tsailml
New Member
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the power boating world and recently brought a sea ray 250 sundancer 1998 model from a family friend who has been overseas in the last 4 years. The boat has been moored at Seaforth in the beautiful middle harbour of Sydney, Australia, but it was obvious in a poor state with bannicles, torn bimini and an engine that doesn't work, there is even an inch of water in the cabin when I eventually got the key posted to me. I know this was not the best decision of my life and yes, it does not add to the stress of having 2 young babies that keep me up all night, but I wanted a boat that didn't cost the earth that my wife will feel safe taking the children on board for a nice weekend on the water.
I've since had it antifawled, gel coat cleaned and someone will look at repairing or replacing the bimini when he's back from new year's holiday, even looking at a swiming plat form to make it the nice boat that we will keep forever.
Anyway, to cut my heartache and potential financial haemorrhage of money into this boat, the mechanic said the bilge pump failed a while ago so the engine, started motor and stern drive and many new terms to me like elbow, leg, manifold etc etc will need to be looked or replaced when he has more time in a couple of weeks. He could not give me an estimate until he takes the engine apart. My family friend told me it has only done about 200 hours since he brought it new.
So, here is my question to the experienced boat owner in terms of cost if I should let the mechanic clean up and replace the parts required or shell I go for the mercruiser engine exchange programme where they replace everything including stern driver, elbow, leg etc for about $25,000? Your advice is much appreciated.
Steven from Down Under
I'm new to the power boating world and recently brought a sea ray 250 sundancer 1998 model from a family friend who has been overseas in the last 4 years. The boat has been moored at Seaforth in the beautiful middle harbour of Sydney, Australia, but it was obvious in a poor state with bannicles, torn bimini and an engine that doesn't work, there is even an inch of water in the cabin when I eventually got the key posted to me. I know this was not the best decision of my life and yes, it does not add to the stress of having 2 young babies that keep me up all night, but I wanted a boat that didn't cost the earth that my wife will feel safe taking the children on board for a nice weekend on the water.
I've since had it antifawled, gel coat cleaned and someone will look at repairing or replacing the bimini when he's back from new year's holiday, even looking at a swiming plat form to make it the nice boat that we will keep forever.
Anyway, to cut my heartache and potential financial haemorrhage of money into this boat, the mechanic said the bilge pump failed a while ago so the engine, started motor and stern drive and many new terms to me like elbow, leg, manifold etc etc will need to be looked or replaced when he has more time in a couple of weeks. He could not give me an estimate until he takes the engine apart. My family friend told me it has only done about 200 hours since he brought it new.
So, here is my question to the experienced boat owner in terms of cost if I should let the mechanic clean up and replace the parts required or shell I go for the mercruiser engine exchange programme where they replace everything including stern driver, elbow, leg etc for about $25,000? Your advice is much appreciated.
Steven from Down Under