Information on a Sea Ray 200 Signature (1995)...

[Gunn]

I'm considering purchasing a 1995 Sea Ray 200 Signature; a very nice looking boat. I currently have a '95 175.

I am looking for overall reviews on the boat. I tried boattest.com, but they seem to be a pay-for-service now (imagine that!). I'm consdering it, but figured I should be able to find some info free. Plus, I'm not even sure what years they have tests for.

This boat has a 5.7liter, 235HP, with AlphaI, a considerable jump from my 3.0. I'm sure that means a big jump in fuel consumption, but...that OK. I'm wondering what the advertised cruise and WOT speed would be?

Anyone have any info? We really need something larger in our area waters, which is on the Potomac River, just a few miles from the Chesapeake. In our current boat, waves less than 2ft. make everyone nervous, especially the kids... Can't afford a lot, but with this small jump, and my boat being in near immaculate condition, I may get near an equal value for it.

This boat would take us from a 7.5ft. to 8.0ft. beam. The weight goes up by 50% from 2000 to 3000, and the length goes up by 2ft. That should generally make for a much better improvement right? Not sure how draft plays a part, but the 175 has a 17" draft and the 200 a 13" draft (with stern drive up). So...it sits higher in the water? More freeboard would be good.

Thanks...I can feel spring coming (even if it is 32F outside today!)

 

[wish2fish]

can't give you any specifics on the boat in question but your right about your fuel consumption! You will be able to use the boat more in water that you couldn't before. You will also go further than before. I went from a 160 to my 220 and the difference is huge.

Bigger engine doesn't necessarily mean more fuel. It doesn't have to work as hard as the 3.0.

I'd bet you won't be dissappointed. Good luck

 

[widowmaker]

The owners manual can be found here;

http://www.searay.com/owners_manuals.asp?tab=&year=1995&folder2=92-96_Sport_Boats

I'd have a mechanic check out the engine and outdrive; compression test, gimbal bearings etc.. Ask for service records. Walk around the deck and check for any soft spots in the floor, especially the rear or stained carpets. Rotten stringers, walk away. How many hour are on it? Expect about 1500 hours on an engine before major rebuild. Definitely drive before you buy. Will your truck pull it? Expect about a 5000 lb load with trailer.

It's a nice sized boat that you should enjoy if it checks out.

 

[First Born]

Do not think boattest goes back to 1995. I looked and the oldest 200 I can find is 2004. Just thought I would save you the $50.00. :huh:

Wesley

 

[Gunn]

Wesley, thanks for the info! I was thinking of doing the one-week $7.95 deal, but that is pretty expensive too...especially when I"m on a dialup account. :smt001

And thanks widowmaker for the manual link. I had downloaded the sales brochure PDF from the archives on it, but forgot about the owners manuals being online.

Tom

 

[keokie]

sea trial the boat. It should answer most of your questions. Top speed will be in the neighborhood of 50mph with the right prop.

 

[Gunn]

Does anyone know the capacity limit in people and/or weight of the '95 SeaRay 200. Probably the same for most years of the 200. Was wondering how it compares to my 175...

This 200 has bucket seats and a bench clear across the back, and the open bow.

Thanks!

 

[widowmaker]

The 2006 20' select is 1200 lbs for persons and gear. Look on the spec sheet on their website. The '95 is likely close to that as well.

 

[94searay]

Gunn,

I bought a 1994 200 signature August of 2006. So far no problems...only had 120 hours on it, but still had compression check, got service records and did a sea test before purchase. It too has the 5.7L with Alpha1 with a 5 blade stainless prop. We really like it. We were on Lake Lanier last year and it gets pretty rough out there...I would say it handles pretty well in the rough stuff. I'll try to attach a photo of one exactly like ours. The photos I have of ours are to large to attach...we don't have a bimini top for ours either.

Chris

 

[94searay]

Gunn,

I bought a 1994 200 signature August of 2006. So far no problems...only had 120 hours on it, but still had compression check, got service records and did a sea test before purchase. It too has the 5.7L with Alpha1 with a 5 blade stainless prop. We really like it. We were on Lake Lanier last year and it gets pretty rough out there...I would say it handles pretty well in the rough stuff. I'll try to attach a photo of one exactly like ours. The photos I have of ours are to large to attach...we don't have a bimini top for ours either.

Chris

 

[jhild]

Hi, Gunn. Say it's not so! There are only a few of us with 176's as it is!

I was out on a newer (2001?) 200SEL last summer. Much different ride than out little BRs. That extra foot of beam really comes in handy. If the boat & motor are in good condition, I say go for it. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Gunn]

Nah, I actually passed it up. It was hard to do, but.... We figure we're going to *make* ourselves wait one more year and enjoy our 175 for an entire season before we decide what we want to do. Plus, all the work I put into it last year, I'm attached to it. :smt001 .

Instead of going up just two feet, we'd like to jump to a 220; maybe even a 240. Those have 8.5ft beams and should really give us a lot more room in relation to what we have now. Till then...