Searay 215 weekender

T

Toddxthomasson

New Member
May 24, 2013
5
Florida
Boat Info
2007
Engines
Yamaha F 60
I'm new to the forum and a Searay newbie. I have boated for years in skiffs on the Florida lagoons. I now have the need for a boat with more creature comforts that will be primarily used on lakes with limited saltwater usage. I have looked at a 2007 215 Weekender with a 5.0 l engine. This type of boat and propulsion is new to me but I like the idea of buying from a company that has been in business since the 1950's. Any thoughts or advice concerning my choice of Searay's would be appreciated. Any info concerning what to look for before buying, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements would be helpful. Is this engine fuel injected or carbureted? Thanks. Todd
 
I look at them as the new version of my boat as they are similar in size. The cabin on these have been stretched to make room for the head, and sink in the cabin which is nice. Also the bigger cabin makes room for the added table. My boat has a 5.7, but the 5.0 will be fine for the 215 as it seats less people. The 2007 should have the serpentine belt system which is great. But I'm not sure when or if they went to fuel injection on this boat.









Paulie
 
I just bought my first sea ray and the quality is amazing. Mine is an 1985 weekender and I love it. Sea ray is the best brand you can buy. I will only buy sea ray boats in my lifetime.
 
Keep in mind, for every 2' you add in size on a boat. Makes a big difference on the room you have on a boat. Two feet doesn't sound like much, but in reality it is because with that 2' in length, it usually adds size in width and height. And that is the difference between having a kitchen, and a separate head.
 
Paulie Walnuts said:
Keep in mind, for every 2' you add in size on a boat. Makes a big difference on the room you have on a boat. Two feet doesn't sound like much, but in reality it is because with that 2' in length, it usually adds size in width and height. And that is the difference between having a kitchen, and a separate head.
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Well said paulie, I'm kinda wishing I went with a 268 sun dancer now over 230 weekender
 
jobofly said:
Well said paulie, I'm kinda wishing I went with a 268 sun dancer now over 230 weekender
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Even so, after a month or so you would still want an even bigger boat. LOL

It really depends on where your going to store it and or trailer it. My boat looks Big sitting on my trailer in my driveway. But once its in the water? Not so much...





 
Honestly though I've gotten over the bigger boat thang. I have a few buddies that have downsized there boats due to the economy. Bigger boats come with higher maintenance costs. And they just couldn't keep up with the repairs on twin engines plus fuel. They would rather be on the water more often and save the repair costs.
 
Paulie Walnuts said:
Honestly though I've gotten over the bigger boat thang. I have a few buddies that have downsized there boats due to the economy. Bigger boats come with higher maintenance costs. And they just couldn't keep up with the repairs on twin engines plus fuel. They would rather be on the water more often and save the repair costs.
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Yea I can't even imagine running twin 5.7's, the fuel cost must be crazy. I never think about a bigger boat when I'm on it just when I'm looking at everyone else's boats on here
 
Todd,
The 215 is a great boat. I have a 1998 215 Express Cruiser that I purchased new. It has a 5.0 EFI engine and has performed great. We have used it on fresh water lakes and have been on quite a few trips to Charleston, SC, Beaufort and Hilton Head on the ICW. The boat has always handled great. In 1998 this boat was manufactured with both EFI and Carb engines. I am not sure if the 2007 were all EFI or still has some Carb engines.
Hope this helps. Larry
 
Todd,

We have a 2006 215 Weekender with a 5.0 MPI 260hp. It is a great boat and has served us well. On flat water it will get up and go. On rough water it actually attacks the waves. If you have any specific questions, let us know.
 
I have an 03 225 Weekender, almost a copy of the 215. My son has a 215. We are experienced boaters and have owned several boats. This boat is possibly the best multi purpose boat you will find. It can handle rough water, it's very easy to trailer and launch, the fuel consumption is not bad, you can sleep aboard and prepare meals for a couple of people, it pulls skis and tubes very well plus it's a typical Sea Ray.....good looking on and off the trailer. Mine has the 5.0 MPI and his is 5.7 carb. Fuel consumption is about the same with both engines, we can tell no noticeable difference when cruising together. Sea Ray boats are built very well and if properly cared for will last decades!! Sea Ray's don't wear out, they die of neglect and abuse.
 
Thanks Larry, your response helps. Any idea where I might find the maintenance schedule and do you use the dealer for maintenance or perform your own? It is good to know your 1998 EC is still running strong at 15 years young!

Todd
 
Can you tell us whether the engine is carb or MPI? It will either be a 5.0TKS (carb) or 5.0MPI (fuel injection). This should be deginated by the label on the flame arrestor at the top of the engine. Also, what outdrive does it have? Alpha 1 or Bravo 3? I had a 225WE with Bravo 3 and 5.0MPI. It did OK but struggled a bit planing when I got more than 3 adults + kids on board. I think most of the problem was since it was a cuddy cabin boat, there was very little weight at the bow and most of the seating is in the back of the cockpit. I can recommend the boat but I dont think I would recommend a carb model as I think the boat needed every bit of the hp from the MPI. A friend of mine had a 215WE with carb for a while and had no complaints but he didnt use it much. Overall really nice boat that I think would be best paired with a 350MAG but the 5.0MPI was sufficient. Also think B3 helped me so not sure how an A1 would perform. As with any time power packages are discussed, a lot has to do with what you plan to use the boat for.
 
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