Pending total noob with a few questions.

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Mike Huizinga

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Apr 28, 2019
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My wife and are are considering getting a boat for our family of 5 (two teenage boys girl 7).

This weekend we looked at both the 190 and 210 SPX. The asking price for the 210 was 55k and the 190 is 45k.

We loved both, but being total noobs were thinking the 190 would be better for dipping our toe in the water. The 210 has the 250hp Merc and the 190 has the 200 Merc.

Few questions... first being are those prices about right or a little high? When I used boats.com to look at other areas in the country it seems 5-10k high.

Other than a bigger boat is the 10k addition for the 210 worth it.

Last question, just started comparing the Sea Ray to the Chaparral and they seem very compatible. In these entry boats the Chaparrals seem to be 5-10k cheaper. Reading forums they seem to be comparable boats but want to see what Sea Ray owners think about that.
 
You buying brand new? You can get a REAL nice boat that size used for much less.
 
Was looking used and except for a 2013 21 SPX for 38k seemed like a ripoff. Others used in my area are all Bayliners which was told to avoid.
 
A gentalman and his wife came down to our docks yesterday. He just bought a boat here in VA and is shipping it back to Ohio. Prices were great here for the boat he bought, 28' Grady. He told us he paid 10g less here than in Ohio.

He is selling his 1998 33' SeaRay WE for 45g. Don't be afraid to look outside your area
 
If I look at other boats I see like a MC 10 year old one about 35k which seems descent as well. I’m guessing you all would suggest used first?
 
bobeast said:
Think ahead to what boat you "eventually" want to move up to. Buy that boat now. Boats tend to shrink when wet, particularly if you have kids.
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We started out 3 years ago with a 21’ Crownline. We very quickly found it to be too small and lacked some things we needed.

We moved up to a 240 Sundeck and it’s perfect. Enclosed head, wet bar, tons of storage. 2 coolers, 8 beach chairs and 3 umbrella’s are on board and you’d never know it.

Do the kids plan on bringing a friend or 2? You may find that your family of 5 turns into 7-9 people very quickly.
 
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Mike Huizinga said:
My wife and are are considering getting a boat for our family of 5 (two teenage boys girl 7).

This weekend we looked at both the 190 and 210 SPX. The asking price for the 210 was 55k and the 190 is 45k.

We loved both, but being total noobs were thinking the 190 would be better for dipping our toe in the water. The 210 has the 250hp Merc and the 190 has the 200 Merc.

Few questions... first being are those prices about right or a little high? When I used boats.com to look at other areas in the country it seems 5-10k high.

Other than a bigger boat is the 10k addition for the 210 worth it.

Last question, just started comparing the Sea Ray to the Chaparral and they seem very compatible. In these entry boats the Chaparrals seem to be 5-10k cheaper. Reading forums they seem to be comparable boats but want to see what Sea Ray owners think about that.
Click to expand...
You will get better advice if you post your location and the body of water that you boat on. Having boated with teenagers, I can't image having three kids on a boat of either size. Many people do, however, and we have watched their struggles while sitting in marinas while cruising. The first issue with teens is all the "stuff" they need to bring along. There is simply not enough room on smaller boats to stow it. Then they want the friends to come too. Again, no room. A family your size is going to need a bigger boat. Where you boat also impacts size. Once you know size, brands address needs is various ways, some better than others.
 
The 19’ is kind of small for a family of your size and will get even more uncomfortable quick in a bit of chop. We have an 18’ bow rider that my kids share and now that they are turning 22 and 19 they are quickly outgrowing it.
One or the other of them (mostly my son) will use it to run to the beach for a few hours with a couple of friends, or they’ll use it to come out and meet us at a local anchorage where they spend most of the time on my boat. We’ll sometimes take it to get to a restaurant on the water or something too. Basically, it’s good for getting from point A to point B but not for hanging out on.
I would hold out for at least a 23’ or 24’ good clean used boat with a useable separate head. You might have to drop back a few years in age but with a group like you’re looking to accommodate a 19’ or 21’ boat wouldn’t be very practical and you would likely be looking to get out of it pretty quickly.
A friend of mine had a 24’ Sea Ray a few years back that we spent some time on and it was a pretty comfortable day boat.
 
I went from a 15' tri hull to a 19' sea ray to a 24' four winns now to a 40' sea ray, all Lake Michigan boats.

