Need advise on purchase1988 SeaRay 300 sundancer

[Irina S]

Considering purchasing this boat. Please give me your thoughts, what should be checked and if its a good deal. Seller asking 18,000.

-Twin Mercruiser 350’s (260hp each) -Mercruiser Alpha One drives -11’ beam -Heat and air conditioned cabin -electric/alcohol stove -full head with toilet, sink, and shower -comfortably sleeps 4 adults and 2 kids with a huge v-berth & spacious mid-cabin, & convertible dinette. -full camper canvas in great shape with screens and zip open privacy covers -Professionally maintained:just did tuneups and new impellers NEW LAST SEASON: -bottom paint and vinyl striping -all electronics including: 1623 Furuno radar, Garmin 94sv echomap plus gps/chartplotter, Standard Horizon gx1700 vhf radio with separate amplified matching external speaker -Shakespeare vhf and am/fm antennas. -new and refinished teak trim -onboard shore power marine battery charger -11 gallon water heater -built in ac/dc refrigerator -bilge pumps & blowers -wiper motors and blades

 

[bahamabreisus]

Have a professional survey done by an SAMS surveyor. They will tell you the value as part of the survey. You should survey any boat you want to buy. It will most likely be needed in order to get insurance.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Looks nice, but never buy without a hull/vessel surveyor and a certified mechanic...

 

[Irina S]

Looks nice, but never buy without a hull/vessel surveyor and a certified mechanic...

I wrote to two surveyors, have not heard back yet. Do you think its ok to use mechanic from marina to inspect it?

 

[Irina S]

Have a professional survey done by an SAMS surveyor. They will tell you the value as part of the survey. You should survey any boat you want to buy. It will most likely be needed in order to get insurance.

I wrote to two surveyors, have not heard back yet. Do you think its ok to use mechanic from marina to inspect it?

 

[Golfman25]

Ok a couple of things. You'll need to put in an offer and agree on price before the survey. The surey will protect you if there are any major issues. A survey is not a mechanical inspection, so the marina isn't "qualified" to do the survey. Hire them to check the engines/outdrives -- maybe a compression check. The surveyor wil look at the hull, deck, and structural issues as well as the general overall condtion of the boat. On that model, you want to pay very, very, very, close attention to the transom -- chances are it could be wet and deteriorated. Also check the stringers in the engine room. Good luck.

 

[DWABoat]

To inspect the mechanicals, it is good to hire your own trusted mechanic for compression checks, oil analysis, manifold health, etc. However, mechanicals are only one aspect. Hull integrity, plumbing system, climate control, fire suppression, etc etc etc is also costly to address. A reliable general surveyor will look at those aspects.
Heed their advice. Get a surveyor!

 

[DWABoat]

It seems Golfman and I were typing the same message at the same time!

The ad says Alpha One drives. That year will be Gen 1 drives (unless they have been changed.) 5.7’s on Alpha One Gen Ones are a fine system (I have an 89 like that). But, the Gen 1’s are a little lean on anodes, in my opinion. The Gen 2’s have more.
I would look for corrosion by pulling the boat for inspection before I bought.
Another issue will be steering pins. If original, I am betting they are seeping water.
A trusted mechanic or surveyor will know about all these issues and advise you.
Worth the wait!

 

[Juliery]

Considering purchasing this boat. Please give me your thoughts, what should be checked and if its a good deal. Seller asking 18,000.

-Twin Mercruiser 350’s (260hp each) -Mercruiser Alpha One drives -11’ beam -Heat and air conditioned cabin -electric/alcohol stove -full head with toilet, sink, and shower -comfortably sleeps 4 adults and 2 kids with a huge v-berth & spacious mid-cabin, & convertible dinette. -full camper canvas in great shape with screens and zip open privacy covers -Professionally maintained:just did tuneups and new impellers NEW LAST SEASON: -bottom paint and vinyl striping -all electronics including: 1623 Furuno radar, Garmin 94sv echomap plus gps/chartplotter, Standard Horizon gx1700 vhf radio with separate amplified matching external speaker -Shakespeare vhf and am/fm antennas. -new and refinished teak trim -onboard shore power marine battery charger -11 gallon water heater -built in ac/dc refrigerator -bilge pumps & blowers -wiper motors and blades

I'm not put off by older boats. We bought a 1993 290 DA last year after a thorough survey and mechanical check. I did a lot of research first and the later 80's Sea Rays, after a management change, are better built than the earlier ones. Since purchase, I have been through every nook and cranny and all systems on our boat and I'm impressed with the quality of workmanship throughout. An older boat will need some upgrades and maintenance done but overall great value. Definitely get inspections and do a sea trial.

 

[Stee6043]

That's a lotta boat for $18k. Do you have any pictures of the engine room? I tend to think photos of the ER can be far more telling than photos of a nice, clean head...

 

[dwna1a]

I agree with Stee, also was she freshwater kept or salt? Are the motors freshwater cooled? A survey is a must to cover all the things we can’t think of

 

[2016FLD]

She'll sell quickly if runs and and looks as good as in the pics. If you don't buy it, tell me, I'd definitely look into it.

 

[Pirate Lady]

You sure about the Alphas? Had friends with those boats, Weekenders came with inboards, Sundancer came with V-drives (engines mounted backwards still straight shafts). I never seen or heard of a 300 with outdrives. And that is a heavy boats for alphas. Double check that.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Google shows one in MD with alphas so I stand corrected. On the other hand, I do stand by that boat is too heavy for alphas and would pass, but that just my opinion.

 

[northern]

Look at the antifreeze bottles If almost empty you may have a leak in the heat exchangers the same is true for over filled when cold.

 

[Golfman25]

You sure about the Alphas? Had friends with those boats, Weekenders came with inboards, Sundancer came with V-drives (engines mounted backwards still straight shafts). I never seen or heard of a 300 with outdrives. And that is a heavy boats for alphas. Double check that.

It’s not a weekender. Rather a Sundancer

 

[Golfman25]

Google shows one in MD with alphas so I stand corrected. On the other hand, I do stand by that boat is too heavy for alphas and would pass, but that just my opinion.

Small blocks and alphas are a common combo. They get in trouble when paired with the big block 7.4.

 

[Pirate Lady]

On that note those 300 are really nice boats. I think they have the good housekeeping seal of approval.

 

[bahamabreisus]

Irena, I sell boats, listen to me. Surveyor.

 

[Irina S]

Ok a couple of things. You'll need to put in an offer and agree on price before the survey. The surey will protect you if there are any major issues. A survey is not a mechanical inspection, so the marina isn't "qualified" to do the survey. Hire them to check the engines/outdrives -- maybe a compression check. The surveyor wil look at the hull, deck, and structural issues as well as the general overall condtion of the boat. On that model, you want to pay very, very, very, close attention to the transom -- chances are it could be wet and deteriorated. Also check the stringers in the engine room. Good luck.

Thank you!