Hours question

[DougsMDX]

Is 80 hours alot on a boat that was only bought in May 9th of this year???

 

[cr0ck1]

Is 80 hours alot on a boat that was only bought in May 9th of this year???

well my boat was bought 2 months ago and i got 21 hours on it.. i take it out evey weekend... was it fresh or salt water use? it all depends if the person keps up with the maintanence.... ask for the proof is service. normally a boat gets a 20 hour service and a 100 hour or yearly depending on what comes first.

 

[First Born]

What type of boat would help and where you boat would help. (cruiser vs ski; lake vs ocean). Most people will tell you that hours do not scare them. Boats like to be used and most people are more afraid of low hours than high hours. The key is to have the service records and in your case make sure you are following the recommended service, and keeping the records. Enjoy the boat it sounds like you are getting to use it!!!! :thumbsup:

Wesley

edit - looks like cr0ck and I were actually thinking alike on this one. The one thing I want to qualify in my posting the reason I asked ocean vs lake is a person that uses their boat in the ocean (cruiser) I would anticipate to have more hours due to the trips that you are able to take vs a lake boater.

 

[DougsMDX]

Is 80 hours alot on a boat that was only bought in May 9th of this year???

well my boat was bought 2 months ago and i got 21 hours on it.. i take it out evey weekend... was it fresh or salt water use? it all depends if the person keps up with the maintanence.... ask for the proof is service. normally a boat gets a 20 hour service and a 100 hour or yearly depending on what comes first.

It is Salt Water use and asking for service records is a good idea!!!

Also the boat is a 250 SLX.

Any more input knowing that its a 250 SLX and its salt water??

 

[First Born]

Doug,

Are you buying from the owner of the boat or a dealer? The reason I ask is do you know why they bought the boat in May and are already selling it. With 80 hours it is pretty obvious that it is not because they do not enjoy boating. Are they upgrading if so I would not be that worried about the hours.

The key is going to be did they follow the breakin procedures? I would think it would probably be a good idea to have a survey done even though the boat is very new. That would be your call. You could also check to see if they had the 20 hour service; some people say that it is not really recommended anymore.

Would you be saving enough to make a difference over buying new from your local dealer. I am assuming this is the one that is far away. Would your dealer still service your boat as if you bought it from them, if you did not. We have had several members who get put on the back burner because they did not buy their boat from the service dealer. Not saying they will not service your boat but you do not get the quick and prompt service that they give their customers.

Just a couple things to think about, I am sure others will chime in. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Wesley

 

[cr0ck1]

Is 80 hours alot on a boat that was only bought in May 9th of this year???

well my boat was bought 2 months ago and i got 21 hours on it.. i take it out evey weekend... was it fresh or salt water use? it all depends if the person keps up with the maintanence.... ask for the proof is service. normally a boat gets a 20 hour service and a 100 hour or yearly depending on what comes first.

It is Salt Water use and asking for service records is a good idea!!!

Also the boat is a 250 SLX.


Any more input knowing that its a 250 SLX and its salt water??

well my boats smaller and i could not give you info on that boat.. but just get all the service records.. if he has none that means he didnt do any service.. or maybee he did it himself.. a papertrail is the best way to see whats going on.. than you can get a survey.. this cost money but sometimes worth it.. hope it all goes well.. good luck and enjoy the water... another thing.. did the guy store it in the water or dry on a traloir? this makes a big difference also. and if he took it out.. did he flush the engin every single time.. saltwater destroys everything if touches if you dont back wash or clean everything.!!

-c rock

 

[DougsMDX]

Doug,

Are you buying from the owner of the boat or a dealer? The reason I ask is do you know why they bought the boat in May and are already selling it. With 80 hours it is pretty obvious that it is not because they do not enjoy boating. Are they upgrading if so I would not be that worried about the hours.

The key is going to be did they follow the breakin procedures? I would think it would probably be a good idea to have a survey done even though the boat is very new. That would be your call. You could also check to see if they had the 20 hour service; some people say that it is not really recommended anymore.

Would you be saving enough to make a difference over buying new from your local dealer. I am assuming this is the one that is far away. Would your dealer still service your boat as if you bought it from them, if you did not. We have had several members who get put on the back burner because they did not buy their boat from the service dealer. Not saying they will not service your boat but you do not get the quick and prompt service that they give their customers.

