I think I'm finally getting my first Sea Ray!

[BigWill1985]

OK, so I'll give a little background about me. I am 27 years old, and have served in the US Navy for 9.5 years. I work as a Nuclear Machinist's Mate, and am currently serving in Norfolk, VA. At my current duty station, I'm specifically working as a Radiological Control Technician. I have extensive mechanical experience and have bought/owned/sold several vehicles of all types over the years (cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, heavy trucks, medium duty trucks, trailers, wood chippers, and about anything else you can think of that is run from a gas motor).

I've been a member of this forum for 4-5 years, as I've used it to do a lot of research on several boats I have looked at. I wound up purchasing a 1992 Celebrity 20' with a cuddy cabin just based upon not having the money to get anything more. Now, I am in a position to trade a vehicle I have for a 1985 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer.

The boat is powered with two 190hp engines, and uses Mercruiser Alpha One lower units. The boat seems to be the same as all other boats I've found of the same model and year. The only thing that surprises me is that this boat has the Vac-u-flush toilet system and a Mercolator pump for the tanks.

There are only two issues with the boat. The stbd lower unit is leaking grease, and it needs a new Y valve installed. The lower unit deal doesn't scare me, as I will just take the boat to a local marina to get it resealed or replaced. As far as the Y valve, though, I am sort of confused. What exactly is the Y valve? The current boat owner said it's something common, easy, and cheap to replace. Where can I find one?

Now, onto the general newb questions... What are some specifics I should look at on this boat? I have bought/sold many vehicles of all types over the years, so I understand the basics (fluids in the motors, cables, gages, toilet system functionality, fresh water system, lights, etc...). I'm just looking for anything that might be specific for that model of boat. Are there any common problems?

Also, the boat comes with a triple-axle trailer. From what the current owner has told me, this boat has a 10 foot beam. Is it legal for me to tow this boat here in Virginia? I have a good, solid truck for towing the boat (2005 Chevy 2500HD Duramax diesel with Allison transmission). What permits might be required? I'd be towing straight down the interstate, and would only be driving a few miles on the local roads. I am in the process of doing my research regarding the tunnels I'd have to drive through and making sure it's legal and I would have sufficient clearance.

Thanks in advance for all help!!

~Will Courtier~

 

[Gofirstclass]

If you're talking about the "Y" valve on the head system, it is used to switch between sending your toilet waste (black water) into the black water holding tank where it stored until you pumped out the holding tank, or dumping the holding tank overboard if you're beyond the 3-mile limit offshore. If the boat doesn't have a "Y" valve that could mean it only has a holding tank. That would mean that to dump the contents overboard you would have to install a macerator (chews up the effluent) and a pump. If you're beyond the 3-mile limit you can turn the "Y" valve to dump it overboard, turn on the macerator pump, and dump the tank overboard. When you are within the 3-mile limit it's illegal to do that so the USCG requires that you zip tie (or use some other means) to make sure the "Y" valve can't be turned to dump the tank overboard.

As far as the 10' beam, yes you can tow it in any of the 50 states but you will need a trip permit to do so. That's not a big deal anymore because you can buy the permits online in most states. The permits allow you to tow it on freeways but you need pilot cars to tow it on 2-lane highways. I used to tow my 330 Sundancer and always got the permit for freeways but didn't get pilot cars for 2-lane tows. I figured I'd play dumb if I got stopped on a 2-lane road. You won't have a problem with the width in most areas, it's always the height that could get you into trouble. If the trailer comes with the boat you're probably going to not have problems with the 270 because you have to be under 14'. Not sure about tunnels in your area though, so I'd check on the height limitations for those. I only towed through one tunnel and it was on the freeway.

One last thing Will.....thanks a lot for your service to our country!

GFC