Need advice on a possible purchase

Rayo de Sol

New Member
Aug 31, 2009
3
Hey guys, I am new to the site and it's my first post. I am currently looking to buy a 1980 SeaRay Sundancer Cabin Cruiser. The guy says "Boat has good hull,galley w/ stove,frige,sink,seperate bathroom with flush-able toilet,nice interior,compass,clean title,trailer has surge brakes w/ permanant trailer registration.Needs 350 V8 motor work."
My question is for $1000 is this a good opportunity? Worst case scenario that I had to replace the 350 V8, what are we looking at, $ wise? I have read on this site these older boats are great. What should I look for when I do the walk around? I am new to boating. I have never owned a boat, but I am good at repairing and putting sweat and tears into a this project. <br>I have seen restored boats of this same year and model to sell around $7K. So of course I am thinking it's worth it but please let me hear from you. Thanks for all your help and advice.
 
you must be a gambling man, cause I would venture that to replace and engine, and the potential the elec. wiring and other systems may have to be replaced as well. may be better off, to get a boat in the 5k range as a deal, get a good survey of hull and mechanics, and be ahead of the game. Dont worry, with all boats, you will get a chance to put in alot of sweat equity.
 
Thanks yachtguyannapoli! I really didnt think of that. can you tell I am a noob?? Would I be able to get a Searay Sundancer cabin cruiser 23 footer for 5K though? If 5k is the investment for getting her out to sea, I think that is still a good investment dont you think? I will definatley take that into consideration, since the owner that has her now bought her like this but never got around to doing anything to her. Decisions, decisions...
 
I'd be concerned the previous owner bought it and realized how much work and money it would really take.... Not sure where you are located so can't guess on prices and availability.

If you can do the mechanical work yourself - here's a rough estimate assuming the engine is shot and the drive is as well - especially with the age and possibly sitting for long periods of time.

2500.00 - Jasper engine - long block
700.00 - intake + carb
800.00 - exhaust manifolds/risers
1300.00 - SEI sterndrive replacement (assuming Alpha 1)

so $5300.00 and you hopefully have a running engine/drive. If you need an engine coupler, transom assembly, hoses, distributor, coil, etc then you are looking at a lot more.

Now - you would just need to focus on all of the other items which need to be repaired/replaced. Maintenance items like batteries, bilge pumps/float switces, hoses, switches, lights, gauges, gas tank (may be full of crap), water separator. It's a lot to think about.... Boats do not like to be unused and forgotten - things go quickly!
 
I'd be concerned the previous owner bought it and realized how much work and money it would really take.... Not sure where you are located so can't guess on prices and availability.

If you can do the mechanical work yourself - here's a rough estimate assuming the engine is shot and the drive is as well - especially with the age and possibly sitting for long periods of time.

2500.00 - Jasper engine - long block
700.00 - intake + carb
800.00 - exhaust manifolds/risers
1300.00 - SEI sterndrive replacement (assuming Alpha 1)

so $5300.00 and you hopefully have a running engine/drive. If you need an engine coupler, transom assembly, hoses, distributor, coil, etc then you are looking at a lot more.

Now - you would just need to focus on all of the other items which need to be repaired/replaced. Maintenance items like batteries, bilge pumps/float switces, hoses, switches, lights, gauges, gas tank (may be full of crap), water separator. It's a lot to think about.... Boats do not like to be unused and forgotten - things go quickly!

Really a lot to think about. I am in San Diego, CA. Yeah that makes good sense. So many things can be needed. I am definitely going to take a look at this a lot closer possibly find a better boat that requires less investment. Thanks you guys. Good stuff in here. Hope to comeback soon with pics of my own boat.
 
I think your guess is low...........being an '80 model, I'm guessing that the drive is an out of production previous model to the alpha. He'd most likely be better off with a complete repower package......engine, drive, transom assy, etc from Mercruiser. From there it would be a matter of getting the controls, gauges, sea water plumbing and exhaust to work.
 

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