Free Sea Ray Is It Worth It???

[Alpheus]

I got a phone call from my uncle last month asking if I wanted a boat. When I asked him what kind it was He just said "a big one" I told him that I would be up his way in a month and have a look. Well when I showed up I wasnt expecting this.

Its a 1988 Sea Ray Sedan Bride 305. Twin Mercruiser 260 Inboards with a Generator. Only ran in fresh water. It has every single receipt and maintenance work order from the Sea ray dealer in a cabinet on the boat. I went through them all and turns out it was winterized in 2009, had the generator installed along with 2 new prop shafts and props (they are in the boat) at the same time. The top was torn down because it was to tall when it was hauled to his place. Its all there just needs cleaned and put back together.

The only problem I found was the rear deck felt a little spongy. I wonder if the transom could go bad in a boat like this?

He said I could have it and has the title in hand. The only problem is its sitting smack dab in the middle of Pennsylvania and I live in Virginia outside Norfolk. I'm looking at about 3 grand to get it hauled down here. Think its worth messin with?

 

[Alpheus]

 

[Alpheus]

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Yes or no.
Totally up to you.
How much work are you willing or able to do yourself ??
Can you store it some place near you while you work on it .
Do you have the time and money to make it useable?
It may need engines?? Trans?? shafts?? all BIG money items.
The soft deck maybe a biggie.

Maybe the best deal around or a nightmare.
Would make for great CSR reports on the repairs...so I say go for it.
Its a little slow around here

 

[Southpaw II]

Not to be a "heavy" here, but the boat is not the question. The boat is a gem...the question is you. If you're willing to either do the work it needs or able to pay to have it done, you will end up with a great boat. Then, the next question is if you will maintain and use it. We all know and see boats that never get used.

 

[JEMCO]

Was the cost - just to move it ? or did that include buying a trailer?

 

[Alpheus]

Yes or no.
Totally up to you.
How much work are you willing or able to do yourself ??
Can you store it some place near you while you work on it .
Do you have the time and money to make it useable?
It may need engines?? Trans?? shafts?? all BIG money items.
The soft deck maybe a biggie.

Maybe the best deal around or a nightmare.
Would make for great CSR reports on the repairs...so I say go for it.
Its a little slow around here

Engines trannys work perfect. Brand new prop shafts and props. I owned a 30 foot Sundancer last year and the marina is less than 2 miles from my house. If the floor needs replaced on the back deck I have epoxy and all the supplies and knowledge to fix it. Im just wandering what these boats are worth running and if its worth dropping 3 grand to get it here? I can cut it up and part it out just as easy or just let it sit and rot.

 

[tdschafer]

I would do it. It looks pretty good in the pics and if your uncle took care of it you should be ok. Expect the worst , hope for the best and take a gamble!
Todd

 

[skolbe]

I would take it if you like to do work yourself. If it is just the deck covers that are spongy that wouldn't scare me. Looks like it could be a nice boat without much work. I have seen newer boats that look much worse.

 

[Carver370]

It's free! As it sits the boat is worth more than the 3k to ship it back to you. Worst case you find something you dont like on the boat you sell it for 3k but most likely more!

 

[Gofirstclass]

Another reason to take the boat is to part it out and put the parts on ebay. Have you seen what Bomar hatches go for? Or gauges, steering wheels, shifters, appliances, etc?

There's at least $10K in parts on that boat if you didn't want to fix it up and use it.

 

[expressboy]

It looks like a boat with plenty of potential... get multiple quotes to ship it... figure spending an additional 25% overage for incidentals in the shipping and storing phase. Add some sweat equity and get it cleaned up. Use it a season with the deck as is.... ( as long as you don't fall through it). then make your decision as to keeping it.... you will have at the most 5K into it.... its worth well more than that.... it's a no brain er!
EXPRESSBOY

 

[johngus]

if you don't want it,I'll take it.

 

[Spookeay]

This is a no brainier. Get it now! Because as it sets now and from what I can see in 2 years it will be a water logged wreck if no one gets it under control right now..

 

[Alpheus]

I am going to put it up for sale on Ebay around tax return season or early spring. I will split the money with my uncle. He got it because someone owed him some money.

I just bought a huge piece of tarp material from ebay and will be getting it covered up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Heavy-Duty-HAY-...ultDomain_0&hash=item3a437cd6cc#ht_7937wt_932

 

[Spookeay]

Just say what you want for it now. One of many here now I am sure would be there Monday bright and early to take it away.:smt101

 

[northern]

Boats are costly to run. Others have opinions on what it costs to run. Our 28 footer with a 10.5 foot beam used to cost us 2000 for moorage 3000 for yearly haul out and bottom and leg work and 2000 a year for things we wanted done or added plus fuel. It used to cost us a dollar a minute to run at 24 knots. We needed to replace the front deck as the balsa core was rotten that cost 12,000 not included in the above.
If you are to sell it as is probably best to leave it where it is.

 

[eman369]

Free Sea Ray Is It Worth It???
Uumm.... Sorry buddy, it is not worth it. Give the boat to me, and although it will take effort on my part, I will take and handle it for you. I have dealt with this type of problem before and will be very understanding heeheeeeheee. I think a trailer for that size boat would be around $3500.00 (used)

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

Scott

I have the truck and the transport to go get it.
Interested?
Indoor/Heated storage in Chicago.
Can't sell a boat right now, but in a year or so....
Rental as you talked about last year?

Dan

 

[LTD.330]

...

I just bought a huge piece of tarp material from ebay and will be getting it covered up.

A 14 ft wide tarp will be insufficient to cover a bridge boat. At a minimum you will need to get a couple of tarps to hang on each side of the bridge before you throw the big tarp over the whole boat.

Also, the tarps will stretch and without a supporting structure water and snow will pool and destroy the tarp and then let water into the boat.

Frankly, I was really hoping you would give it a go at recommissioning this boat.