No Major Problems - Positive Feedback

[Hampton]

We all come here to discuss boat issues or to learn about how to fix problems with our boats. Rarely do we ever make posts about things going well. My boat isn't perfect, but things have been going very well. I attribute this to good maintenance, good knowledge about my boat, and a good bit of luck. How are things going with your boat?

 

[everthing's irie]

I guess I should back up a bit. I said a few minor issues. That only pertains to the 290DA bought with 40hrs on it (Better Than New). We bought a 240SD brand new in 07 and they had the boat more than we did fixing all kinds of cr*p under warranty. None of it was major but it was out of the water more than it was in. By the time all the new bugs we're worked out we moved up to the 290DA. We only had the 240SD from August 07 to Feb 08.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I polled an 'other' as we bought Bella used, 'pre owned' in car sales speak. So our experience is past the brand new break in period. That being said I think the boat shows signs of being very well built. Everything works, and the things we are replacing related to the furnishings/decor say more about our tastes vs Sea Ray's interior designers.

We have had some serious mechanical work done, but all has been wear and tear related, or idiot user related.

Henry

 

[jakebrake]

not sure if last post went through. i voted other, because my sea ray is a "work in progress" (99% finished....i think).


lot of good info about boats. also, food for thought in other areas. don't always agree, but, that's what makes it intersting.

 

[skibum]

Ohhh no.... uh uh.... ain't going to jinx myself.

 

[hack4alivin]

Ohhh no.... uh uh.... ain't going to jinx myself.

I was thinking the very same thing!

 

[Stray Cat]

Good topic. I have to say since we relocated our EIM due to it getting hot in the bilge, we are using our generator more because the bilge ventilation fans no longer randomly shut down. We are using the gen set as we had originally intended when we ordered our boat.

I have a very good, trusted, Mercruiser mechanic. That has led to a lot of my satisfaction of owning my 300. With my S/R warranty punch list completed last year, 1 yr out of warranty (thanks S/R), I have really enjoyed the boat a lot more this year.

 

[BON DIA]

'05...boat was delivered with bottom paint miss-alignment on one side, fell below the waterline from bow to strake. Dealership pulled the boat & corrected as soon as notified.

'05...standard 340 poor interior lights & switch design & operation were corrected by dealer under warrenty.

'07...galley sink faceut replaced under warrenty.

'07...IAC failure repaired under warrenty.

'08...rust stains on hull from AC drain fixed. SR supplied new stainless pan free, dealer & we split the labor to install, $125.

Our dealer has been quick to respond to every issue we've had & willing to talk me thru any maintance I chose to do.

 

[Hampton]

If you take the poll results to date and turn them sideways, you see a pretty standard bell curve representation of owner satisfaction for Sea Rays by owners on the web site today. The center of the bell curve is located squarely in the middle of the "Yes" column on the question, "Have you had good luck with your boat?" Most have either had only minor issues or have had them resolved under warranty. Not all have been so lucky, but with this web site and the opportunity to share issues and solutions, we tend to concentrate on the negative.

My intent was to find out and highlight the positive aspects of Sea Ray ownership. Ours has had some issues - 370 HP X 2 vacated through aluminum manifolds for salt water use - who'd of thunk? All in all, though there is a lot to learn and do to successfully own/operate one of these floating condos, it seems that most of us are quite pleased with the experience. After reading the posts here for a couple of years, it's good to see that most people are doing farely well with their purchases.

 

[palu49]

The S-24 always has been excellent the 180 Runs like crap constantly working on boats definitely isn't as fun as cruisin on em

 

[johnrb3]

Yeah one thing I learned REAL quick. Long time boaters aren't kidding about letting the first owner work out the bugs!!!! You're not gaining anything by buying new. By the time the service department has been on your boat 15 different times it's a used boat as far as wear and tear anyway. Just my 2 cents. Save urself some serious cash

 

[avguy]

We bought our SD new we & had some serious "cosmetic" issues with stress fractures. During the first 2 yrs it was taken back to the dealer at least 6 times for repairs and every time they repaired the cracks the gel coat dust would be everywhere when we picked it back up. Then to add insult to injury the cracks would inevitably return in a different location.

