89 230 cuddy 7.4 330/ bravo 1 pre purchase ?s

[nmsu18]

Hi, I'm looking @ an '89 230 cuddy w/ 7.4L BR 1 combo. Boat looks great, well kept, has @ 350 hrs on it. Just wondering if there are any problems or gremlins with this vintage or power combo? Thanks in advance, looking forward to rejoing the Sea Ray Owners Club!!!

 

[Kevin Smith]

89 Sea Ray 230 with 7.4

I just sold my 23 Weekender. It was a great boat but on mine you had to pull the motor to change almost any part except the spark plugs and manifolds. Let me explain some more:

Mine had carpet over wood in the front half of the cockpit and a slightly raised fiberglass platform in the rear half of the cockpit. In the middle of the fiberglass platform in the rear of the cockpit was a hatch that was barely larger than the 7.4 Merc. So if you had to change the starter, certain cooling hoses, etc. etc. etc. the engine needed to come out. $$$$.

I replaced mine with a 1991 250 Weekender. I would strongly recommend you spend the extra money and you will be much happier with the 25 or 27 foot boat with the same motor and drive. It is almost as fast and offers a lot more room for people and working on the boat.

Regards,
Kevin Smith