buying advice on 2000 Sea Ray Amberjack 290

[rose_surfer]

I've got a survey and sea trial lined up next week for a 2000 Amberjack 290 powered by 5.7L EFI's and Bravo III's. If all goes reasonably well with the survey I'll be the proud owner of a new-to-me boat.

Anything in particular I should have my surveyor look for? It's a long distance transaction - I'll be buying the boat sight unseen and relying completely on the surveyor and pics.

This will be my 3rd boat (kind of my 4th, but that's a long story), previously owned a sea ray 180 and a Proline 22, both outboards. So this will be my first I/O and a pretty big step up in size.

 

[scoflaw]

Not enough info provided to give you any advise at all, except, good luck with that 15 year old boat.

 

[rose_surfer]

Not enough info provided to give you any advise at all, except, good luck with that 15 year old boat.

I have to say, this type of reply to someone's first post in the "newbie lounge" isn't the type of response that is going to want to make would-be owners want to be part of this "community." I respect the point that you are making, but how about something like:

"Assuming you've hired a competent surveyor, they should know what to look for. I'm not aware of any known defects with this model/year to point out to the surveyor. Post back when you have the results of your survey and we can help you decide if there are any show stoppers."

and to your second point, something like:

"keep in mind you are buying a 15 year old boat and engines, outdrives, A/C, and other systems could need to be replaced sooner rather than later" or even "sea rays aren't known for being particularly well made. While a 15-20 year old blackfin or tiara may be just getting going, a 15 year old sea ray is at the end of its service life and expect problems and maintenance cost to exceed the value of the boat regardless of what the survey results are and what price you are getting it for"

 

[scoflaw]

See how easy that was, you now have the answers to your questions