Boat - looking at 268, need some seasoned input

[TerrySturgeon]

I have just purchased a 1988 268 Sea Ray and was wondering if anyone could lead me where to buy parts if and when I need them?
How often should the bottom be painted on this type of boat?
Should I feel safe taking this big of a boat onto Lake Michigan with my family? It only has one 454 engine on it!
Thanks for your help

 

[hottoddie]

Re: Boat

First of all is this your first boat? If not what boat(s) have you owned before and many years experience do you have? Do you have a clear picture of what condition the boat is in? Did you have the boat surveyed and then sea trialed. If you are a new boater you SHOULD take a safe boating course before going anywhere. Even those of use that have many years of boating under our belts take our time getting the feel of a new to us boat when using an unfamiliar boat.

As far as parts there is always West Marine, Flounderpounder,com, ebay, Marinepartssource.com as well the General Classified of this forum.

BTW welcome and good luck the boat.

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Re: Boat

First of all is this your first boat? If not what boat(s) have you owned before and many years experience do you have? Do you have a clear picture of what condition the boat is in? Did you have the boat surveyed and then sea trialed. If you are a new boater you SHOULD take a safe boating course before going anywhere. Even those of use that have many years of boating under our belts take our time getting the feel of a new to us boat when using an unfamiliar boat.

As far as parts there is always West Marine, Flounderpounder,com, ebay, Marinepartssource.com as well the General Classified of this forum.

BTW welcome and good luck the boat.

Hi Hottoddie,
Thanks for the quick response.
I have taken a safe boating course online. I have not had the boat inspected but am going to the dealer to look at it again Saturday to make my final decision. The company wants to make sure I like the boat and see everything works on it. Its winter here in Indiana and everything is frozen so getting it on a reservoir is out of the question right now. The company said they would pull it inside and fire it up with antifreeze for us to look at. The boat I have owned for the last two years was Stratos 282 VR that was 18'3 long for bass fishing. I fished some tournaments in Indiana but decided to trade it in for something the wife and I can relax on. We have decided to take the boat to Brookville Reservoir for our first year to make sure it is in good shape and we have knowledge about the boat. My big concern was the year of the boat and this is the first big boat I have ever owned. Brookville reservoir is only about 5,600 acres but just wondering if next year we might take it to Lake Michigan. I was just curious about one motor and putting it on a place as big as Lake Michigan. I don't think I could find an oar big enough to get this thing to shore..... :smt043
Thanks again for your response.

 

[Quint4]

Re: Boat

Hi Terry, the 268 was a very popular boat with lots of room for its size. My prior boat was a sea ray 290 Sundancer with a single 7.4. They are similar boats and my 290 was adequately powered.

I really hate to buy a boat without a sea trial because the important thing for boat engines is how they run under load. At the very least, I would have a compression check done on the engine. It'll give you a good indication of engine health (have new spark plugs ready to put back in).

The bottom paint is another story. Do you plan to keep the boat in the water or on a trailer? I have a ablative paint on my boat and get a couple years out of it before it needs touched up. This type of bottom paint slowly wears away every time you run the boat.

Also many of the 268s had an Alpha one outdrive mated to the 7.4 which proved to be a weak point. The high horsepower of the 7.4 would often damage the Alpha one gear train. Sea ray realized this an switched to Bravo series outdrives for some of these boats. If it has an Alpha one outdrive, I would want to make sure is in good working condition.

That boat has many systems on it that will need checked. A competent surveyor will be able to identify any problems perhaps saving you some headache.

You have a good plan with familiarizing yourself with the boat and it systems on a smaller lake such as Brookville. I think you will find many Single engine boats similar to the 268 navigating on Lake Michigan. The key is knowing the systems of your vessel are in working order, maintained properly and adhering to any Weather small craft warnings that may be in the area.

We keep our boat at Kent's Harbor on Brookville Lake. Be sure and look us up this summer. Will provide any assistance with your boat I can.

 

[hottoddie]

Re: Boat

Some things to look for an this boat (or almost any boat for that matter) is the structural integrity of the transom and stringers. If they are water soaked and/or rotted you must pass on this boat. Repair cost would be prohibitive. Running the motor and doing a compression when warmed up is a must. Also alot of those 268's with 454's had Alpha drives that did not stand up well under the torque of the 454. Mercruiser started using the 454 with the Bravo drive around 1989 so consider the Alpha drive a potential problem area. Can't emphasize the need for a surveyor enough. On a 1988 boat you will most likely need a survey to get insurance anyway so do it before you buy it.

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Re: Boat

Hi Terry, the 268 was a very popular boat with lots of room for its size. My prior boat was a sea ray 290 Sundancer with a single 7.4. They are similar boats and my 290 was adequately powered.

