Newbie,, request permission to come aboard..

Thank you, was saving for a new 280 or 260 sundancer but noticed many members with an average of 10 year old boats. I am mechanically inclined but was concerned of dependability of a certain number if hours..Guess I could repower a 10 year old and have money to spare..

There are lots of options of older boats and a 10 year old will likely not require a re-power unless you're looking for one in rough shape.

Thank you for your service and welcome aboard.
 
Welcome! You mentioned 10yr old boats, boat's don't really age like a car, so 10yrs on a boat is really not old. However, unlike a car, even a new boat requires upkeep, especially a larger boat that sits in the water year around. There is an old saying that goes "The only think that works on an old boat is it's owner". In some ways it is very true. I have had old boats(my current bowrider is a 1999 that still looks and runs great), even older boats (a 1948 Chris Craft - now that was work!) and brand new boats (1979 Correct Craft, 2000 SeaRay 290), they all were great boats, but non were completely work / worry free, that is just part of the boating experience. Some of us actually enjoy "messing with boats", granted there comes a point where it is not fun, but I like the satisfaction of know that for the most part if it breaks on my boat I can fix it.
 
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If you can handle the 320 that would be my choice, we have a 260 and it is sort of tippy, there is learning curve to this boat. It is now called the 280!

I know you can cast off to a beautiful day and the weather can change in a heartbeat. I rely on help here to make the right choice the first time as far as size. Is Is sitting in the drink a good idea with the bigger Boats? Mentioning the boat lifts in the canals of the Cape Coral...
 
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maybe i got lucky but this is the 3rd year for us and our 31 year old boat and i had to change a fuse last week and a light bulb 2 years ago. thats about it for any mandatory repairs. i have made many mods and tune ups, normal stuff. but i wouldn't be afraid of a well cared for used boat
 
Welcome aboard!! We live in the Cape year around. If we can answer any questions about the area fire away!

Thanks again,, your views on the water clarity that beautiful turquoise water ... the lake they drain to the river...hoping for a solution..
 
I would go with a style that you like the most, and ignore the age factor. Layout, style, and function should work for how you plan on using the boat. Our new boat is 17 years old!

I would also balance all that with budget. Include slip, insurance, annual maint, and of course fuel. The more you can use the boat the better. Let that guide you and keep an open mind, spend lots of time on yachtworld.com and look at all the major brands. New/Old does not matter they all need work.

For me I would prefer something a bit larger than a 260 unless I was planning on trailering it around Florida. I think 320/340 is a better size for some nice cruising around the state.

Good Luck and Welcome!!
 
Welcome aboard and Semper Fi!

Sea Ray makes great boats and a ten year or older model with a maintenance history and thorough survey should not be cause for concern. Our current boat is a 2005 320 and my sister's family bought my 2002 220. Both have been very reliable and still look great at 12 and 15 years respectively.

There is great information on this site regarding the 260-340 line of sundancers. Enjoy the search and again, welcome!
 
I have a 07 240 Sundeck in the Cape. It is kept on a lift in the canal behind the house. I can get to all the restaurants, beaches, and haul a pretty good load. Wife likes open front and enclosed head. Would opt for outboard if it were in the cards.
 
I would go with a style that you like the most, and ignore the age factor. Layout, style, and function should work for how you plan on using the boat. Our new boat is 17 years old!

I would also balance all that with budget. Include slip, insurance, annual maint, and of course fuel. The more you can use the boat the better. Let that guide you and keep an open mind, spend lots of time on yachtworld.com and look at all the major brands. New/Old does not matter they all need work.

For me I would prefer something a bit larger than a 260 unless I was planning on trailering it around Florida. I think 320/340 is a better size for some nice cruising around the state.

Good Luck and Welcome!!

Good point ,, as I read i don't see many with failed engines . Also didn't know you could fresh water flush an straight inboard.
 
Welcome aboard and Semper Fi!

Sea Ray makes great boats and a ten year or older model with a maintenance history and thorough survey should not be cause for concern. Our current boat is a 2005 320 and my sister's family bought my 2002 220. Both have been very reliable and still look great at 12 and 15 years respectively.

There is great information on this site regarding the 260-340 line of sundancers. Enjoy the search and again, welcome!

Semper Fi , figuring in a boat as part of the finances of retirement at the cape... I know as you all have been on the water there would be some would have, could have but didn't...much appreciated
 
I have a 07 240 Sundeck in the Cape. It is kept on a lift in the canal behind the house. I can get to all the restaurants, beaches, and haul a pretty good load. Wife likes open front and enclosed head. Would opt for outboard if it were in the cards.

They do have that in outboard I believe, is your reasoning if the outboard fails just replace and your done ?
 
They do have that in outboard I believe, is your reasoning if the outboard fails just replace and your done ?

As of now my plan is not to do much off shore fishing of trips to Key West.. But may change as time gets closer ...
 
Welcome Underway, I'm sure you will find the boat you're looking for soon. The Admiral (wife) and I currently run a '06 260 'Dancer and love it. Easy to maneuver, easy on fuel, just right for us. If you need any tips on the Mullica River,Great Bay, LBI, to AC area, give me a pm. Been boating the area for over 25 yrs, would be glad to share any knowledge I can. Good luck with the search. Take care.

Garry
 
Welcome Underway, I'm sure you will find the boat you're looking for soon. The Admiral (wife) and I currently run a '06 260 'Dancer and love it. Easy to maneuver, easy on fuel, just right for us. If you need any tips on the Mullica River,Great Bay, LBI, to AC area, give me a pm. Been boating the area for over 25 yrs, would be glad to share any knowledge I can. Good luck with the search. Take care.

Garry

That's the boat I have my heart set on, or as large as I can go with a single drive..
 
Welcome to CSR! Thank you for your service!

"a 10 year old boat"... I resemble that remark!

350 hours and still going strong!
 
Welcome to CSR! Thank you for your service!

"a 10 year old boat"... I resemble that remark!

350 hours and still going strong!

Hello thank you sir, ha ha grin.. was going to figure in for a new one but now going to look for well taken care of older...
 

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