As others have said, a family of 5 isn't really a family of 5 when you have a boat, unless people really dont like you. You *can* fit 8-10 people on a boat that size (check the load capacity plate) but especially when they are teenagers it will get really crowded really quickly. Much of the fun of boating is boating with kids and their friends.

If you are really just trying to "dip your toe" and see if you like it, then go ahead. I dont know your financial situation and whether the $10k is a big difference to you. I might even suggest going older and less expensive, learn how you use the boat, then spend the money once you have a better feel. If you buy right you can get in and out without taking a big hit.

Also, the more info you can provide about your boating situation the better. Without that, people will tend to tell you what is best for them, rather than what is best for you.

Welcome to the club. There are joys and frustrations, but there is nothing better than opening up a boat on flat water and hearing the spray and feeling the boat glide across the water. True freedom.
 
The boats you are looking at will quickly become too small for your family and especially all the friends that your teenagers will bring along.

If you can, go to a boat show with your all of your family. Sit down in 20’ or 22’ boat. Now imagine another person or two, a few coolers, inner tube, picnic basket, all the towels, toys, dog etc.

As others said please tell us about where you plan on using your new toy. My first Sea Ray was 18’, slipped on Lake Monroe, Indiana. On busy weekends and holidays that size was too small. Pushed around by others wakes etc.

If you can afford it, most on here will tell you to buy your second boat first. :)

There are a lot of anal people who keep there boats in great condition. Look for a used one.

If you buy new, keep in mind that the minute they are out the door they loose value quickly. You buy your 190 for $45,000 and a year later you decide it’s too small. Just saying.
 
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Those are both small for a family of 5 if you’re going to use it. After a few hours someone will want to change seats and there won’t be many options. The money you’re looking you can get a nice 25’+ that can still be easily trailered.
 
As others have stated we really need to know your location and what body of water. Also as others have stated do not limit your search to your local market. I bought my boat in Atlanta, GA and had it moved to Charleston, WV.
 
Go all in and get the 270 SLX now! Those things are great looking boats. Plenty of room for five for a full day of fun.

As I think was mentioned above - if you're going to try to stick in the low 20's size range I'd say go older and cheaper. Chances are you'll love it and want to get a bigger one very soon. Limit your investment on the front end...makes it easier to exit :)
 
You need to know the weight load limits of the boat, you by to ensure you do not over load it. The load capacity of a small boat may exceed the weight of your family and gear. Also with that may people on a boat some one will need to use the Head (Toilet) a 20 foot boat will not have one.
 
One other quick comment - there are LOTS of families who LOVE spending their summers.on a 19 to 21 foot boat and are thankful every day. The guidance you are getting is on the mark, but don't let it get in the way of getting a boat. If you are going to trailer and in a smaller lake and all you can tow is a 21.foot, then get a 21 foot. Just be safe and dont overload it. Most of all, have fun!
 
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we had a 19' for most of 20 years. Our family is 3, so maybe 4 total, it was perfect. If you don't plan to bring extra people 19' works great. bringing extra kids would push at least to 21.... I have never bought a new boat, it would be awesome. i always buy a boat that's as in very good condition, so i don't take the hit, and can get more boat for my money.

Either way, enjoy it, great way to raise your family
 
yobub said:
One other quick comment - there are LOTS of families who LOVE spending their summers.on a 19 to 21 foot boat and are thankful every day. The guidance you are getting is on the mark, but don't let it get in the way of getting a boat. If you are going to trailer and in a smaller lake and all you can tow is a 21.foot, then get a 21 foot. Just be safe and dont overload it. Most of all, have fun!
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I have to agree with this 137%. I think (know?) many of us take for granted how great it is just to be out there enjoying the water regardless of the equipment we're using. Great post.
 
We had a 1997 Crownline 240 open bow prior to getting our 330 DA. I loved that boat, it was rated for 14 but would fit 10 and coolers comfortably. And with the 454 and Bravo III it always popped up on plane. Would still have that boat but we started to have kids.
 
I've actually been looking into the same exact models for my family - the 19 and 21 SPX's (outboards). There are 2015-2017s with low hours being sold for 15 to 20k below the asking prices you are finding, depending on which years, and which motors they are equipped with. Plus these years are all still under warranty. Another member here, Matt S, just recently purchased a 2018 (new/leftover inventory) for a little more than the price of a used model.

Also, the person capacity for a 19 SPX is 11, while the 21 SPX holds 12 people. I would not pack 11 healthy adults on to these boats, but some adults mixed in with kids will probably be just fine. I don't know how comfortable that would be though.
 
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