Choices for a soon to be Sea Ray Owner

sebagoman007 said:
Maybe this is overstating the obvious, but whichever boat you go with GET A PROFESSIONAL SURVEY FIRST.

I bought a 2000 260DA with the 7.4L/BIII used in 2005. It had been wet-slipped in salt water. I was shown a 2 year old survey and decided I didn't need to do it over. BIG MISTAKE. I have had serious corrosion issues with the lower unit leading to replacement (bearing carrier was almost rotted away) and this year I spent well over 3K to replace the gimbal ring and associated parts. It now lives in fresh water for the relatively short New England boating season and I think I finally have all those issues corrected. However, as someone else posted previously the early BIII's were notorious for rapid and ugly corrosion in salt water use. Some things to have thoroughly checked out before you plunk down your $$$ are;

1.) Is the Mercathode system working properly?
2.) Does the boat have a salt water history?
3.) Did the previous owner(s) use the proper sacrificial anodes? (aluminum for salt, magnesium for fresh)
4.) Check very carefully for signs of corrosion on the outdrive. The bearing carrier I mentioned above is only visible when you pull off both props.

I sure don't mean to terrify you with my horror story, but I'd hate for anyone else to be faced with what I was. All of that aside, we absolutley love the layout and utility of the boat. We don't do much of any watersports, but cruise and overnight just like you describe. It's an all-around terrific boat.

By the way, I vote for the big block engine too. Even with 6-7 guests aboard I never have any trouble getting this big heavy boat to plane off and run with minimal drama.

Good luck in your research!!

Cheers,
Click to expand...

Thank you Sebagoman (Bill),
I was thinking of having my serviceman check it over. Is this not the thing to do? He takes care of my other boat.
He is also the broker...

Sebagoman...hmm, sounds like someone on Sebago lake. I used to stomp there 10 years ago of so whem my ex's family had a place on Thomas pond (they liked to Salmon fish so went to Sebago a lot). Before I stopped going there fishing seemed to have gotten really bad.

Terri
 
Just some notes from a guy who has a '99 (with a less powerful, 260HP engine).

It has no problems pulling me up on one ski. However, I don't doubt that if I had 7 or 8 adults in the boat that it would struggle a bit. Never had that many so I can't say for sure. With a normal load (for me) of 4 adults and a couple of small kids, I am VERY impressed with it's performance. W/O tabs, all I need is about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle and it gets right up on plane - I never lose sight of the water.

The question I would have about the drive shower is "why was it added"? Was it because the owner thought it was a good idea, or was there some type of problem with the drive.

I have absolutely zero corrosion issues with my drive. The boat spent 9 years and 500 hours in Florida salt before I got it. Make sure you use the right anode composition for your water.

In my opinion, the bow thruster is a non-issue. It would be neat to have, but I wouldn't make a decision based on it.

I do like the looks of the arch. I would like to one day add it to mine, but I can't get it from Sea Ray anymore. Aftermarket avenues are probably scarce, if non-existant.

I would vote for the '04. Only because of the arch. Besides, it not my money! :smt001
 
Theresamarie11 said:
Thank you Sebagoman (Bill),
I was thinking of having my serviceman check it over. Is this not the thing to do? He takes care of my other boat.
He is also the broker...

Sebagoman...hmm, sounds like someone on Sebago lake. I used to stomp there 10 years ago of so whem my ex's family had a place on Thomas pond (they liked to Salmon fish so went to Sebago a lot). Before I stopped going there fishing seemed to have gotten really bad.

Terri
Click to expand...

It's just my opinion Terri, but I would have an independent, certified marine surveyor who has no financial interest in the sale perform the survey. While I'm sure your service guy is most likely a good person, it's hard to be completely objective when you have a $$$ interest in making the sale.

Yup, I have my 260 slipped in Kettle Cove on Sebago. I've been going there since I was a little guy, over 40 years and absolutely love the place.

Cheers,
 
sebagoman007 said:
It's just my opinion Terri, but I would have an independent, certified marine surveyor who has no financial interest in the sale perform the survey. While I'm sure your service guy is most likely a good person, it's hard to be completely objective when you have a $$$ interest in making the sale.

