Looking for my 1st Sea Ray!

[Bearkill]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to CSR and new to boating as well. Have spent many hours looking at boats and have settled in on Sea Ray as the best make for my needs, somewhat because there are so many used ones out there to choose from. Looking currently at a '88 Seville 21 Mid Cabin (model 210MC I think) and a 1999 215 Express Cruiser. Boat will be used on the LIS around CT and Long Island. I really like the cabin on the Seville but have heard that the lack of deck seating is a drawback. On the other hand, I have heard that the 215 is better for waterskiing and cruising the LIS, but also that the cuddy cabin is so small that most owners just use it for storage and the porta potty.

I am aware of the bigger Sea Ray models that offer much more spacious cabins AND ample seating up top, but I am constrained by a maximum boat length of 21' at the moment based on my current boat slip assignment.

Would welcome any and all advice on what to buy, and what NOT to buy. Is a 1988 Seville likely to still be a solid boat, or too old at this point? Thanks.

 

[Boater420]

Hello and welcome to CSR!

If you break down your day, how much of it will be spent in the cabin? In my past experience we spent very little time in the cabin and more up on deck. If you want to focus on skiing and cruising it looks like the EC is the boat for you as it's newer, the motor is fresher and probably puts out more torque.

The Seville is much older and parts might be a little harder to find. I would definitely check both boats for stringer and transom rot.

If it were me I'd look at the EC and pass on the MC.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Welcome to CSR.

I Can't comment on either boat but if this is your first boat let me suggest that you buy your second boat first. By that I mean that a lot of new boaters buy a boat that they like but don't do a good job of analyzing how it will suit their boating needs. They use it for a season or two then sell it and buy their second boat, the one they should have bought first. That is an expensive way to go because you'll probably lose money on the first boat.

So do your homework, look at and walk on board a LOT of boats. Consider how old your kids are and if they're young, picture them in a few years when they're all legs and the legs are out there for everyone to trip over. Also, consider where you're going to put your cooler, skis, tubes, wakeboards, towels and all the other stuff you take with you.

Then buy the boat that suits your needs best and go have fun with it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Welcome to CSR.

I Can't comment on either boat but if this is your first boat let me suggest that you buy your second boat first. By that I mean that a lot of new boaters buy a boat that they like but don't do a good job of analyzing how it will suit their boating needs. They use it for a season or two then sell it and buy their second boat, the one they should have bought first. That is an expensive way to go because you'll probably lose money on the first boat.

So do your homework, look at and walk on board a LOT of boats. Consider how old your kids are and if they're young, picture them in a few years when they're all legs and the legs are out there for everyone to trip over. Also, consider where you're going to put your cooler, skis, tubes, wakeboards, towels and all the other stuff you take with you.

Then buy the boat that suits your needs best and go have fun with it.

 

[trflgrl]

I was going to say +1 to GoFirstClass, but it looks like he already seconded his motion!

You mention being locked into boat size by current slip assignment--is the marina one that would allow you to hang over a bit/pay for the extra length and then assign a longer slip when one becomes available? If your slip budget allows for that, you could consider other boats right now.

I bought my second boat first and am starting year four with no major desire to change anything. The size/model/power suit our lifestyle very well, and I've been able to manage the expected and unexpected costs of operating, maintaining, and repairing this toy without compromising necessities like house and utilities.

Contentment is a wonderful thing!

(All bets are off when I win the Powerball, though!)

 

[Jack380AC]

I totally agree with GoFirstClass. Buy the "right" boat based on your family needs and intended use. I would never buy one based on a current slip size. Talk to your marina and I'm sure they will accommodate you when the time comes. Be aware also the water can get dicey out on the Sound when the weather kicks up.

Our first boat was a 27' Sundancer but it was also almost 10' beam and twin engine. It was a fantastic first boat for us for many reasons. It took me 12 months to explore and search until I found her. Time well spent.

 

[dvx216]

The mid cabin nice to have if you need it but on a 21 footer it kills and aft deck space.If you don't need the mid cabin a weekender will give you more aft room for your water sports.