newbie needs help

[scootz40]

Hi guys im looking to buy my frist sea ray. Im looking at a 2005 280 sundancer, with twin 4.3s. The boat has 158 hours. My boat mechinic said the the port motor went into gaurdian mode 50 times. He also said that the batterys were very low and it could be a faulty reading. Can anybody explain better what this gaurdian mode is, and could it go into this mode that many times. thanks scott

 

[beachcombersc]

From what I know about the system, He should be able to view what "hours" the system recorded the limp home mode. If they were all at once, that could be better. It all depends...

 

[scootz40]

That makes more sense. The battery system was really low and he could not get more data. The dealers tech was going over the boat today, and i am going to sea trial on friday thanks for the reply

 

[pdmathisjr]

Hmmm... I've got a 4.3 EPI Merc with Smartcraft. Only issue I've had is an IAC (idle air control) valve failure -- boat wouldn't idle. Overheating, water pressure, oil pressure, etc. are the basics monitored normally. Based on the options you have and software, many other items can be monitored. At 158 hrs your in great shape with a 4.3 merc. Ask for evidence of regular maintenance annually, first 50 hrs, 100 hrs, plus any sterndrive (I'm betting you have Alpha 1 Gen II outdrives) maintenance. Ask who/where maintenace was done and they should have records owners may have receipts of record of what was done.

If the boat is worth the effort, work the deal around having your boat mechanic (MarineMax is a solid dealer if you don't have a mechanic) shake down the engines and boat for you, MarineMax sells SeaRays and my experience has been positive with this dealer chain and service group (just $$$). If it's a saltwater boat... risers, manifolds need inspecting and possibly replaced. Also, as you mentioned, a new battery isn't far away if not already needed.

Verify what you're told by a trained professional. Not that you shouldn't trust people but there could be many things the present owner isn't aware of.

Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[scootz40]

Thaks for the reply, We checked the boat again after the batterys were charged, No codes came out. after some haggling ,We made a deal and i took delevery last friday. So its official im a frist time sea ray owner. thanks again for the reply.