SeaRay quality????

[Bridog]

Wow, a let's trash SR thread on Club SeaRay? Ooohhh, I'm tellin.... But while were at it. Why did SR put a silly Duck fart horn on my boat? That's one of the first things I changed. Still the best looking boats on the water. IMHO.

 

[drob]

Mine's just a year older than yours bucko....

This was meant for the first post of the blog, his is 12-13 years old. Unfortunately, yours and mine were built as the boat industry was starting to slow down and possitions were being cut, ie:quality control. I'm not looking forward to the issues you are having,

 

[LetsRock]

My 24yr old turd has all REAL wood in the cabin & in the cockpit area also. :smt038

Maybe ?? you guys should buy a old turd Sea Ray.:huh:

Mine is 21 years old and I love it. None of the previously mentioned issues (knock on wood). I feel I have a lot of features/ammenities for my size boat and for what I paid for it I cant be happier. Not sure if the previous owner had any issues but so far I do not.

Maybe its just a case of "they sure dont make em like they used too".

 

[AKBASSKING]

Hey my 86 model received a lot of complements this past weekend, so as Wayne says, the old turd is OK. Have issues you bet but any boat, excuse me, old turd will have some issues. The one thing I did pick up this weekend is how other non-SR boat owners always state SR has good quality boats and thick gel-coats....Other than a $700 fuel bill this weekend (need to learn the Alaskan Sea-Duction is not a river boat) I had a great time. Still have issues to work on, but hey that is why I owns boats!

 

[jmagdaz]

Never heard of the sea ray/bayliner merger thing. Can anyone give the particulars?

 

[Groucho]

The Bayliner merge happened way after this boat was built.

Just curious...what kind of "cruiser" do you have?

 

[Presentation]

Never heard of the sea ray/bayliner merger thing. Can anyone give the particulars?

Both got purchased by Brunswick many years ago.

A few years ago some plants were consolidated.

Today some plants have both Sea Ray’s and Bayliners in the same plant.

Are they the same boat? Well, no, but it sure due blur the line now doesn’t it?

 

[jmagdaz]

Yes, it does. Does that mean my ole '83 260 is worth more, cause it's the genuine article??? Lol

 

[jmagdaz]

Brunswick purchased both sea ray an bayliner n 1986.I would venture to say just a acquisition type thing?" parent company"?

 

[fwebster]

Brunswick closed some Bayliner/Meridian factories in 2008-2009. Sea Ray was the most logical choice for picking up that production because they have the more highly engineered factories and had open capacity. Additionally, Sea Ray had the added benefit of decentralized quality control and Product Engineering and Development near their big boat factories. Each brand has its own design, layup schedule and bill of materials so, even though the same personnel may make the boats, Bayliner and Meridian products are definitely not Sea Rays.

Quality has very little to do with the Brunswick acquisition. If anything, the boats made after the Ray family sold the company to Brunswick are superior to those made before. Skip ahead 10 years to the mid 90's and Sea Ray boats under Brunswick's management and ownership are far superior to the older ones. Sea Ray learned some things about building larger boats....just compare an '86 to a '96 - 2000...but, I believe that the biggest gain in quality came from improvements and advancements in the materials used in the boats.

 

[Sea Ron]

I've been reading the pro's and con's of Sea Ray and after buying 4 new Sea Ray's, over the past years, I would like to add some "first hand" comments. These comments are non-biased and I am not a Sea Ray groupie, but feel comfortable with Sea Ray's management and customer service and their quality. I am not an accomplished or overly-experienced boater, but one that is satisfied with my dealer service, as well as SR service, after the sale:

1) first purchase was SLX 300--twin engine, open bow...ran very well and with very little problems, if any
2) Next was Sundancer 350 w/Axis...this boat was a nightmare, with what I would call serious problems to a relatively new boater...both SR and the dealer, recognized the problems and helped me move up to a 390. The cooperation from SR and the dealer made this transition a very comfortable move, to a 390
3) The 390 Sundancer was delivered in almost flawless condition. After running it for about 100 hours, I found nothing to complain about, or that needed service of any kind...
4) The 470 has been in the water for about a month and this boat has a punch list of only 2 minor items that need adjustment

To summarize, I cannot find fault with Sea Ray, both in their quality or after sales service. SR is certainly not a customized, "one of a kind boat", but they are priced competitively, they have up to date technology, and I guess, depending on what dealer you purchase it from, provides very good service, after the sale.

I will probably never buy another boat, but if I did would it be a Sea Ray? Maybe, depending on the boat and the deal! Would I consider other brands, most definately! I think all boat manufacturers are constantly trying to upgrade their models with better and more dependable accessories. Unless you purchase a custom made boat, I think you will find good and bad points in every major brand of boats manufactured.

At this time, I stand "Pro" on Sea Ray.

Ron

 

[CV-23]

My Sea Ray just turned 21 years old.....does it have a few issues? Only cosmetic but frustrating when a bow rail mount leaks rain water and stains the headliner. Hard to believe a good sealer does not last for 30 years or more since the boat is only in the weather 6 months a year and not in 100 degree temps in OH/PA. Most of my 21 year old systems are original, except the AC/Heat, and still work fine. My Norcold runs but is not cold and is the only real issue right now. The hull and materials are very solid and the interior/cockpit are original and still very nice. My ports & side windows don't leak either! 1990 was probably the best of the early 90's due to the entire boat market crashing and employee's being layed off during that time and the MI plant closing. The older models were bigger also! I have the biggest 270 in our boat club! The current 260's look small to me and our cabin is huge for a 9ft beam. My boat gets plenty of complements so I'm a happy Sea Ray customer so far and I didn't have to spend $$$$$$$$$$$$. Buying a new boat will never fit my budget, Mike.

 

[AKBASSKING]

I will probably never buy another boat, but if I did would it be a Sea Ray? Maybe, depending on the boat and the deal! Would I consider other brands, most definately! I think all boat manufacturers are constantly trying to upgrade their models with better and more dependable accessories. Unless you purchase a custom made boat, I think you will find good and bad points in every major brand of boats manufactured.
Ron

My point exactly. Hey I have a 25 year old boat. If I were to try and replace it today, I would spend upwards to 280K or more. The price tag alone would deal me out of the market. Other boat companies would not be in business very long if their product was total crap. So is SR a cut above the rest? From what I have seen and read, yes they are, but their prices also reflect it too. Not too sure if SR sets the "gold standard" as there are other manufactures that can meet or beat SR and with cheaper prices.