How to get a Sea Trial?

[pred02]

Ok,
So the family is pretty psyched about a potential purchase of a 240DA. We are, however, looking for a 2nd hand boat and the dealer's around us have limited stock/inventory.

As my parents came off a much smaller and slower (no plane) boat I think they should have a trail at a cruiser of that size and speed. I know that dealers do Sea trails but only as a condition of a purchase (pre purchase) and we really don't want to inconvenience the dealer if we know we are not going to purchase a new boat.

Are there demo boats? It doesn't have to be the 240DA, maybe even something bigger but like feel as far as expectations go.

Thanks!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Pay someone (a private person) at a local marina to take you out for a bit. More than likely, they'll just ask you to reimburse for gas.

 

[pred02]

Re: How to get a Sea Trial? Greater boston area

Great idea but I'd have to scour the local marinas for the DA240s and leave a love note - though I can't get passed gates without access to the slips. Maybe use craigslist?

Any 240DA owners living in Greater Boston area? I'd treat for fuel and lunch!!!

Thanks!

 

[mistercomputerman]

I would consider talking to a boat broker in your area to see if he might have a larger selection of used boats.

 

[pred02]

I would consider talking to a boat broker in your area to see if he might have a larger selection of used boats.

Hi,
We have a dealer in our area (Russo Marine) and also one in Rhode Island but the Russo lists prices are around $50K (whereas other dealers are considerable less at list). I don't want to "abuse" the dealer to do a trial and then purchase the boat elsewhere. I am surprised there are not many more dealers/used 240DA in MA or NE considering the ocean and all the lakes in NE in general.

 

[Rondevue]

Inconvenience them??? That's their job, they should take you for a short sea trial if you're interested in purchasing, a sea trial doesn't mean you bought it. Otherwise I'd shop elsewhere.

 

[chuck1]

Inconvenience them??? That's their job, they should take you for a short sea trial if you're interested in purchasing, a sea trial doesn't mean you bought it. Otherwise I'd shop elsewhere.

Yes I have to agree with him it would be a major inconvenience if he is not interested in purchasing the boat. I guess that is why most brokers don't do sea trial until after a deal is struck, other wise they would be doing a bunch of joy rides:huh:

 

[Turtlesboat]

The only time i've been offered a "free" seatrial, is when a dealer is trying to upsell me from a boat I want to buy. They usually know that there's going to be a big enough difference in the ride to sell it and that it's still within my budget.

Another thing you can do is go to an inwater boat show that's offering rides. I took a couple of rides at a liberty landing boat show. I really wanted to take a ride on a big sunseeker but I think it was the old flip flops and my floppy hat that gave me away.

 

[meant2be]

I bought my 2007 240 DA from a Sea Ray / Marine Max dealer a couple months back. It was understood that the sea trial was the last step of purchasing the boat. The only way that I was not buying it was if we just didn't like the way the boat ran or handled during the trial. Believe me, the broker made sure that I had no other issues before the sea trial. However, with a previous purchase at another marina, they actually asked one of their customers with the same boat that I wanted to buy if they would mind taking me out on their boat and they agreed. That may be an option for you.

 

[pred02]

So just curious, how many of you bought a boat without riding in it? The problem is that SR or not my parents were never in a cruiser this size and speed, and $35K to figure out they like sailing rather than powerboats is kind of an expensive proposition.

The problem is that in the old country powerboats - in socialism - weren't popular no one had more then 35hp diesel just hopping along.

 

[sb in gp]

So just curious, how many of you bought a boat without riding in it? The problem is that SR or not my parents were never in a cruiser this size and speed, and $35K to figure out they like sailing rather than powerboats is kind of an expensive proposition.

The problem is that in the old country powerboats - in socialism - weren't popular no one had more then 35hp diesel just hopping along.

Purpose of the sea trial is to check out the boat. Sign the contingency papers, then if you don't want the boat, say "Thanks, but no thanks". You don't have to give a valid reason for walking. I think the contingency is mainly to keep the joy riders off the boats. If they force you to leave a deposit before the trial, then walk away.

 

[mwph]

Your parents are not ready for a "sea trial". Sounds like they just want to "see if they like sport cruisers". How about this...........Go to a large local marina & talk to the "manager". Tell him your exact circumstances. I'll bet he knows who might be able to accomidate you. If your parents asked me....... "Would you like to head south to the dam or north toward the state park?"!

 

[pred02]

Your parents are not ready for a "sea trial". Sounds like they just want to "see if they like sport cruisers". How about this...........Go to a large local marina & talk to the "manager". Tell him your exact circumstances. I'll bet he knows who might be able to accomidate you. If your parents asked me....... "Would you like to head south to the dam or north toward the state park?"!

Sounds like a plan, we will head out there and check it out.

 

[jhild]

This may not be helpful until the spring, but Russo Marine hosts several Sea Ray Test Drive Sales Events at Marina Bay in Boston Harbor each year where you can “Test ride the boat of your dreams.” I think the last one was about a month ago. I don’t recall if they had a 240DA available, but it might be worth a call to Russo to see if and when they’re planning to hold the next event.