Looking to buy 1999 Sea Ray select 230 bowrider.. questions

[Feelo]

Hey All,

Brand new to the forum, I am currently looking to buy my first boat. I grew up with boats in the family and have decided to trade in my motorcycle for a boat, I have 4 kids 5,7,9 and 11 and think i will enjoy boat tie with them more then motorcycle time with them 1 at a time.

Anyway.. i am looking at a Sea Ray select 230 bowrider with a 454 chevy bigblock. My questions are....

1- Is their any known issues with this model boat and/or engine?
2- Is there anything i should be concerned with checking over (other then the normal stuff)

I has been in freshwater only... looks to be in real good shape... says it has about 540hrs on the engine.

I am planning to have it looked over by a marine inspector but thought i would check here for any additional info.

Thanks for your time and info...it is greatly appreciated.

 

[JimG]

Not familiar with that boat, but boating in general is a great family sport... your kids will learn to love it!

Welcome to CSR!

 

[YYZDavid]

Hi, and welcome!

I own the very same boat - a '99 230 Signature Select with the 7.4 MPI and Bravo 3 drive, purchased just under 1 year ago.

I had many issues post-purchase which are being remedied now, but they were all related to the way the boat was maintained, and none were specific to this particular model. In general, check the drive diligently for corrosion, a notorious weak spot for Bravo 3s (many threads on this site on that subject). Salt water use is not necessarily a deal-breaker if the boat was properly cared for, but can be a risk you may not want to get into. Get maintenance records if you can.

On the plus side, it's a heck of a nice boat. Roomy, stable, and pretty damn fast with the big motor.

I can help by providing a basis for comparison for you if you have questions or anything doesn't look quite right.

Good luck!