Long story short (after numerous trips to the dealer, phone calls & emails) Searay ended up recalling our boat taking it back to the factory to replace the entire deck of the boat. We arranged to give it back to them at the end of the season & picked it back up in the spring.

All of the trips to to dealer & the SR plant (1 hr south of us) added up to some pretty serious time & did not include all of the regular punch list things that go wrong with a new boat.

So I voted: No. We have had major issues that have spoiled a few good boating opportunities.

But.... I look at it as "it is what it is". Life is not perfect & neither is Searay boats. These types of issues happen to every boat manufacturer out there & we were just lucky enough to get one of them.

Would I buy another Searay? In a heartbeat.

 

[fwebster]

I've owned this boat for 12+ years and, other than normal expected maintenance and wear/tear replacements, she has been essentially trouble free. We have never cancelled a trip or come home on one engine ........other than the one time the bottom jumped up and bit me.

But.........I'm most likely over due for some repairs, if for no other reason than the age of the boat. Given the cost of new ones, I'll complain about the repair cost, but will fix or replace what I need to to continue enjoying one of the best boat Sea Ray ever built.

 

[fishbait]

hi, i this is my first time blogging. i bought a 1983 25' regal, and found many dysfunctions . i had to rewire most of the pumps, lights and almost everything else with the help of a few friends. i'm learning about general maintenance, with lots of help, and all is doing much better. i'm about to empty the 75 gallon gas tank, while having the carb. rebuilt, also trying to get in touch with good windlass, but not much luck there. can anyone help with instruction or video on how to remove the motor from an afd 700 series windlass.

 

[Vince_nj1]

My boat was a repo that as far I can tell was used only 1 season. This was my punch list of items that I think should not have failed.

• $100 - The generator was not working. It needed a new motherboard and was fixed under warranty. $100 deductible
• $400 - Water leaked into a compartment in the aft cabin that holds the Beam Vacuum. The vacuum was ruined. I discovered that the trap in the bathroom sink was loose and was leaking water. I never thought to pursue this as a warranty item. I replaced the vacuum at a cost of around $400
• $150 - Raymarine C80 screen was pitted. Not sure what caused it. I paid to replace the screen $150?
• $500 - All 3 TV's were analog. I replaced the 23 inch "big screen" with a 26" HDTV with a digital tuner
• $20 - AUX input on stereo was not hooked up. I installed a new cable and now have IPOD AUX available from the helm.

Otherwise, everything else seems to be working as designed.

• Fuel gauges are not always accurate.
• Occasional Smart Craft alarm goes off that turns out to be a faulty alarm.. Loose wire under the helm?
• Vent window sticks from time to time.
• AC was freezing up, but it turned out that I had a dirty filter.

 

[chuck1]

Ok, dumb question. If it was a repo how did it have any warranty left on it??

My boat was a repo that as far I can tell was used only 1 season. This was my punch list of items that I think should not have failed.

• $100 - The generator was not working. It needed a new motherboard and was fixed under warranty. $100 deductible
• $400 - Water leaked into a compartment in the aft cabin that holds the Beam Vacuum. The vacuum was ruined. I discovered that the trap in the bathroom sink was loose and was leaking water. I never thought to pursue this as a warranty item. I replaced the vacuum at a cost of around $400
• $150 - Raymarine C80 screen was pitted. Not sure what caused it. I paid to replace the screen $150?
• $500 - All 3 TV's were analog. I replaced the 23 inch "big screen" with a 26" HDTV with a digital tuner
• $20 - AUX input on stereo was not hooked up. I installed a new cable and now have IPOD AUX available from the helm.

Otherwise, everything else seems to be working as designed.

• Fuel gauges are not always accurate.
• Occasional Smart Craft alarm goes off that turns out to be a faulty alarm.. Loose wire under the helm?
• Vent window sticks from time to time.
• AC was freezing up, but it turned out that I had a dirty filter.