Just a couple things to think about, I am sure others will chime in. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Wesley

It is being broker'd by a dealer. The guy is trading up to a 32 or 34 DA.

My local dealer has already explained to me about being last in line if I don't buy from them. I'm basically saving about 5K over a new one after I pay someone to transport it to my area (588 miles away).

 

[DougsMDX]

Is 80 hours alot on a boat that was only bought in May 9th of this year???

well my boat was bought 2 months ago and i got 21 hours on it.. i take it out evey weekend... was it fresh or salt water use? it all depends if the person keps up with the maintanence.... ask for the proof is service. normally a boat gets a 20 hour service and a 100 hour or yearly depending on what comes first.

It is Salt Water use and asking for service records is a good idea!!!

Also the boat is a 250 SLX.


Any more input knowing that its a 250 SLX and its salt water??

well my boats smaller and i could not give you info on that boat.. but just get all the service records.. if he has none that means he didnt do any service.. or maybee he did it himself.. a papertrail is the best way to see whats going on.. than you can get a survey.. this cost money but sometimes worth it.. hope it all goes well.. good luck and enjoy the water... another thing.. did the guy store it in the water or dry on a traloir? this makes a big difference also. and if he took it out.. did he flush the engin every single time.. saltwater destroys everything if touches if you dont back wash or clean everything.!!

-c rock

It was dry stored and I have "no clue" on whether or not it was flushed. I'm assuming by it being dry stored, it was flushed but you never know. I'm using the 9 months of warranty as a cushion should something go wrong with the boat and the 1 year and 9 mos. of warranty that I'll have on the engine and drive train as my cushion there as well.

 

[First Born]

here is my suggestion to you:

read this posting:

http://www.byowneryachts.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3864&highlight=

(Frank W I hope I get this right)

Walk into your local dealer with check in hand already written out with signature on the line made out to the dealer (downpayment), tell him you are willing to buy the boat for $5K less than what they are trying to sell it to you for (you know the price I don't). And then hush, don't say a word. The salesman that has been helping you is not going to be able to make the deal happen and will probably tell you there is no way that they can sell it to you for that, say ok and reach back for the check. He is going to have to go talk to the manager. If they come back and say they can't do it. Take your check back and say thank you for your time. In less than 2 days (probably before you get home) I would be willing to bet that you will get a call telling you that you have a deal. You will own a new boat, no worries about salt vs fresh, break-in period, etc. The key to this trick if I understand it correctly is to have the down payment check written out and hand it to the salesman. They do not like to hand the checks back.

If I am wrong you are out two days.

 

[Dave S]

Don't worry about the fact it has 80 hours. It is under warranty from May 9th onward so it is like buying a new boat at a used boat price. But if you do consider buying it, request that the 100 hour service be included in the deal. :thumbsup:

 

[SeaRide]

I agree with Dave and most of the others as well. 80 hrs. is not too much as the boat is technically already a year old since the 08s will be rolling into the showroom within 30 days. This guy enjoys boating and it could have been a dealer demo prior to his purchase. Hopefully he has used it enough to get all of the bugs worked out. You may want to call Sea Ray to verify the in service date. FYI a qualified Merc. tech. can plug his scanner into the engine's diagnostic system and tell you how many times the engine has been run at wot and etc. I would not expect to see much in terms of service records. Was it flushed after every use? Who knows???? If it is still in the dry stack, don't ask the question. Just take it out for your sea trial and see if they flush or if it goes right into the barn. Then you will have your answer. Prior to you sea trial, check all of the fluids, look in the bilge checking for discoloration/leaks. The bilge should be dry prior to the sea trial and afterwards. Also make a careful visual inspection looking for gelcoat cracks inside and out, dock rash and perhaps most importantly hull rash from the lifting forks of the marina bull. You may find enough rash to justify the extra for a brand new boat. You may not.

During the sea trial listen to the engine and drive for abnormal noises and normal readings from the gauges. You will also want to make sure the engine is able to hit it WOT range. You may find enough rash to justify the extra for a brand new boat. Also, are the two boats identically equipped in terms of power, and equipment. Do you like the colors of each boat. For me all of these items would be factored into the decision process. Also, don't be afraid to offer 5k less on the used boat using the check in hand principle. If you factor your time in, travel time, transportation costs, along with movement costs and etc, is 5k delta really enough to sway you towards the used boat?

