Looking at buying an older 22' Sea Ray with Cuddy cabin

[ash2309]

Hi everyone! I'm a lady looking to buy her first boat for use on the Upper Chesapeake Bay and rivers. I've decided an older Sea Ray no bigger than 22' is best for us. I basically want a boat for short trips, running around, rafting up, just being outside. I found a 1988 Sea Ray 22' Seville Cuddy Cabin. The 4.3 Mercruiser I/O has a little over 1000 hours and owner says it runs great. The pictures really look like the boat has been cared for. He is the 2nd owner and comes with all the safety stuff and trailer with new tires and Bimini top and cockpit cover. The boat is currently in the water at his house and he is willing to do a sea trial. Owner says he is PCSing (moving) and that is why he is selling.

Does this sound like something that would a good first boat? I was raised on the water in VA but haven't had a boat up here yet. What would be a fair price estimate ?

Thanks everyone!

 

[mwph]

Welcome to CSR!
This site will be, by far, your best source for information on Sea Ray boats, and all things boating related. As for your price question, I'll suggest you start by scanning the sale sites like Yachtworld.com & boattrader.com to compare asking prices.

 

[blaster]

Hi, welcome to CSR.

From your description that may be a good choice depending on your budget, how handy you are, and how you want to use it. It won't be fast and would'nt be great for tubing and skiing. It would be OK for fishing and day boating though. It might be OK for an overnight trip but even with two people it would be too small for cruising or longer trips.

As far as a fair price, Its all about condition. You said its in the water which is a positive sign. The owner must be confident in the condition of the systems on the boat. I wouldn't however rely on the owners word regarding the condition completely. I would test drive the boat with someone who knows a little about boats if possible. Then if that goes well I would pay for a marine surveyor to do an inspection. It might cost $300-500 for a detailed survey but it could save a lot of money in expensive repairs after the fact.

Boating is always going to be expensive and more so if you cheap out on maintenance. Its not easy to put a number out there but if it is in good condition with a good condition trailer. If all the major systems work and the motor runs strong it might be worth $5000 maybe even more but who knows until you check it out.

I hope you find a boat your happy with that fits your budget. This size range is great for the bay and rivers. I wouldn't go much smaller.

 

[quality time]

What areas on the Upper bay will you be using the boat? Will you be trailering it, hi-n-dry or leaving it in the water?


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