

EDIT: I can get 41mph on GPS with the 19" easy. Did it this weekend before the inline fuel filter clogged up. Doing around 4300RPM at that speed. I was getting only 4000-4100RPM earlier but that was with the bow plowing down.. a little positive trim and it gets the bow out of the water, frees up some speed and some RPMS.

SEARAY2.jpg


SEARAY.jpg
 
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Sorrento24,

Nice pics. Nice boat. What kind of outdrive do you have? Mine had the Alpha 1 but yours looks different.
 
yep that was after backing down. I'm going to put the stainless 14.5"x17" prop back on it next weekend and go from there. I just didn't like cruising around 30mph at 3500rpm which is where the 17" puts me. I can do that same speed at 3000rpm with the alluminum 19". I've had the engine up to 4500 easily with the 17" and backed off because it was the maiden voyage since rebuilding the engine. But you are very right, this engine needs to run where it makes the most power. I also have a 17" alluminum prop i thought of trying but it looks like it needs re-hubbed.we'll see how it goes next weekend! :grin:

Edit: I can get 41mph on gps with the 19" easy. Did it this weekend before the inline fuel filter clogged up. Doing around 4300rpm at that speed. I was getting only 4000-4100rpm earlier but that was with the bow plowing down.. A little positive trim and it gets the bow out of the water, frees up some speed and some rpms.

searay2.jpg


searay.jpg

very nice!
 
Hello Sea Ray World,

I'm new and I also have a 1988 Sea Ray Sorrento 24 (blue/white).

It has:
Mercruiser 5.7 (260hp)
Garmin 296c Gps
Standard Horizon PS1000 Phantom Radio with DSC
Monster Tower for wake boarding
Rides on a Next Rail aluminum trailer

Boat now has over 900 hrs on engine and still uses no oil during the season.... got to love the Chevy 350!
 

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I have the camper top for my 1988 Sorrento 24 and the top was made by Great Lakes Boat Top Company. They do a lot of OEM tops and will provide replacement tops for Sea Rays. But, I do not see the Sorrento listed on their website, so you would probably need to call them.

John
 
Hello Sea Ray World,

I'm new and I also have a 1988 Sea Ray Sorrento 24 (blue/white).

It has:
Mercruiser 5.7 (260hp)
Garmin 296c Gps
Standard Horizon PS1000 Phantom Radio with DSC
Monster Tower for wake boarding
Rides on a Next Rail aluminum trailer

Boat now has over 900 hrs on engine and still uses no oil during the season.... got to love the Chevy 350!

I have an 87' That looks just like that except I gutted and customized my upholstery. Your boat looks good keep it up.
 
Hello I have 1992 Sorrento S24, :))

p1000385opt.jpg


we bought it last year and are very pleased for now!

we must do some repair, my father is replacing head and exhaust gaskets, steering cable is also going to be replaced and some other minor work!

at this moment, I am posting this message, and my father is working on boat :D
 
I just joined this forum and I also have a 88 s24. Mine needed little to no work before going in the water this spring. Looks and drives great. Going to do some restoring this spring and would love to talk to some of you guys who have experience restoring one of these boats. I tried uploading photos but it kept telling me "failed". Ill try again. Great boat. Look forward to many years of fun on it.
 
Hi all, this is my first post.

I grew up skiing behind a 1987 Sea Ray Seville at Lake Powell in Southern Utah. I love Sea Ray Boats! Would you believe my aging folks recently sold it to my brother instead of me, the one who faithfully cared for it all those years? The reason: I now live in WY; not the warmest climate to go boating in. I am on the market though. Lots of boating at Jackson Lake, Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, and of course Lake Powell. I have a point to all my rambling. During that time growing up, my uncle had an 88 Sorrento 24. Man that thing looked good. I always coveted it with the angled back instead of the flat back our Seville had. I found an '88 S24 for sale and having been watching it for quite sometime. Still convincing the wife, and it looks like it might need some work. I'm still thinking about different uses for the boat, (fishing, camping, skiing) so some questions you S24 owners could maybe help me with:

My primary use would be for overnight camping and day outing skiing. I know this boat is more of a cruiser instead of ski behind, but:

1. Is the S24 suitably powered with the 5.7 Merc to pull a 225lb slalomer out of the water? (I have to drag behind the Seville for a good 50 yrds)

2. What mechanical problems have you seen with the S24?

3. Have you found it difficult to order replacement parts and make repairs needed because of age of the boat?

Let me know what you think!
 
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