Sea Rays severely underrated

I read tons of SR bashing on the other fishing forum...that site is mostly for fishing boats in salt with outboard motors. But if you look further you can see name brand so called high quality build boats and their new fangled 4-stroke-fly-by-wire outboards with all kinds of problems....just like any other boat.

There is a video being circulated on that forum of boats of all sizes and type exiting the Haulover inlet in Ft. Lauderdale. An inlet I've been going through since I was a kid on a 17ft Mako openfish. Well, it is hilarious to see all kinds of "superior quality" and "100% wood-free", "composite blah blah blah" pin their bows going through that inlet on an outgoing tide with easterly winds, the swells look 8-10 but low to moderate wind, 1-3 second durations.

BUT....there was one boat with its bow high in the air. Virtually no spray over the bow. Handled it without any problem. Mind you there were sportfisherman yachts, 30ft center console boats, big luxury yachts, etc, all got man handled. One guy was up on the flybridge and he almost got tossed.

The Sea Ray that went through there didn't even seem to notice the conditions. He went right through. Looked like 30-something footer.

I recall when I had my 1980 250 cuddy cabin. That boat was all wood. Had a 454 BI, and it plowed. Those new age composite open fisherman boats would line up behind me going through 2-4 chop as I cruised at 25mph not pounding.

These SR's are far better boats than many snobs give them credit.

Rant over.
Hi ya'll. We brought our '88 390 EC down from Rhode Island last October through Long Island sound. We hired a licensed captain to get us from RI to New Jersey through the sound. Ran 3'-5', sometimes 6' seas, windy, overcast, some rain, and ran 17 - 20 knots. She took a decent pounding but never hiccupped or complained. The captain said he was really impressed with how well the boat handled and held up under those conditions. She is wide, 14', and nobody got sick. Love the boat.
I'll swear by it. Solid boat.
 
Cross the 2006 280da with 5'0's off the list. Rides like shit in the rough stuff of Nantucket sound
 
I had the cool fuel module, 8 injectors (paint chips) and drive seals replaced last season before I put the boat to bed. This year I had the props tuned. The performance numbers haven't really changed since I purchased this boat 10 years ago. 4400 rpm has always been the max on this motor. I asked the mechanic about it last year and he said that's what it is rated at.
Over the last 10 years I have done this work to it. I've replaced the motor, y pipe, transom assembly, cool fuel module, 8 injectors, and an assortment of other maintenance items. I also had to replace the water heater.
It is what It is..
 
My 250 dry weight was 4100 lbs and had 22degree dead rise at transom, 8’6 beam.

Show me a 25ft-30ft center console or fishing boat that has these specs.

Let me save you some time ... there aren’t any I could find.

That is what made my SR ride like a Cadillac. If you and the Mrs feel uncomfortable in your Amberjack you should get something you both enjoy more and feel safer.

I’d love to find a 255 Amberjack when I move back to Fl.
IIRC our 1986 250DA was about 4600 dry. Our 2006 Crownline 250CR is 6600 dry. Most likely the weight difference is mostly due to year differences but the CL rides so much nicer than the SR, again most likely due to year and hull technology. But that extra 2000 lbs probably helps alot too.
 
My current boat is a 1970 SRV180 w a 2.5L / 120hp mercruiser.

It hits top rpm as per spec. Everything is original on my boat except the PO updated the outdrive from MC-1 to pre-alpha.

Everything works.

I just installed Smart Tabs and when I drilled into the transom it was almost 2” thick and the sawdust was light brown and dry.

The floor is solid and it has original carpet.

I’m a SR loyalist because I’ve owned two and both were fantastic boats for my use.
 
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I am very pleased with how my 290 AJ inboards handle rough weather, also drier than I would have thought. Especially after down sizing from a 38 ft convertible.
 
Cross the 2006 280da with 5'0's off the list. Rides like shit in the rough stuff of Nantucket sound
Interesting. We had our 280 with 5.0's out in confused 3 footers on Lake Erie (short frequency waves) this past weekend. With 4 on board and tabs fully extended even my wife commented it was a decent ride. However, we were only doing about 25 - enough to keep it on plane.
 
My current boat is a 1970 SRV180 w a 2.5L / 120hp mercruiser.
It hits top rpm as per spec. Everything is original on my boat except the PO updated the outdrive from MC-1 to pre-alpha.
Everything works.
I just installed Smart Tabs and when I drilled into the transom it was almost 2” thick and the sawdust was light brown and dry.
The floor is solid and it has original carpet.
I’m a SR loyalist because I’ve owned two and both were fantastic boats for my use.

Very nice boat. Looks in great shape.
 

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