Buying a classic Sea Ray, could use some advice

[LGRay]

My brother and I have enjoyed my dad's 1995 220 Signature BR every summer for the past 15 years and have finally decided to try to buy a Sea Ray of our own. :smt001 Unfortunately, within our budget the SR options are pretty limited - would really appreciate everybody's expert advice. We definitely want a BR, 16-19 feet (vehicle won't tow more). Thoughts on outboard vs. I/O? We've seen several Sevilles and they seem like solid boats - any other models to look for? Seems like floor rot is a major concern and other big worry is the motor...the ones we've seen have a "Sea Ray" branded 100hp (just a Mercury in disguise, right?). If that goes, any thoughts on the cost to replace? We're not at all worried about speed, just need enough power to do the occasional skiing or tubing. We saw an 88 Seville today that's $3000 OBO - decent shape but had "softness" in the floor right above the fuel tank. Do we run the other way? And is that even a good price? Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions

 

[Matt89GT]

if the softness is only above the fuel tank and no where else and everything is all good and what will suit your needs I'd say your golden, it would be nothing to just replace that maybe a couple of hours at the most, as for an I/O I wouldn't consider anything other than a mercruiser, as where some will have a OMC and with OMC out of business parts are hard to come by if you are even able to find the parts at all and finding a mechanic to work on it might be even harder. mercruiser parts are everywhere and there is no shortage of parts or mechanics.

 

[JerryTX]

I would also check the motor mounts throughly. I bought a '79 Sea Ray as a project boat and when I pulled the engine the motor mounts just came out. I think they were screwed into wood blocks but the blocks decomposed apparently.

 

[Sundancer]

There are a lot of old boats for sale and the prices are tumbling. Now is a great time to make a low ball offer because they will have to winterize and store the boat for another season. If they have someone else do that, it could be $500 to $1000 for winterizing and storage! So drop the price and see what happens! It might expand the range of boats you are looking for. Keep looking and you WILL find a GREAT boat in your size and price range in good condition! They are out there!