Good luck and have a great time.

 

[Turtlesboat]

80 hours is A LOT of hours for 2 months. not a lot of hours in general but in 2 months time??? at cruise speed that would be around 2400 miles traveled. I would look up all the posts by FWebster and read them, this will give you everything you need to know about boat buying. Good luck with the purchase and let us know how it goes.

 

[comsnark]

My local dealer has already explained to me about being last in line if I don't buy from them.

I have heard this line quoted before. Repeated often on this forum. I can't tell you how much it cheese's me off.

The other part of this quote is never stated but obvious: "Don't complain about the quality of service or price, because you should content that we even bother to answer the phone when you call."

With this attitude, you honestly need to find *another place that will do service*. In my area, independent mechanics are available. There are also shops available not associated with dealers. You need more service choices.

If you can't find service alternatives: Then pay the premium to get in the service que and shutup. You will get hosed at every turn, and for every three items repaired, the mechanics will break one additional (at your cost). Might as well budget these cold realities up front so you don't get frustrated down the road.

 

[SearayPaul]

If you are buying this boat from the Charleston or IOP Searay dealership (same company) they stand behind what they sell. Do not worry about the 80 hours . The boat has a warranty that the local dealer will stand behind. Jim and the rest of the people in Charleston want you happy.

As for the deal Wesley and Dave both have great points. Checks get the dealers attention. A 5K difference is not a big deal, especially if you have done no negotiating with the dealer. Just follow Wesley's advice and you will end up with a brand new boat as opposed to used. Just do it so you can enjoy the rest of the summer.

I have purchased a boat from this group and they service my current boat. Hall Marine has always taken care of me the first time with any service concern that I had.

Good luck

 

[DougsMDX]

If you are buying this boat from the Charleston or IOP Searay dealership (same company) they stand behind what they sell. Do not worry about the 80 hours. The boat has a warranty that the local dealer will stand behind. Jim and the rest of the people in Charleston want you happy.

As for the deal Wesley and Dave both have great points. Checks get the dealers attention. Having the 100 hour service done is not a deal killer for the dealer. Just do it so you can enjoy the rest of the summer.

I have purchased a boat from this group and they service my current boat. Hall Marine has always taken care of me the first time with any service concern that I had.

Good luck

Paul,

The dealer in question is in the Marine Max Group in Pensacola, FL.

The guys in Charleston want me to buy won from them that is brand new. Just the numbers favor the used (80 hour boat) as far as the discount I'm getting off the boat(s). However, they've come down 27% off of list (the Charleston boat) on the one they have. When you boil down the numbers, its about $3500 a better deal to get the one from FL even factoring in delivery.

I personally like Larry Carson in Charleston, just torn between saving the money and trying to make it a win-win with Searay of Charleston and me.

 

[DougsMDX]

Maybe I should do what the thread says and with check in hand of $3500 less than what Searay of Charleston is offering and be prepared to walk out.

I've also seen somewhere in here that markup is about 40% ....

So since I'm at 27%, they have room to negotiate still.

Doug

 

[SearayPaul]

Good Idea and happy boating

 

[Dave S]

I think that's a good alternative...................and I also think your dealer has some wiggle room left based on deals I have made in the past.

 

[Morpheus]

I bought my 240SD last Oct 06 and it was brand new.

Your getting a used boat, yea it may look new but it's got 80 hours on it.

To me that 27% off list they are offering is nothing I got more then that off my NEW boat.

You should be able to get some more out of them.

 

[fwebster]

I would think $3500 is a decent premium to buy the boat from the dealer you will need access to if you have problems.

Remember that sometimes there is a need for more than just regular repairs and routine service........what happens if you get to 3-4 years of age and a structural problem develops? Losing your boat for most of a season until the local dealer can get to it, may make the $3500 seem cheap.

Also, a used boat priced to within $3500 of a new one (if I understand this correctly) makes me think Killinger/MM has an over priced used boat. I also don't think the local dealer is going to let you walk for $3500. Use Wesley's approach and sit in front of the dealer, get out your check book, and write a deposit cherck for 10%-25% of the cost of the new boat, take the contract from the salesman and fill out your numbers with what you are willing to pay for the new boat hand the check and the contract to the salesman and shut up...........you should buy a boat if you are only $3500 apart and you do it this way.