I really hate to buy a boat without a sea trial because the important thing for boat engines is how they run under load. At the very least, I would have a compression check done on the engine. It'll give you a good indication of engine health (have new spark plugs ready to put back in).

The bottom paint is another story. Do you plan to keep the boat in the water or on a trailer? I have a ablative paint on my boat and get a couple years out of it before it needs touched up. This type of bottom paint slowly wears away every time you run the boat.

Also many of the 268s had an Alpha one outdrive mated to the 7.4 which proved to be a weak point. The high horsepower of the 7.4 would often damage the Alpha one gear train. Sea ray realized this an switched to Bravo series outdrives for some of these boats. If it has an Alpha one outdrive, I would want to make sure is in good working condition.

That boat has many systems on it that will need checked. A competent surveyor will be able to identify any problems perhaps saving you some headache.

You have a good plan with familiarizing yourself with the boat and it systems on a smaller lake such as Brookville. I think you will find many Single engine boats similar to the 268 navigating on Lake Michigan. The key is knowing the systems of your vessel are in working order, maintained properly and adhering to any Weather small craft warnings that may be in the area.

We keep our boat at Kent's Harbor on Brookville Lake. Be sure and look us up this summer. Will provide any assistance with your boat I can.

Hi Quint4,
Nice to know someone who is also on Brookville Lake. A compression check is a great idea. Thanks for that.
This large of a boat does cause me concern since I have never bought one like this. My Stratos wasn't that much to go through but I had a friend help me out even when I bought it. They stated it had the lower unit 3 years ago.
Maybe we can meet sometime this summer at Ainsley's Cafe and talk some. We could sure use someones professional advice on this stuff. I hate to have our first big boat be a disaster and it ruin our fun and plans on the lake this year.
Thanks again and happy boating.

 

[SloBurn]

Re: Boat

For parts, tune up and maintenance, etc. I use Amazon!! And for every other automotive, off road, etc. part. now that I think about it.

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Re: Boat

Does anyone know of a Marine surveyor around the Indianapolis, Indiana? I need someone for Feb.28th? Or someone who is exceptionally good at checking out a 268 Sea Ray for me? Please contact me so we can talk.
Thanks

 

[Quint4]

Re: Boat

Start a new thread and title it "Indianapolis Surveyor?"

Just advice to help....If you would have titled this thread "Looking at a 268 for purchase" you probably would have got some of the 268 owners to weigh in.

 

[Getaway]

Do a search on here for 268's and I'm sure a lot of info will pop up. I've owned mine since 2010 and it has only been used on the great lakes. I salmon and walleye fish lakes Michigan and Huron and we also use ours as a floating camper for my family of 5. We love the boat. It gives us the versatility of a serious salmon/walleye fishing machine as well as a great family boat for trailering to various ports and vacationing on it.

I completely rebuilt the transom and stringers on my boat. The boat was wet when I bought it, but the rest of it was in great shape. I had some knowledge of my own, plus I hired a friend who was an expert in fiberglass and structural work. The project took 5 months, but now I have a strong, sturdy hull that is stronger than any production boat you can buy.

My boat is the single 454 with the Alpha drive. Never had a problem and it has the original drive that came from the factory. I've "heard" of people having issues, but never witnessed a problem myself. The previous owner was gentle on take offs and throttle downs and so am I. I've done the routine maintenance and it's been problem free.

Good luck in your purchase. Make sure your sale is contingent on a sea trial and hull survey. The 268's and known for wet transoms and stringers cause either Sea Ray or the dealers did not use good sealant on transducers, swim platform mounts and trim tabs.

Bob

 

[mstang64bb]

Everyone has given some great insight. The only thing I wish to add, as a boater in the ocean with a 268 Sea Ray. I would highly recommend VHF radio and a towing service.
It's a great peace of mind knowing should you bread down you have a return plan.

Good luck with your boat purchase...

 

[NorCal Boater]

Terry,

When we start looking at boats in this size range and with this many systems it is imperative to get a survey and make the purchase subject to sea trial. There are just too many costly things that can go south quickly after purchase. We all have been where you are and patience is really hard to come by at this point in the buying process. I would give them a 10% deposit and write the offer subject to survey results and a sea trial. The dealer will wait for you as they understand the process; if they won't you may not want to be buying from them.

