Interesting information

[Sliderspal]

I have been looking for a used 2008 or 2009 240 Sundancer.
But an interesting thing happened when I visited the local Sea Ray dealer.
It seems he is obviously trying to sell is new 2010 inventory and he he offered me a new 2010 240 Sundancer for about $45.000.
This Sundancers MSRP is $82.000.
Now I do understand that the MSRP price is not really relevant but I give it just to show that this is no base model.
With the asking price of 2008/2009 used SD's in the 50's this deal seems to good to be true.
Can anybody shed some light on this as like I said this seems to be to good to be true and in my experience deals like these usually have some kind of catch that I am not aware of.
Or maybe this really isn't that great of a deal.
I do know that NADA lists this 2010 SD at $60.000 average retail for a used boat.
What do you guys think?
Should I run out (do not pass go) and buy this SR?
Thanks

 

[WDCboater]

As someone who just purchased a 2010 240 Sundancer that price sounds a bit low, however the dealer may have some special rebates or promotions from Sea Ray. I would ask. My dealer was more than happy to show me all of the discounts I was getting.

My 240 came fully loaded, with a much higher msrp, but I didn't pay anywhere near msrp. Also, your dealer may be referring to the "Costco" special which has a BIG discount on the 240 model specifically, but that was supposed to have ended Sept 30.

One note on the 240, I highly recommend the weekender package which includes the AC/Heat, Refrigerator and Camper Canvas.

Good luck!

 

[StephenOvalle]

I agree with WDCboater. You should ask the dealer to explain the breakdown of the numbers.

It could also be a short sale situation. There have been some dealers that have sold boats just under cost just to move some boats out of inventory. Of course, they're selling at a slight loss too.

 

[D-Sill-D]

I think you should take a close look at the 2010s. If you had a later model, say 05, 06, etc.. sitting next to the 2010, i am fairly sure you would notice significant differences in, at least, the "finishes" (upholstery, etc.) of the 2010s.

It appears to me, that the financial meltdown, of 08 thru today, has had a noticeable impact on the design and manufacture of Sea Ray boats.

It is hard to tell how far this "design change" has been carried out, but, I found it to be fairly noticeable in the finish work of the smaller "Dancers", "SLXs", "Sundecks",etc...

Not to disparage the Bayliner brand, but, there has traditionally been an obvious difference in the two brands, regarding quality, price, and consumer target.

Looking at the 2010 Sea Ray models that I referenced above, they reminded me, a little startlingly, of Bayliners.

I would look, very carefully, if finish etc.. is something that is important in your boat owning criteria.

 

[WDCboater]

In terms of the finishes, I would disagree that they are not as good as they used to be, however more features appear to be "options" instead of standard. We have several older 240's at our marina and at our dealer's marina and I definitely like the style and finishes of the new boats.

At the Annapolis boat show I did happen to board a totally stripped down 240DA and it was quite shocking how different it is from my boat. When you take out the refrigerator and all accessories the boat seems very empty.

Thankfully, my dealer stocks the boats loaded. For example, every 240DA they had in stock had the complete overnight package, camper package, GPS, spotlight, solid hardwood table, etc. This is how my boat is equipped. In terms of upholstery, I think the newer boats have a slightly updated look, but I wouldn't necessarily say Sea Ray cut corners. While at the boat show I also stepped on a similar sized Bayliner and there is definitely a difference in finish quality.

One side note, there's some links to articles and news clips on how Sea Ray began to cut back as early as 2005/2006 in preparation for a downturn in the economy. They basically cut production dramatically to stay competitive and to continue to produce a quality product.

 

[D-Sill-D]

In terms of the finishes, I would disagree that they are not as good as they used to be, however more features appear to be "options" instead of standard. We have several older 240's at our marina and at our dealer's marina and I definitely like the style and finishes of the new boats.

At the Annapolis boat show I did happen to board a totally stripped down 240DA and it was quite shocking how different it is from my boat. When you take out the refrigerator and all accessories the boat seems very empty.

Thankfully, my dealer stocks the boats loaded. For example, every 240DA they had in stock had the complete overnight package, camper package, GPS, spotlight, solid hardwood table, etc. This is how my boat is equipped. In terms of upholstery, I think the newer boats have a slightly updated look, but I wouldn't necessarily say Sea Ray cut corners. While at the boat show I also stepped on a similar sized Bayliner and there is definitely a difference in finish quality.

One side note, there's some links to articles and news clips on how Sea Ray began to cut back as early as 2005/2006 in preparation for a downturn in the economy. They basically cut production dramatically to stay competitive and to continue to produce a quality product.

Sure, you're probably right. Mine was a casual observation. :huh: Enjoy your boat. :thumbsup:

 

[WDCboater]

No worries. I do think the boats are dramatically different depending on the options.

Enjoying it so far! Thanks!

 

[Sliderspal]

Well i do know that that the difference between the 2009 and 2010 base model 240 DA is in 2010 they did away with the bravo 3 for the bravo 1, and shore power and the AC/DC distribution panel is now an option for the 2010 models.
There might be more differences between the 2009 and 2010 models.
But these two I have listed are the two major differences.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I think you should take a close look at the 2010s. If you had a later model, say 05, 06, etc.. sitting next to the 2010, i am fairly sure you would notice significant differences in, at least, the "finishes" (upholstery, etc.) of the 2010s.

It appears to me, that the financial meltdown, of 08 thru today, has had a noticeable impact on the design and manufacture of Sea Ray boats.

It is hard to tell how far this "design change" has been carried out, but, I found it to be fairly noticeable in the finish work of the smaller "Dancers", "SLXs", "Sundecks",etc...

Not to disparage the Bayliner brand, but, there has traditionally been an obvious difference in the two brands, regarding quality, price, and consumer target.

Looking at the 2010 Sea Ray models that I referenced above, they reminded me, a little startlingly, of Bayliners.

I would look, very carefully, if finish etc.. is something that is important in your boat owning criteria.

I disagree. Have you compared a 2010 Sea Ray side by side with a 2010 Bayliner? No comparison. The new Sea Ray's have more modern interiors and finishes -- somewhat European. The have sharper edges with a contemporary feel. That doesn't equate to cheaper.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Well i do know that that the difference between the 2009 and 2010 base model 240 DA is in 2010 they did away with the bravo 3 for the bravo 1, and shore power and the AC/DC distribution panel is now an option for the 2010 models.
There might be more differences between the 2009 and 2010 models.
But these two I have listed are the two major differences.

Those differences are not insignificant. A completely base 2010 240DA with a Bravo 1, no shore power, etc. is a lot less of a boat than a base 2009 and older 240DA. Based on this info I would say that the price you were quoted seems right on target.

 

[Jdr01930]

"Also, your dealer may be referring to the "Costco" special which has a BIG discount on the 240 model specifically, but that was supposed to have ended Sept 30."

FYI - the Costco deal, which was indeed supposed to have ended 9/30, was continued/renewed. There is now no expiration date showing on the website. Presumably this promotion worked out well for Costco and Sea Ray so they decided to keep it going.

I took a Costco deal and closed right on 9/30, since at the time there was no way of knowing it the program would be continued.
Got my $500 gift card yesterday too - less than 30 day turn around - not bad.

 

[Sliderspal]

It is my understanding that any time you get around 40% below MSRP you are getting into the dealer cost area.
Now with the Costco deal and Sea Ray incentives I guess it would be possible to get into the 50% off MSRP deal.