SeaRay 185 from 2004 - Reasonable price ?

[nolten2]

Hi All,

I am considering to purchase a SeaRay 185 from 2004. It is powered by a 4,3 MPI mercruiser.

The dealers description of the boat;

------------------------------------------------
Beautiful condition hard to find V6 18' Sea Ray.
Highlights include wide transom platform, huge in floor ski locker,
anchor locker, aft sunpad, CD stereo, and great engine access. This
boat is loaded and comes with a bimini top.

She also comes complete with a roller single axle trailer.

Turn-Key Starting (TKS) system has been added, with low hours on its V6 Mercruiser.
-------------------------------------------------

I have uploaded a few pictures provided by the dealer: http://picasaweb.google.com/nolten2/Searay185#

He asks for 9.995£ - Does that sound like a fair price for a boat like this ?

Bare with me, I am a newbie on the boatmarket

When inspecting the boat, is there anything in particular I need to look out for ?

I hope you are able to give me some good advice I can use when inspecting (and deciding) on the boat.

Regards

Nolten2

 

[floriduramax1]

Hi All,

I am considering to purchase a SeaRay 185 from 2004. It is powered by a 4,3 MPI mercruiser.

The dealers description of the boat;

------------------------------------------------
Beautiful condition hard to find V6 18' Sea Ray.
Highlights include wide transom platform, huge in floor ski locker,
anchor locker, aft sunpad, CD stereo, and great engine access. This
boat is loaded and comes with a bimini top.

She also comes complete with a roller single axle trailer.

Turn-Key Starting (TKS) system has been added, with low hours on its V6 Mercruiser.
-------------------------------------------------

I have uploaded a few pictures provided by the dealer: http://picasaweb.google.com/nolten2/Searay185#

He asks for 9.995£ - Does that sound like a fair price for a boat like this ?

Bare with me, I am a newbie on the boatmarket

When inspecting the boat, is there anything in particular I need to look out for ?

I hope you are able to give me some good advice I can use when inspecting (and deciding) on the boat.

Regards

Nolten2

According to our NADA book value with no options the low book is $10,305.00 US Dollars and high (perfect shape) is $11,575.00 US dollars So I guess that would mean 7,716.58 EUR - 8,667.58 EUR. You guys must pay premium over there as boats here have not been bringing book value for a while now...for the most part. Although I must say, I did pretty good on my Pro Line walk around cuddy boat a few months back:smt038 Any way, good luck. That boat should run strong with that set up. Too bad about all the "whiskey" damage.

 

[midway]

If in the US I would say price is high, your 9.995 GBP converts to 15.8171 US,
when I look up 2004 185 I find the pricing more in the 10,000 US range. My boat is a 2004 with the 190 hp engine, new it was list price at just over 23,000, I paid a little less. Check what they were new and look up used pricing and see what you find and compare, they may sell higher there than here.
Also if the engine is MPI.(the photo says it is) they did not add TKS to it, MPI is turn key starting. TKS is added to a carburated engine.

 

[jason78]

Hi All,

I am considering to purchase a SeaRay 185 from 2004. It is powered by a 4,3 MPI mercruiser.

The dealers description of the boat;

------------------------------------------------
Beautiful condition hard to find V6 18' Sea Ray.
Highlights include wide transom platform, huge in floor ski locker,
anchor locker, aft sunpad, CD stereo, and great engine access. This
boat is loaded and comes with a bimini top.

She also comes complete with a roller single axle trailer.

Turn-Key Starting (TKS) system has been added, with low hours on its V6 Mercruiser.
-------------------------------------------------

I have uploaded a few pictures provided by the dealer: http://picasaweb.google.com/nolten2/Searay185#

He asks for 9.995£ - Does that sound like a fair price for a boat like this ?

Bare with me, I am a newbie on the boatmarket

When inspecting the boat, is there anything in particular I need to look out for ?

I hope you are able to give me some good advice I can use when inspecting (and deciding) on the boat.

Regards

Nolten2

I like how they say "Turn Key Starting System has been added" in the ad like it is an option or something. If it is a TKS engine it is the carb engine. Keep in mind if this is TKS, it is not a Fuel Injected motor. Not a problem, just something to consider.

 

[skolbe]

The prop is pretty dinged up. Looks like it hit something pretty good.

 

[nolten2]

Hi All,

Thank you for your great advice, really appriciate that you want to spend your time on this.

A bit further detail;

- I am Danish and live in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- The boat is UK based, so transportation of boat to Denmark comes on top of price. This will be sorted by myself and can not be included in negatiation with broker.
- The boat is bought at a broker
- I called the broker yesterday to ask about the TKS... - He confirmed it was a mistake. It IS an MPI engine.
- The trailer have just been servied in early november, new bearings.
- The engine have been servied on a regular basis by mercury dealer, last service was in April.
- The gelcoat and hull damage will be repaired, included in the price - if purchased.
- Total engine hours are below 80

I am flying over to inspect the boat and do a sea trial next week, possibly buying if everything checks out ok.

Thank you very much for the advice on things to look at when inspecting the boat, really appricate it. With the things mentioned above, anything in particlaur I should really be thourough on - except everything ?

Is the 9.995£ still an ok price or should I negotiate ?

Best regards,

Nolten2

 

[tubtoy]

always try to negotiate, it can not hurt

 

[widowmaker]

Nolten,

Welcome to the board - from across the pond.

The MPI is better than TKS, better hot starts between ski runs and less mechanicals. Looks like some fluid leak or spillage under the power trim unit; reservoir appears low. Check for any leaks around fittings and also the power trim cylinders. Make sure the trim works smoothly all the way up and down.

With your fuel prices a 4 cylinder would be more economical, but the 4.3 will be quick, around 50 mph (gps) and be better for skiing and tubing, if that's your hobby. The swim platform is small. If you hang out off the back, it may be tight.

Every market is different but I'd offer 20% off their asking price and work up from there. Just because they say no doesn't mean you can't up the ante. Alway negotiate the shipping too if you can and also ropes, life jackets and safety gear. Those things are always more negotiable for them.

It should handle 1-2 foot waves OK but not much beyond that with safety. Good luck its a fun little boat.

Widowmaker