Shawn

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Re: Boat

Good Day Everyone,
I want to thank everyone for their input on my questions. You all have been great and helpful. After talking to everyone and getting advice, my wife and I have decided to hold off on trading our boat until spring. We really wanted a big boat but don't want our first adventure to turn into a big expense/mess. The last thing I want to purchase is a floating cash eater or having it sit all summer on shore while I work on it.
Our decision was not based on the condition of the boat, we just want to make sure we have all our ducks in a row so it will be an enjoyment to purchase a boat not a hassle.
I still will remain on this site and hope to keep talking to all of you.
Thanks again to all of you for your help and support

 

[NorCal Boater]

Re: Boat

Hats off to you. That is a really smart decision. If that is truly the boat for you it will be there in a couple of months. If you don't get that one my experience shows you will probably get a better one.

Good Luck

 

[Getaway]

Re: Boat

Good call! It looks like you have a good head on your shoulders. You are doing the right thing by gaining all the knowledge you can gain before taking the plunge.

Moving into a boat this size was definitely an adjustment for me. My previous boat was a '97 22ft Starcraft Islander that I ordered brand new. That boat was light, trouble free and sipped gas. The Islander was strictly a great lakes fishing rig and after 14 years of ownership, I finally got tired of getting my teeth knocked out every time the waves got 2ft or higher. Still needing to remain trailerable, I sold that boat and moved into the 268DA. What a difference in EVERY aspect. Where it used to take 6-7 gallons of gas to go on a fishing trip, now takes 20-25. The Sea Ray is basically trouble free, however, there are constant little maintenance projects that need to be done that did not exist with the old boat. With all that, however, the 268 offers a nice smooth ride that is worth the extra fuel. Where I used to think nothing of burning fuel to find fish, I now take a smarter approach and make less trips to the fishing grounds. I rely on sound fishing reports to get me over fish and not be the guy who is running all over the lake looking for the "hot spot".

I love the 268 and look forward to one day moving up to the 30, 34 or even bigger. We really enjoy the trailerability of our boat however. Settling on one single port would be a hard thing to do at this point. I feel the time coming where I'll grow tired of trailering all over the state, but I think I still have a few years left in me. The scenery and quaint little ports on northern Lake Michigan are just fantastic to visit with the boat.

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Hi,
You are doing what I really want to do. Salmon and walleye fish on Michigan and Huron. My wife and I want to get out so she can lay in the sun and I can do some fishing. Could you send me a closer picture of your boat so I can see how you have it set up please. It looks great the from everything I can see. Can I have your boat?????? :smt038
Thanks

 

[Getaway]

Hi,
You are doing what I really want to do. Salmon and walleye fish on Michigan and Huron. My wife and I want to get out so she can lay in the sun and I can do some fishing. Could you send me a closer picture of your boat so I can see how you have it set up please. It looks great the from everything I can see. Can I have your boat?????? :smt038
Thanks

LOL! Well, everything I have is reluctantly for sale :grin:.

Here she is on the trailer:

I've got 3 Scotty electric downriggers setup with 2 being up the gunwale and 1 is a shoot rigger off the center of the transom. This pic is from Frankfort on Lake Michigan. Never mind the $5000 tournament winning 30lb king salmon that I'm holding in the photo:wink:

The "bird holders" on the radar arch are for in-line planer board lines used for pulling high flat lines like lead core, small dipsey divers (walleye fishing) and or flat mono lines. Here's a good look at the setup with my middle son holding a small atlantic salmon caught in Harbor Beach.

Rocket launchers across the top of the arch are great for storing rods when not in use as well as the net holders along each side.

I've plumbed a fresh water wash down for cleaning fish blood and slime off the deck too. The hose is connected to the hot water side of the boat's existing on board system. The hot water wash down is nice for cleaning up the deck after catching a fish.

I've got all Lowrance electronics including 3 on board GPS's, an HDS-5 fishfinder and full radar system. She's also got a FishHawk down speed/temp unit for locating thermoclines and adjusting trolling speed with respect to underwater currents and upwellings.

All rigged up after a long day of fishing. In this pic you can see the drop curtain I made that encloses the cockpit while fishing and over nighting. This keeps the cockpit and cabin warm and dry while spring/fall fishing in Michigan's weather.

 

[TerrySturgeon]

Good Morning,
Nice setup.Everyone on here really has nice boats. I hope when I do get one it will be as nice and I will be able to set it up for fishing like you have it. My goal (dream) is to get on lake Michigan and have some fun. I was lucky enough to be raised on a farm with three smaller lakes around me and two reservoirs. My dad loved to fish so I got plenty of time on the water. Thanks for the pics on your boat and she is a beauty. Just getting to know all of you on this forum makes me want to get a sea ray more.
Thanks

 

[Getaway]

Re: Boat - looking a at 268, need some seasoned input

We are definitely Sea Ray addicts on here. For some reason, these boats lure you in and keep you hooked.

Good luck in your quest!