1998 190 Bowrider

[SYates20]

I have been researching SeaRays for a long time and while I would love a bigger boat, I am in the middle of Florida and want to be able to tow the boat around the state and this seems to be the best option for me.

I found this great looking, well maintained boat with a V8 and put a deposit down on it. I am also going to spend a decent chunk of change on an inspection but for a 20 yr old boat, I do not want to deal with any stringer/floor rot.

Anything else I should be looking for or consider? I am paying 6K for it down from 7K and the engine has 400hrs on it.

 

[BillK2632]

I have a 1999 185, which is basically the same boat. My boat has lived it's life in a covered slip on a lift and in dry storage, I have not had any issues with rot or anything like that. I know the hulls in these boats are solid glass - I am not sure about the transom and stringers. From the picture that boat looks to be pretty clean, however it being from FL I would be concerned about saltwater use and the condition of the manifolds and risers. The SeaRay bowriders and Sundecks are solid boats and taken care of can last a long long time.

 

[SYates20]

Thanks for the reply. I am hopeful my $600 inspection will find anything really outrageous.

I do plan to take it into saltwater occasionally; any tips on how to take care of it?

 

[Ike]

Take care of it the way you would anywhere. Give it regular servicing. Download the owners manual from http://www.searay.com/ and follow the maintenance schedule religiously. When you haul it wash it down with fresh water. If you do that you should have no problems. My Sea Ray is 43 years old and going strong. It has required some work but is well worth it.

 

[SYates20]

Boat passed inspection with flying colors! Will be picking her up next week.

 

[JimG]

Congratulations... enjoy!

 

[BillK2632]

I figured it would based on the pictures - good luck, I like that era of small SeaRays, mine has been a great little boat.