Newbie first time boat owner buying 05 Sea Ray 270

[caymancanuck]

Hi all,

Long time lurker here and SRO board. I have been living in the Cayman Islands for close to 10yrs and have finally decided to take the plunge to put more balance into my life as work keeps me off island so want to now enjoy the time I am there.

It took some time to decide on the 270 SD, as I first had to make the decision on sport vs fishing given that here in Cayman there is a huge sound for sport boats and then fishing outside the protected reefs. I first looked at the 240 SD but decided to go with the 270 after chatting with various owners of both there in Cayman given the potential use in open ocean and dealing with weather changes when out for the day.

I have found a boat at a broker in Pensacola, Fl a 2005 270 SD fully loaded with the 375hp engine and wakeboard tower, it literally has very option offered by Sea Ray.
The boat has 65 hrs and I am having a survey done this week. I have made a conditional offer which includes a satisfactory survey, in water test and an agreement on a price for a trailer. I also need to confirm if there is any warranty (hull and engine) left and if this can be transferred to the Sea Ray dealer in Cayman.

My question is, can I make the right decision without actually seeing the boat in person. I have spent time on 270's here in Cayman. The broker has sent me over 40 photos of the boat and it is in great shape. I could go see it in person and do an in water test, but given my lack of experience I am not certain I could detect any issues. I undertand the survey does not cover the engines, so should I have someone else do a mechanical and possibly in water test drive?

Is there anything else I need to do before closing the deal?

Thanks

Scott

 

[SearayPaul]

Have the survey done. Put it the contract no deal if you are unhappy with the boat when you arrive to pick up the boat.

That was in my contract since I never laid eyes on it until time to pick it up.

 

[caymancanuck]

Thanks, my issue is that I will not see the boat until it arrives here in Cayman and by then it will be too late to do anything as shipping into Cayman will cost me close to $7500 so there is no way I am shipping it back.

 

[estebanj]

Even if you know the model well, I would think the travel cost to come to Florida will be money well spent to get more assurance that the boat you're buying is the boat you want.

A 2nd option would be a friend in Florida or the US that can look at it for you, if the travel cost is too high.

Esteban

 

[RiverRat]

You can get a mechanical survey done. If you can't find someone get a certified mechanic look it over, andnot from the dealer your purchasing from.

 

[Sweet Xscape]

If it were me, I would fly out and see the boat for yourself. This is the best form of personal insurance IMO. No sense in putting money into something you're uncertain about purchasing.

 

[caymancanuck]

Thanks everyone. I am flying up to see this boat and a couple of others next weekend. I got back the surveyors report and there are a couple of red flags when it comes to the engine so I am going to see it and take it for a ride and I am bringing a friend who knows his boats and engines so that will be a big help. I am also going to see a freshwater 270 outside of Atlanta which may be a better boat.

Thanks again everyone, I am excited about getting this done but need to find the right boat.

Scott