Newbie looking for info on 1995 Overnighter

[winecountry]

Hello, New to this forum and looking for advice/info on 1995 Sea Ray 24' Overnighter with 5.7 EFI. last boat I owned was a 19' outboard and operate mostly in SF Bay and Delta with occasional ventures under the gate for Salmon or Crab. I am looking at several boats...1982 Sea Ray 24 with new engine and outdrive, also this 1995 overnighter with 5.7 EFI. Pros and cons of newer vs older etc. and problem areas of each model I need to be aware of. 1982 is private party, and 1995 is used boat dealer that has been reputable. Bought my last boat from them. Also 21' Bayliner...sorry.... know I will probably get flamed for this...from what I've read/seen Sea ray is the better of the two...as to quality and ride in choppy San Pablo Bay waters. Please chime in and offer your insight/experience to a Sea Ray Newbie....

 

[JimG]

I have not owned any of the boats you list... the 1982 might have more room but the 1995 would have less wear and be newer styling. Also be cautious of "new engine and outdrive", if done professionally, it could be OK. Not even gonna comment on the other 21'!

Welcome to CSR!

 

[MrHappy]

Hello, whatever you do get a survey. I bought a used boat from a "reputable" dealer. I bought it in December and it came with a 30 day warranty. In the spring I brought the boat back to them so they could "de-winterize" it, really to make sure I had not run it.

I put the boat in our slip April 5th. I took it out 5/6 times during that period. Indiana is short of large lakes and it is a 1 1/2 hour trip to our slip. Around 40 days after "de-winterization" the boats lower unit blew. Long story short, the "reputable" dealer would not give me a break and charged me $1,800 to fix it. If anyone is from Indiana stay away from Brownie's Marine

As to the size, the bigger the better considering where you plan on boating. Our boat has a very deep V compared to other makes in our size range. For the past 2 years we have taken her to Lake Michigan and she does well on the water even when it gets a little choppy.

 

[Nehalennia]

I had an '95 220OV and '99 230OV. Virtually the same and both had the 5.7 EFI. I loved both. I would also recommend getting a survey to make sure the hulls are sound and you don't have any major mechanical issues.

My '95

My '99

 

[280 Gator]

I have a 1995 220 OV with a 5.7L. Great boat. I moved to a 280 DA last year to do more travel but still have the 220. Too bad you aren't in Virginia!.
Never had any problems in 10 years. winterized every year and tune up every other year. Literally no other expenses.
Great boat in James river, max 2-3 ft waves. I wouldn't take it to the Chesapeake Bay--hence the 280. Of course now that I have the 280 I realize how much a smoother ride it is and what i was missing before.
220 was excellent for tubing and im sure two skis would work fine. since im an avid skier with maser craft it would never do for me as ski boat.