Official 215 Express Thread

springer3 said:
I want to add a marine grill and cook on the boat. Anyone have suggestons for where/how to install it? I hate drilling holes, and want to get it right the first time. I have read the grill thread, but no 215 EC owner posted.

TIA
Click to expand...

I do not have a 215 express but did recently install a grill on my 200SD. Pictures here; http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9623&page=9 if you have any questions pm me and I will do my best to help you any way I can.

CP
 
Hi, I am Will, living in the UK and considering to buy my 1st sports boat, a 215 and use it in Poole. Can anyone tell me how long the trailer is from end of boat to trailer hitch? I want to store it on my driveway in the winter but reckon it might be too long.
I have also looked at the 220 sundancer but think it is only available as a '89 boat. If anyone knows different please let me know. I could do with the extra space for the 2 young kids.
Cheers
W
 
Overall trailer length varies slightly by trailer brand and model. The boat drive defines the back end, and therefore there is some variation based on where they place the nose roller.

You can save a little bit of space by storing the boat with the outdrive down, but of course you have an extra step before you can pull away. You can also fit a swing-away tounge, and that saves a couple of feet for short garages. Width is 8'-6" at the rub rail, but it is much narrower at the ground, and it is possible to park a car with the rub rail over the top of the roof.

My Shorelander trailer is only a couple feet longer than the boat, which makes it about 24 ft long. It will be next week before I can pull a tape measure to get a better measurement. I am happy to do it if nobody chimes in with the answer.

My 215 EC is my second Sea Ray, and a truly marvelous boat. I am spending the night in the cabin with the boat at anchor, and it is great to enjoy the mountain lake sunset and sunrise. I really enjoy the freedom from the rush to get off the water as the sun sets. You will enjoy any boat, but Sea Rays are special.
 
Thanks for your reply. I would guess at between 24-26ft long. What is it that makes it a special boat or make? I have looked at Regals (early ones not very stylish), cranchi's (dont know much about these) and Chaparrals.
We want to use it for towing skiers, donuts etc. Surely a v6 engine should have enough grunt to pull these. What do you think?
Do you know anything about the next size up? A boat with 4 berths might be better to accommodate our young kids but like the 215 for not being too long or large to tow.
Would a VW turodiesel car with 130hp pull this boat on the road? cheers W
 
I have the 4.3 LX Mercruiser, and no complaints other than if you use the power, the 4-barrel opens and fuel economy suffers. What makes it special? Probably the sum of the parts. It does everything I ask quite well. I can sleep in it overnight along with a special someone. The ride on rough water is much better than you would expect for the size. It trailers quite well. Cruise speed is pretty good. Quality of materials is all first rate. Mine is a 1996, and the original seats and cabin cushions are still in fine shape.

I pull mine with a Mercedes ML 320 (3.2 liter V-6), and it does just fine. Which VW? I think anything lighter than a Toureg is going to be a little light for such a heavy boat (~4200 lb including trailer weight).
 
Glad to see a 215 Thread. I currently own a '96 215 with the 5.7L. As previously stated, for it's size this is a great boat. The ride is good and we have spent an overnight with no problem. Two things though I would like to change. First, I wish that the cockpit drained overboard instead of into the bilge. I was actually looking to see if it would be possible to route the houses overboard, which would mean putting a couple of holes in the side near the waterline. Has anyone ever considered this also, or actually done it. Secondly, it would be nice to have an extended swim platform. I did look into adding one from swimplatforms.com. A little pricey, but may be a nice addition. Again, has anyone else added a platform to theirs. Thanks.
 
I am not sure what the benefit of draining overboard is, unless you are concerned about bilge pump failure. If you are taking on water and the bilge pump is out, you have big problems already and need to head for port asap.

I do not like the idea of drilling holes except where absolutely necessary. The hull and transom are layers of wood and fiberglass. Cut a hole, any you are providing a new place for water to start rotting the wood inside. Another consideration is re-sale value of a boat with holes cut in non-factory locations or non-factory methods.

The built-in swim platform provides a place to dry off before entering the boat, but I agree it is too small for sun bathing or hanging out. Sorry - I do not know anything about an extension.
 
