240DA or 260DA - Seattle Boat show

N

Nehalennia II

New Member
Oct 6, 2006
1,200
Marysville, WA
Boat Info
sold '99 230OV
Engines
5.7 EFI w/Alpha one
We went to our boat show here in Seattle. Prior to it we have been talking to our dealer about a well equiped 2006-240DA they have left over. After being on the 240DA twice now sorting out where everyone would sleep or where we would put anything the Admiral has confirmed that the side seats which are at angles from each other doesn't feel right and seems akward. So the 260DA's seating is better arranged and is configured the she and I agree is correct. Problem, they're lots more money. Also, there's not a lot of nice used ones around here. Any thoughts?
 
Todd, Since the 260 is easily trailerable, how far are would you
consider expanding your search? Another consideration
is that it is almost Feb. Trading activity will soon pick up as spring
fever gets closer, and boat shows get interest fueled. If fuel prices settle down, that will enhance the activity as well.
 
Clean used would be my recommendation. It's going to take a little searching unless one just drops in your lap. What do you have to loose if you don't find the perfict one for you this year, you still have your boat and won't miss the season, so look on your terms and find the right one. :thumbsup:
 
Todd.............we tested both the 240 and the 260 and settled on the 260 for similar reasons. Plus, you can stand up in the cabin of the 260 whereas in the 240 there is a just a small area where you can do that. I would look for used if it were me. A good price will be under $70K for a 2005 if the boat is equipped with the 350MAG and has no generator. I have seen a few for sale at that price. As a matter of fact, one of our members has his listed right here http://www.byowneryachts.com/cgi-bin/boe.pl/A4B2F6490F8EFC6E91E12EF305CC8F0D/view/411

If I can be of any help or give you any further opinions, just let me know.

Dave
 
Todd, I think you are right in looking for a used 260DA. I'm pretty sure you have a good size family(6?) and the new style 240DA really only has seating for 5. Good luck with your search. I'm sure you will find the right boat.
 
Todd:

It's worth the wait! I'll bet you'll find one very soon. Think how many folks are looking to trade up to a 28, 30 or bigger and they want to dump the hardly used 260 because it's just too small or doesn't have enough status to fuel their ego!! Talk to the Sea Ray boys and get in line! I know Trudeau's over here has a waiting list of folks looking for boats in a certain price range or a certain model. The used list on the internet is very small. You could always drive down to Charlotte to pick up the one for sale Dave S Posted? Do you have a tow vehicle ready to go?
 
Todd...if I had to do it again, I'd be looking for a "used" 260. New are too much $ and the loss the first yr. alone is a killer. I'd recommend a used 260, and make sure you have plenty of motor for it. The 5.0 in mine just isn't big enough.
-Mike
 
Amen to the used 260. It also opens up your resources: new Sea Rays can only come from one source. Used Sea Rays show up in the Seattle area all time, in many places.

As a matter of fact, I used a Seattle brokerage to find my current Sea Ray, and they broker another high-end manufacturer. Using them really opened up a network of boats; I am very happy with the end result.

My parents and I both bought the same model of boat, years ago. I bought a boat that was 3 years old and had low hours, but all the kinks were worked out by the first owner. My parents needed to work with the dealership to resolve a number of issues on their new boat. None were huge and all were resolved to their satisfaction, but it took time to address; this time was taken away from on the water hours.
 
Strange thing...I did a search for SeaRay's that size in the area where you live and your right. There aren't as many as the rest of the country. And the ones for sale are much higher priced then the rest? Go figure. I would do better selling my boat over there and paying for the shipping when it's time to go bigger. Todd, in 4 years I'll give you a great deal on a 300DA :grin: Kind regards, Brian
 
Older 240DAs

Todd, just a comment on 240DAs made from 2000 thru 2005 - they have cockpit seating that includes an L shaped lounge next to the helm and facing bench seats behind. We have a 2000 and often put 6 on deck without problem (although 4 are usually teenagers). The cabin headroom is also better on these than on the 2006 and later 240DAs. It might be a less expensive option than the 260 but the extra space in the 260 is nice.

Good luck - we've enjoyed our 240 for 6 yrs and find it's just the right size for us. I don't like the redesign to the cockpit that Sea Ray did in the 2006 and later models, however.

Jim
 
When I started looking I looked at the new 240da and 260da and found them to be shorter, while the new 260 has more head room. I found that we wanted to trailer and sometimes entertain during the day. The 260 is great for the three of us a night and if the temps are ok we can sleep a couple topside on the rear seat. By buying a slightly used boat we were able to avoid the first year loss and get the larger of the two. Also if you do your homework with a survey you can find just the right boat for you. Out here in the west the las vegas manager of MM has told me that phoenix, grand junction, salt lake city, and las vegas stores all order larger engines, ac and generators, and trailers with all the boats here. As I know the guys at the vegas store I am a little partial and have watched many times him take trade put it back out within days a great prices. If you call him and tell what you want what you would like to spend he will find you one. Plus it would give you a reason to fly out to vegas. :thumbsup: Ya I know who needs a reason? Good luck and have fun. :smt038
 
Hey ya'll. Thanks for all the feedback. After an internet search nationwide we have seen a few 260's that are within budget and after some real thought seem to be the way to go. Yes we have 6 of us.(pic below). Of course the one I really like is accross the country, but the price is so good it will be worth the trip. I love this site for the reassuring advice you all have. You sure can get caught up in the shiny glass, bright chrome and "new" smell. :thumbsup: As this week moves on I'll keep you posted.

Dave, SeaRay has about $7500.00 off a 2006 240DA that we were considering, putting it around $59K very well equiped.....but I would add Fresh water cooling, heat and a trailer getting it back to right around $70K. I know we can find all that + 2 feet for much less than $70k.
 

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Ive compared my '03 240DA to the new one and the new one feels smaller. There's less room inside and theres actually less headroom. I'd go for the 260 because you'll definitely feel a little too close down below with all of down there.
 
Thanks Makc. I think we're sold on the 260DA also. It's just bigger than planned and requires a tow vehicle upgrade as well. :smt021
 
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