New Boat Purchase Advice

[darkhorsecoatings]

Hey guys, I’m looking for some advice on purchasing my first boat. I have pretty much convinced myself that I want a sea ray. I'm keeping my budget at around $15k. So I have been looking around, and at first glance the 2006-2008 185 sport has caught my eye. With that being said I have been looking around Texas to see what is available in my price range. There are a few, but most of them have the 3.0, and I was thinking I would prefer the 4.3..

Now that I had a idea on what I wanted, I just happen to be browsing craigslist and I’m seeing sea ray's that are mid to late 90's or early 2000's. For example 2002 200BR for around 10k, a 1999 210 Bowrider 9.5k, 97 190 Signature 7k, 96 185 Bowrider 7k, etc.

So my questions are this. Do I want a "new" boat being the 06-09 year? Or would an older boat if still in decent shape, not a ton of hours be something that I would be happy with and potentially just over 1/2 the cost? I don’t know a lot about boats, so it’s hard for me to be able to "compare" the quality of the boats over the years, be it better or worse. So I am hoping that you guys that are more familiar with the sea ray boats that have been made through the year could shed some light on what info a person like me would not know. I'm going to start really looking here in a few months, trying to see what is out there in the winter months to try and save some money if I can.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BruceO]

I've had a '94 Regal 202 as my first boat. Got it in 2006 off the show Wheel of Fortune...no did not win it, it was the floor model they would wheel out when it was a prize. But for .50 on the dollar it was too good to pass up. Was a great first boat. I've since jumped to a '07 searay 250 SLX. Bought with 107 hours on it and only used on a lake. The quality of a Searay vs. the Regal is unbelievable. Ihhaven't looked at the 20' or smaller searays but I would be willing to bet you would be much happier in the long run. If you can find a clean one with low hours go that route. Won't cost you a ton to get in and you won't lose much to get out. You'll also find what you like and what you would not repeat in your next boat purchase. Good luck!

 

[Chris Nowell]

Welcome to the site. There's a lot of very knowledgeable people here and I'm sure once you wade through the responses that you're going to get you'll be in a better position to make a good decision. As far as brand goes, for 15k I wouldn't consider anything BUT a Sea Ray. You can't go too wrong if you look for a used boat that has been cared for. Engine choices are entirely a matter of what you plan to do with the boat. We know folks that have the 3.0 merc and alpha I leg and they are totally happy with it. If you don't plan on towing a wakeboard, or skiers this would be a very economical engine choice for a smaller and lighter boat. If you need a little extra oomph for pulling boards up then the smaller boats are just fine with the 4.3. If you prop the 4.3's with a 17 pitch then you'll have plenty of power to pul the big boys out of the water too. We have found that the prices of boats in our area tend to be the best at the tail end of the season. During the winter the selection doesn't seem to be as good. Good luck in your search, and remember, the more boats you look at, the more you'll learn.

 

[mwph]

Chris,(the above post) makes some really good points like.....
* A boat that is well cared for - this will save you frustration at the onset and money in the long run.
* What you will use the boat for - this should determine engine size. Once you decide, except nothing less.
* The more boats you look at the more you learn - truer words have never been spoken. This includes online shopping & hands on viewings. Online shopping is best for comparing boat to boat but nothing beats visiting & actually boarding boats. Depending on your ( and your probable guests) physical size, some boats just might not fit.

Enjoy shopping AND..... Welcome to CSR!

 

[blaster]

Dare I say the Sea Rays in the small runabout class from 99 to 03 are better built than the ones from the latter 2000s. I really like the 210br a lot. You also need to consider how much weight you can tow around. If its doable a bigger boat like the 210 will be way more comfortable and seaworthy than a 185. It will be a little more expensive to operate but not so much that it will break the bank.

 

[darkhorsecoatings]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I have a 2012 F150 5.0v8.

 

[JC3]

Dark, As others have said its all about how it has been used and kept. A good example is FriscoJarrett (?sp) on you tube. He bought what looked like a well kept up 220 mid 90's. Towed it from the east coast back to Texas and upon better inspection found out he had a serious problem. You need to go to his you tube ch and see the GREAT job he did to fix it. My 450DA was a little under the weather on the outside but the bones were solid as a rock. Have not had any mech problems to speak of in the 6+ years ive owned the boat. Take your time, stay on budget and if you need to find an old SEA RAY salt and ask him to help you look and inspect the boats you like. Good luck, JC

 

[scoflaw]

With a boat that size, I would go with an outboard power pkg.. There are plenty of well made boats out there. I/O's = maintainance nightmares $$$$$$.

 

[moparlvr4406]

Best advise I can give is ...
Buy my 240.. helluva buy for half your budget :wink: