Hopefully a new Sea Ray Owner

[KevinC]

Hello all, I recently signed up here looking for background info on purchasing a used Sea Ray (this will be my fourth boat and first Sea Ray) and I want to thank all for their thoughtful and helpful input.

I have narrowed my search to a 260 Sundancer and have found what appears to be a good value in a older 1999. It suits our family needs for the near future (it's my wife and myself and my sons 11 & 8). We all really like the boat and I am very close to purchase. I have recently checked out the boat and found some issues that I was looking for input on.

Here are some specs on the boat: 1999 260 Sundancer, 5.7 EFI with Bravo 3 - approx 400 hrs. It appears to be well equipped with windlass, remote search light, dual batteries, tan console, a/c, water heater, vacu-flush, full camper top and for a boat of it's age appears to be very clean. Of course its not perfect (I can deal with minor cosmetic issues) and hence this post. I still need to arrange the sea trial and have a couple of questions to eliminate potential deal breakers.

1. There seems to be a very minor leak of something where the stern drive mates with the gimble ring. Seems to seem like some fluid may have seeped out near where the shift cable is located.

2. There seems to be a leak (I see and feel a small amount of fluid) from a plug (?) on the underside of the port manifold - from what I have seen online the drain appears to be behind this (but I am not sure).

3. There is also what I consider a lot of rusting on the starboard manifold (but not at the riser gaskets) and seems to be cracked or flaking on the side and down close to the bolts. I do not see any fluid.

Of course I am concerned about short/long term problems and I would not be against immediately replacing both manifolds and riser.

My question would be what can I do (if anything) without breaking down the manifold and stern drive as I am sure the dealer does not want me doing that on the lot to identify if the engine or stern drive has been compromised.

As mentioned I still have another shot at going over the boat and having a full sea trial. With these items I am not sure a survey would be worth while since it would just indicate potential engine and stern drive issues and go over all the other mechanical items I have already checked and tested.

Also, during the sea trial on this boat what should I look out for or be aware of ?

Thank for your time reading this lengthy intro and for any of your input.

 

[Powderfinger]

Hi Kevin -

Welcome aboard! You have some genuine concerns and I was about to address each one individually until I saw that your potential purchase is from a dealer. I will tell you that I personally, would stipulate to the salesperson that you would like to make the purchase but mention the issues you describe (leaks) and tell him/her your purchase offer is contingent on that the dealer identifies and remedies these issues.

You mention that you "still have another shot of going over the boat". I would do so and make a detailed yet reasonable list of the things you want checked out and corrected, and mandate that these things are stipulations and contingent to your agreeing to purchase.

Trust me, there are too many really nice, clean used boats out there for you to have to settle for one that you have concerns about. And because of our present economy and the price of gasoline is skyrocketing, there are too few potential buyers out there looking for boats and you can be sure your sales person is well aware of that fact.

I would be very surprised if the dealer won't accomodate you so this sale can happen. If they don't, my advice is to move on to another boat and certainly at another dealer, or consider the option of checking out the multitude of private seller deals out there!

Hope this helps and best of luck to you....

dusty ~

 

[KevinC]

Thanks, the dealer has just de-winterized the boat and run the engine out of water. I have been told the engine ran about 160-165F and the manifolds were cool and stable. To address my concerns they have offered both manifolds (parts) still subject to extended sea trial and purchase. I will be responsible for labor or can do the job myself after taking ownership. I will most likely do the risers at the same time at my expense. This seems fair to me. I am still researching the little moisture where the stern drive meets up. I might just have a mechanic pull the drive prior to seal trial to inspect and service.

So, back to my other question. From others experiences with this boat what should I look out for or be aware of during the sea trial on this boat ? Any other thoughts?

 

[kevin27]

First off don't take their word on anything. The manifolds and elbows are way overdue and may destory the engine on the next run. You just don't know. My guess is thats why they are so willing to replace the manifolds. Thing is the exhaust is replaced as a full set including the spacers if it has them. Just be carefull and get an engine survey. Stick to your guns and don't let them steer you wrong. All the things you listed are IMO part of owning a boat and should be done already. This may show a lack of maintenance and could reflect in the resale value greatly. Remember they are a lot of very good boats for sale.

 

[KevinC]

Thanks again. The boat is located about 3.5 hrs from where I live and I am now in the process of selecting a local mechanic and scheduling a full engine and stern drive inspection prior to sea trial.