Looking for Info re; 215 Express Cruiser

[Dr D]

Just sold my '87 21' Seville. I'm looking for a used EC 215, in very good>excellent condition, no older than a 1996. I've seen a few with either a 5.0, or a 5.7 MerCruiser.

Just looking for some opinions, suggestions & general information about the Express Cruiser from someone who's had one.
Info re;
-Dependability
-Gph
-any problems to look out for etc....

All responses will be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[Chris Nowell]

We only had two problems with ours; one was the access to the engine really sucked when changing things like spark plugs, P/S hoses, starters etc, and the other issue was cracks on the underside of the cockpit liner just forward of the engine area on the starboard side. I fixed the cracks with epoxy and filler and assumed they were just a weak spot that couldn't stand up to ocean pounding. The engine access issue eventually forced us to sell the boat because I became too old and large to be hanging upside down to work on it with mirrors and by feel. We loved that boat though, and are currently looking for a similar one but without the aft cabin option. I think they're called weekenders and I believe the engine access is better because the cockpit liner seems to be lower around the engine, (more like a dog house cover as opposed to a hatch cover). If you do your own maintenance and you are large and/or old, make sure you can reach the plugs and stuff.

 

[skolbe]

Was happy with mine. Good boat and didn't find engine access to difficult. I would lift the hatch cover off and set it on the dock. Never had cracking issues. Mine was a 2000.

 

[SteveRuss]

great little cuddy. I had a 1999 215EC. Loved it. Bigger boat feel in a smaller cuddy. Private head with pump out was a plus for the Mrs. I had a 5.0 and found it to be just a little underpowered because even though it is only 21 feet it is a pretty deep and heavy boat. I wouldn't turn away from a nice one powered that way but opt for the 5.7 and EFI if you can get it. 50 more HP would help. I put smart tabs on mine and the thing would jump on plane in an instant. Something to consider. I can't give you GPH numbers but you would do better with the 5.7 than a 5.0 becase you would cruise at a lower rpm. Neither is a guzzler though. Engine access was fine. Only thing I would check is the bow hatch. Mine had a perpetual leak that kept staining the headliner. I removed, fried everything out and rebedded it correctly. no more issues.

 

[KayKook]

Cabin is small for overnights/sleeping if you are 6'0 tall or taller.

 

[CliffA]

Just sold my '87 21' Seville. I'm looking for a used EC 215, in very good>excellent condition, no older than a 1996. I've seen a few with either a 5.0, or a 5.7 MerCruiser.

Just looking for some opinions, suggestions & general information about the Express Cruiser from someone who's had one.
Info re;
-Dependability
-Gph
-any problems to look out for etc....

All responses will be greatly appreciated

Thanks

we have had our 215EC for 4 years.....we love the boat...it is small enough to do water sports and large enough to cruise comfortably and spend a night or two on the hook.....i also have not had any issues with accessing the engine...as long as you move the engine cover away to one side access to the engine is very good....

i have made many upgrades and modifications to my boat over the years....if you would like to see a summary of these changes send me a PM with an email address and i will send them to you as a MS Word attachment....i have many pics i can send of the mods as well....

we are actually thinking about moving up to a larger boat to have a genny and AC....the summer heat in the Southeast can be brutal....we are considering selling our 215EC...if you are interested send me a PM....the boat and trailer are in excellent condition....i am sorting out a problem with the ignition system right now but should have that repaired soon....when i get finished the entire ignition system will have been replaced.....

cliff

 

[Lazy Daze]

I used to have a '00 215EC and it was a great boat. I don't think there was (nor currently is) a better 22' cuddy on the market. Had it through some very rough seas and it performed fantastic.

FYI, looking at Chris's signature, I believe his responses are in regards to a 23' Seville EC. That is an entirely different boat than the 215EC. I felt engine access was actually quite good for a small boat.

 

[Chris Nowell]

FYI, looking at Chris's signature, I believe his responses are in regards to a 23' Seville EC. That is an entirely different boat than the 215EC. I felt engine access was actually quite good for a small boat.

Yep !!! Guess I should've paid some attention to the year before rambling on.:smt021 It WAS early in the morning out here in the west though.