Yup, I have my 260 slipped in Kettle Cove on Sebago. I've been going there since I was a little guy, over 40 years and absolutely love the place.

Cheers,
Click to expand...

I agree with Bill on the independent survey.

I also think I'd lean toward the '04 with the 350 MAG. That's a great engine. As others have stated the 454 is much better for the water sports but the updates and newer outdrive on the '04 + the arch would make that decision easier, but we don't do many watersports.
 
I have a 00 and there are a few things I would like to have... Arch is one of them. If the kids wakeboard they will love the wake that the 260 puts out. No wake tower or fat sack needed to create and lauch. Skiing... forget it.

The things that i wanted can be on the next boat... there is always a next boat in everybodys future.
 
Are these your only two choices? I did a quick search and found hundreds of 260s for sale, many not that far away.

I say find one with the arch AND the bigger motor if this is what you want :thumbsup:. Especially if you plan to keep it for any length of time.

Good luck in your search!
 
keokie said:
I guess I'm in the minority, but I'd get the 2000 hands down. The bigger motor will make it feel like a different boat. Take them both for a spin heavily loaded and you will get my point. Also, this extra performance will cost no perceptible difference in fuel economy.

Less money, bigger motor, trailer. Easy for me.
Click to expand...


I agree with the above. "Less money, bigger motor, trailer." A well maintained 2000 is not that old. But I am biased as I have a 2000 boat, have had no corrosion issues (freshwater), do not want the arch, and not a fan of the cherry.

John
 
Thanks for everyones input and suggestions, they were very helpful. We made an offer on the 2000 and it's been accepted. We're also getting the survey and sale is contingent on no negative findings. We thought long and hard and used many good comments from everyone.
 
Congratulations!! Hope everything goes well.
 
Theresamarie11 said:
Thanks guys for comments.. everything is a compromise. I forgot to mention that we're both 6' tall and my kids are all over 6'. So anything smaller really gets to be vertically cramped. In fact, the mid-cabin berth is barely long enough to my surprise. I would have thought for an 8.5' boat the berth would be longer than 6' long. But I tested one of them out today, and I just barely fit length wise.
Click to expand...

I'm 5-10 and have issues sleeping in the MC berth as I like to stretch out, so I have to sleep a little sideways. If you sleep in the fetal position you will be fine. The 280 is a foot wider and so is the MC berth. Do the boats you are looking at have a generator? For me, I'm in Houston, the genny is a must. I have the 350 MAG and top speed is 37, cruising speed is 27. I don't know about pulling a skier, but a tube would be no problem.
 
Last edited:
Loneranger said:
I agree with the above. "Less money, bigger motor, trailer." A well maintained 2000 is not that old. But I am biased as I have a 2000 boat, have had no corrosion issues (freshwater), do not want the arch, and not a fan of the cherry.

John
Click to expand...

ultratiger89 said:
I'm 5-10 and have issues sleeping in the MC berth as I like to stretch out, so I have to sleep a little sideways. If you sleep in the fetal position you will be fine. The 280 is a foot wider and so is the MC berth. Do the boats you are looking at have a generator? For me, I'm in Houston, the genny is a must. I have the 350 MAG and top speed is 37, cruising speed is 27. I don't know about pulling a skier, but a tube would be no problem.
Click to expand...

Wow, I'm very surprised someone 5'10" would have an issue too. I'm just 6' and if I stretch straight out I'm pushing on both ends. I can still sleep sideways. I suspect hubby and I, when sleeping, will each take one of the berths. I'll probably take the front and he can take the MC (smile).

When we're not staying overnight, I'll have to figure out how to use it as a storage space but keep the underlying matress pad clean.

We're doing the water trial today, and survey next week. I can't wait to see how it runs and check out the bow thruster. I feel like a kid...
 
1988 searay seville

Hello everyone. I just picked up a 1988 Seville. How do I drain the fuel from it and add new fuel and oil? My buddy who I got it from says that is why it is smoking when I start the engine and also why it beeps. Does anyone have any answers for me on why this would happens? The boat hasn't been driven for about 3 years. Thanks.

Allan:huh:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,187
Messages
1,428,224
Members
61,099
Latest member
Lorenzo512
Back
Top