Help for a new boat buyer

G

G-MAN74

New Member
Jun 21, 2012
3
Hendersonville TN
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I am in the market to purchase my first ever boat and would welcome any help that I can get. I know very little about boats and boating and am in the dark here. I have narrowed my search down to 2 different boats. One is a 2008 Sea Ray 185 Sport and the other is a 2004 Stingray 185 Sport. The Sea Ray is around $18,000 and the Stingray is $11,000. the Stingray closer to what I want to spend on my first boat. I really like both and might be willing to spend more for the Sea Ray if I can justify it. I'm sure that the opinions here might be more biased for the Sea Ray but thought I would see if anyone can give me a little more incite to help me make my decision. I have looked at the Sea Ray in person and will be checking out the Stingray on Saturday.

Here are links to the two boats.

Sea Ray http://www.newtonmarine.net/new_veh...K2012J8I14I32JAMQ7390R0&veh=61525&pov=2728663

Stingray http://www.happyholidaytravel.com/preownedinventory.htm
 
It's not even possible to compare these boats. Fit and finish aside the Sea Ray is 4 years newer and would hands down be my choice for that reason alone. It's a bigger boat plus the extended swim platform. No comparison. If you can swim the extra cash I'd go for the Sea Ray
 
Prices seem a little high to me. The sea ray would be my choice but perhaps if you can get a sea trial in each one you will get a better idea of what their all about. For that price the 185 should have a v6.
 
What do you plan to do in the first boat? How many people will be with you? Is it for skiing/tubing or just pleasure? You might get footitis quickly in the 18 footer... I had a Stingray back in the day. I liked it..
 
I guess I'm the opposite. For my first boat, I would try to spend less until I know IF I like boating, what kind of boating I want to do, where I want to do it. The extra money would be nice to have in a year or 2 when I am more experienced and know what I want. Plus, I wouldn't feel as bad when I hit the dock a few times, forget to trim the motor when I trailered and dragged the skeg, hit a sandbar because I didn't know the local waters well yet...don't ask me how I know these things...

Mike
 
We purchased our first boat last year, and knowing little about boating other than how to be a good passenger, we opted to buy new with an extended warranty. Both boats look well-cared for. Unless you plan to just take two or three people out, you might look for something bigger. We have a 24' that is rated for 10 passengers, but fills up quickly with just our family of six. You'll enjoy it more if it serves your needs, and at that point, money is moot, because every penny spent was worth it. If you're on a large lake (like we are) you'll appreciate a bigger boat on busy days. Have you looked at 22 and 24' Sea Rays?
 
spikedaddy99 said:
I guess I'm the opposite. For my first boat, I would try to spend less until I know IF I like boating, what kind of boating I want to do, where I want to do it. The extra money would be nice to have in a year or 2 when I am more experienced and know what I want. Plus, I wouldn't feel as bad when I hit the dock a few times, forget to trim the motor when I trailered and dragged the skeg, hit a sandbar because I didn't know the local waters well yet...don't ask me how I know these things...
Mike
Click to expand...

I'm of the same opinion. I'd even go a step further and say go for a Bayliner. they grow on tree's, cheap and if in a year or two you decide you want to stay in boating or upgrade you dump it for little loss and move up. when you're learning to drive a car you don't run out and jump in the caddy, you start with the chevette!
 
I started with a used Bayliner 16', that boat taught me many things, care, maintenance, basic boating. I kept it for two seasons and traded up to a 18' Stingray, that one taught me handling and river navigation. You must think, what do you want in a boat, do you want to go fast or just enjoy the water? I'm sure everyone here will tell you, we all started small, then got hooked. Now, I wouldn't own anything but a classic Sea Ray and next week I pay mine off. Ask questions, read a book, take every class you can on safe boating, and go enjoy the water and your boat!
 
WOW!! thanks for all the feedback so fast! I really appreciate it. It will be me, my wife, and my two boys ages 9 and 13 that will use the boat. Mostly for enjoying the lake and tubing/skiing. I feel like the Sea Ray would be a better boat but I like the price of the Stingray better. I'm leaning towards getting the Sea Ray but I keep going back and forth. Part of me hopes that I don't like the Stingray when I see it Saturday. That would make my decision much easier.
 
I started with a 19 ft stingray and loved it. Never gave me any trouble and for a first boat was perfect. The sea ray is definitely a better boat but will the stingray do what you said you were going to use it for? Yes. I agree with whoever said go less expensive to see if you really like it first. Bottom line is you can't go wrong either way. Just make sure you are really being honest with yourself on what your going to use it for and not just buying the first thing you see. The only reason I sold the stingray is because I made that mistake and what I really wanted to do was some fishing in salt water so it really wasn't the right boat for me. Definitely a lake boat. Good luck!
 
IMO that price seems high for a 2008 185 Sport. Two years ago my boating buddy bought a 2007 185 Sport in great condition and low hours for $13K.
 
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Update....I almost bought the Sea Ray but the more I think about that 3.0 the more I think that is too small. Am I right in thinking this?


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I bought my first ever boat 3 years ago and all I can say is get the biggest you can afford right out of the blocks, I am already wanting bigger.

LK
 
My previously mentioned friend with the 2007 185 Sport also has the 3.0 and his boat is just as quick as mine though I very likely have a higher top end, however, only those with deep pockets scoot around at their top end speed for very long imo.

One reason we accelerate similarly is that my boat is quite a bit heavier at 3,000 lbs stock dry weight before the addition of a 100 lb swim platform and a second battery vs. his 2,600 lbs dry weight, due in large part to mine having almost a foot wider beam (8' 2" vs 7' 3"). Like me, my friend has installed Smart Tabs on his boat which help with the acceleration, stability, and mileage.

In short you'll probably be fine unless you are doing something unusual like trying to pull up two heavy skiers or max out the rider capacity of your boat.
 
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