Price: 2008 240DA

I know someone selling a mint 2006 Amberjack 270 for around $58k. i don't know if this is in your pricerange but that also could be a good starter boat. I got one because i wanted a fishing platform, weekender, bikini lounger. :)
 
Your original question about price, this time last year Sea Ray rep came to my local dealer with a one day sale, gave a $7500 rebate on my 240. I have a few different options, but it ended up 37% off list. Most of the boats ended up in that range. I'd think you might get $1-2k more off if they're really motivated.

Yes, the boat is small, but it's easy on gas, slip fees, time to wash, etc. You'll learn a lot as it has a pretty high windage and loves to blow around. It's backing capability is the pits, but it's small enough that when docks are crowded, you can get in. It's been a fun boat and really not all that hard to learn.

I'd like the bigger engine, but with two adults it's quick enough. With four adults, a kid, full water, lots of alcohol and other stuff on board, it seems to take forever to get up on plane, but it does it without using the tabs... so it's not terrible.

With that many people on board, it's a bit crowded... but in my opinion, any of the boats limited to 8' 6" beam is going to have issues. If you don't need to trailer and you like to take a lot of friends out, think about a 340 in your future...
 
There is a a lot of great advice here. I do agree that I would have prefered to have had the 260 or 280 but there is something to be said for living within financial means. I also believe there is something to be said for owning a new boat. You turn the key and it works! I spent many years fixing and fixing and charging my go fast boats. It got very old, so reliablity may be something that may me important to you. Boat maintanence and cleaning never ends, but it is much easier.

I do agree the price is a little high. I have the same options on a new 2007 I purchased this year new and I paid 45K. I would have to say I agree with a previous poster that a motivated year end sale would discount the price a little more.

Lastly I am very, very happy with my boat. My wife, dog, and I have spent up to 4 nights on the boat. We also spend every weekend on the boat, I have few complaints for what I have spent on it. My only option advice is that you install a TV/DVD in the cabin.

Good Luck
 
Thank you all for your input, this is great that all you are so willing to help others. After digesting many good advise, I've decide to take my time and look for used 260 or 280. If you have any idea of price range and year, please post here. Thanks again for your help.
 
Welcome to the forum! There's a lot of good advice here.

jcrew912 said:
(please keep in mind that I'm new and I can't afford to have mechanical problems, I know no one can gurantee..)?
Click to expand...

Only one other person has keyed into this one sentence so I feel a need to make something extremely clear. If you are new to boating and you've got a certain budget in mind as you shop for your first boat, you need to be made aware of something. Please listen very closely. Your boat will cost you a lot... that's a LOT; no - make that a LOT! more to own than you think. The fuel burn alone - even in the smaller boat - will be far higher than you probably think it will be right now. Even new; the upkeep, winterizing, storage fees and/or half-mpg your tow vehicle will gulp just getting it to the water before you even turn on the boat, etcetcetc adds up.

Don't be discouraged.... there is no better time I spend with my wife than when we spend a weekend "campout" on the water (we have an older 230DA) and it's worth every single penny. But everyone here will agree than non-boaters have absolutely no clue how much it really costs to own a boat. There's no substitute for it and it will hook you like an addiction, but it will also cost about as much as an addiction, LOL.
 
I think a slightly used 280 offers more bang for the buck than a new 240. I looked at the 240 and wow is it small... I think the $55 for the new one is a good price however. As far as the used 280, I would look for twin engines, with MPI EFI. They are reliable boats with many happy customers, and hold their value well since so many 240 and 260 owners move-up to a 280. The 280 is unique in that it is a large trailerable boat available with the safety and power of twin engines. 2003-2006 would be my sweet spot -- you'll just have to hunt-down the right deal.

(My 2004 may go on the market soon but I can't commit to anything yet.)
 
Your on a slip, 280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,280,...............................
 
I moved up from a '90 220 to a used 2000 240--it was a good move. I usually keep my boats 6-9 years, but then I have no kids to worry about.

Remember, along with a larger boat comes more expenses: initial cost, maintenance, bigger engines, more gas, insurance, etc.

Many here on the forum probably can afford a larger boat, but they also had smaller boats they started on, learned what they liked or disliked about them, and depending on their circumstances, eventually,went for a larger one.

In the end, do what you are comfortable with--that means your boating experience, finances, size of family, etc. Good Luck with whatever you end up with.
 
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A month ago i was looking at a 260da but found a reall nice 02-280da, that is just a supper nice boat for around $61,000.00, But after looking at everything i decided to not buy it as if i did, that would shoot us out out of getting into a house. With a boat payment, gas, insurance and boat slip we were looking at around $1100.00 a month and thats not useing it very much. But i think for the money the 280da is an outstanding smaller cruiser boat.
 
Remember that the interest payment is tax deductible, as your home mortgage interest is. Depending on your marginal tax rate, that could be a big savings to take into consideration on this decision.

Kevin
 
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