Sea ray 220 bow rider vs 200 bow rider.

[RLWsnook]

Hey everyone. I'm looking at a new boat. There are a few I'm looking at would love any advice you could give me.

2003 sea ray 220 bow rider. Has ~260 hours, on the 5.0L mpi mercruiser with a bravo 3 and dual ss props.

2003 sea ray 200. aprox 80 hours on the 5.0L mpi mercruiser with an alpha 1 outdrive.

both were fresh water boats.

I am looking for something to take out on lake erie. I previously had a regal 1900, loved the boat but got a great offer so it had to go. I've heard great things about sea rays, but would love to hear any thoughts about these two boats pros or cons. Ride, quality, issues? Anything I should look for or avoid?

Tia

 

[gcunning1968]

Welcome to the forum. I just bought a 2007 230 select and in my opinion you will not be disappointed with the Sea Ray product. I would suggest the 220, I looked at a 20 footer myself and after trialing both the 20 and 23 footer I would never look back nor regret the purchase of the 23 footer. My rig came with the 350 mag, but I spoke with a freind of mine that works for a Sea Ray dealer about the 220 select and 5.0/bravo 3 combo and he said it was a perfect combination for that boat. Good luck with your decision

 

[shogun95]

Lake Erie is big water. I would be much more comfortable in a 220 than a 200 in a storm. As a bonus the bravo 3 is a no brainer over an alpha 1 in my opinion unless you are going to be in shallow water which Lake Erie does have. Hitting bottom will be much more exensive with a bravo 3

 

[RLWsnook]

Thanks for the replies!

Welcome to the forum. I just bought a 2007 230 select and in my opinion you will not be disappointed with the Sea Ray product. I would suggest the 220, I looked at a 20 footer myself and after trialing both the 20 and 23 footer I would never look back nor regret the purchase of the 23 footer. My rig came with the 350 mag, but I spoke with a freind of mine that works for a Sea Ray dealer about the 220 select and 5.0/bravo 3 combo and he said it was a perfect combination for that boat. Good luck with your decision

Thanks! My old boat the regal 1900 was almost a 20 foot boat, and while it was okay for my fiance, myself, and my dog it was a bit small for when we had others to go out on the water with. Good to hear that its a good combo for the boat. Thanks for the reply. And thoughts

Lake Erie is big water. I would be much more comfortable in a 220 than a 200 in a storm. As a bonus the bravo 3 is a no brainer over an alpha 1 in my opinion unless you are going to be in shallow water which Lake Erie does have. Hitting bottom will be much more exensive with a bravo 3

Lake Erie scares me to be honest when it is rough, it doesn't take much to have 6 foot plus waves. I won't go out if there is any real chance of big waves and I have the radio on the weather the whole time I'm out even if it is a calm sunny day. I normally only go out with 2' or less, and will not go out if it is above 1-3' waves.

As for being worried about the bottom, that isn't a very big concern to me, I am very careful with shallow water and mostly stick to deep water. Only issue with the bravo 3 is it's likely more expensive to do the normal service.