Looking for Sea Ray 250 to 290 1990's

[COVE]

Hi, New to this forum and was wondering best way to find a good condition Sea Ray. It will be docked at my place and used just for short trips around Lake St Clair, Ontario. Boat is adding a lot to landscape of home so like to have nice looking boat but not too large. The Sea Ray SDs between 250 to 290 from mid to late 1990's caught my eye for luxury. Been boating for several years and currently in process of selling my 1991 Thompson Carrera 255 which has been a great boat for the family for over 10 years. I love the Thompson but I'm getting close to retirement and looking to have little more luxury and maybe just like most boaters having a change. Been looking on marketplace other boat ads. Came across this forum and enjoyed the comments. Thinking possibly someone has other connections to help my search. Thanks for the forum!

 

[mrsrobinson]

Check out the "Offical..." threads for the year/make/model you are looking for.

 

[Little Ducky]

How handy are you? DIY'er? How many will be going with you on your excursions?

Is there some essentials options like Generator, Heat and Air and Full Camper Enclosure you will be looking for? This will sway the price greatly. Budget?

I've been loving my 1998 290 DA. There was a hull update in 1998 and an interior update in late 1999/2000. With the hull update the 1998 and later models gained some additional interior and deck space compared to the earlier models. I had 3 to choose from all on the same sales dock 1997, 1996 and the 1998 when I was looking so it was easier to compare.

You can find the spec sheets for the models you are looking in the Searay website linked below under Model Archives.

https://www.searay.com/us/en/owners.html

Good luck with the hunt.

If you like to see my journey with the 1998 290 DA there is a link below.

 

[BillK2632]

I had a 2000 290da that was a great boat, we sold it only because our boating style changed - more to day trips vs overnighting. Of the years/models you mentioned, I think a 1998-2000 290da would be my choice. There was a pretty bug redesign between 1997-1998, then an interior redesign in 1999. But the different between 1998-1998 is purely cosmetic interior and subject to personal preference. Some had twin 4.3's, but the 5.0's or 5.7's would be preferred. Prior to 1998 most 290's were single engine, hard to handle and just generally not some of SeaRay's best effort. If you want to go older/smaller, I think the 250da is a good boat for the money.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Stick around, Replaced nearly every component in last 3 years. One more major issue after I launch in April, she be gone. Sit tight.