Hello all...
New here and just looked at an 04 215 today. Been reading this thread and don't hear anything that will stop me from making the deal.
It has the 5.0 with B3. Also, as mentioned before, would like a larger swim platform. If anybody has any info about aftermarket or used ones that would be great.

Thanks
lownslow 200
 
Hey, My radio will not power up. Can anyone tell me where
the fuse is? How do I remove the radio? Stock clarion M3170
am/fm cass. Thank you john :smt101
 
The fuse panel is behind a cover inside the cabin opposite the steering wheel. One think I do not like about the 215 EC is you need a screw driver to check the fuses, and even with the cover off the panel is off to the side.

You also remove the cover to get to the back of the radio. You should check the radio wiring, as there may be an in-line fuse.
 
fav1 said:
Glad to see a 215 Thread. I currently own a '96 215 with the 5.7L. As previously stated, for it's size this is a great boat. The ride is good and we have spent an overnight with no problem. Two things though I would like to change. First, I wish that the cockpit drained overboard instead of into the bilge. I was actually looking to see if it would be possible to route the houses overboard, which would mean putting a couple of holes in the side near the waterline. Has anyone ever considered this also, or actually done it. Secondly, it would be nice to have an extended swim platform. I did look into adding one from swimplatforms.com. A little pricey, but may be a nice addition. Again, has anyone else added a platform to theirs. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I just bought ours and the broker said that when the 215 was first introduced, the cockpit DID drain overboard, but owners complained that water was coming into the boat because the thru hull fittings were so close to the water line. If the boat had enough weight in it, they dipped below the water line and allowed water to come in instead of out. Mine actually has the thru hull fittings installed but are fiberglassed over from inside the hull. I think 1994 was the first year for this model and ours is a 95.
 
Hello, thanks for the reply. I found my fuse panel behind the steering wheel and replaced the fuse.
 
I recently bought a 2000 Express Cruiser with a 5.0 EFI Mercruiser. Can anyone tell me how to identify if I have an Alpha or Bravo drive?

Thanks,
 
David Marshall said:
I recently bought a 2000 Express Cruiser with a 5.0 EFI Mercruiser. Can anyone tell me how to identify if I have an Alpha or Bravo drive?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

If you have two props in a row... Bravo III. I don't think the 215 was offered with a Bravo I or II.

Also, it will say so on the drive (if the stickers are still there).
 
Also on the engine the Cowling usually has all of the Merc Serial numbers including drive. If your drive doesn't have the original decals or have been painted over, check the cowling on the top of the engine and then you can look up the engine drive on
merc's site.
http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/us/index.php?target=profiles&mode=update

Register there and get your info and breakdowns on your package.
 
Hi, I am new, just bought my first Sea Ray - fabulous!
Has any one on here any experience/success in fitting
a reserve (outboard) engine to the boat?
(for more adventurous journeys!)
:smt100
 
Lazy Daze said:
If you have two props in a row... Bravo III. I don't think the 215 was offered with a Bravo I or II.

Also, it will say so on the drive (if the stickers are still there).
Click to expand...

Thank you and Nehalennia for the information. I found out on line that if it has only one prop, it is the Alpha I. I am also going to register it at the sight mentioned in Nehalennia's quote for more information.

Thanks Again!
 
David Marshall said:
Thank you and Nehalennia for the information. I found out on line that if it has only one prop, it is the Alpha I. I am also going to register it at the sight mentioned in Nehalennia's quote for more information.

Thanks Again!
Click to expand...

Well the Bravo I & II also had only one prop too, but the 215 either had a Alpha I or Bravo III is my guess.
 
Nehalennia said:
Well the Bravo I & II also had only one prop too, but the 215 either had a Alpha I or Bravo III is my guess.
Click to expand...

I found a manual on line for my boat and it listed the optional engiens/drives below. It looks like they didn't offer the Bravo I or II on this year model 215 EC.

Gasoline Stern Drives:​
5.0L EFI Alpha I MCM
(240 hp - 179 kW)
5.0L EFI Bravo​
​
​
​
® III MCM
(240 hp - 179 kW)
5.7L Alpha I MCM
(250 hp - 186 kW)
5.7L EFI Alpha I MCM​

(260 hp - 194 kW)
 
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