Taking the plunge....

[steve19]

Put a deposit on a used Sea Ray this weekend. She is a 1999 215 Expres Cruiser. 350 merc cruiser ( redone block, manifolds and risers) The boat is exceptionally clean, full canvas, new carpet. Deal is subject to survey and test ride. Now I really can't wait for Spring!:thumbsup:
Any suggestions or comments on this model would be welcomed.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[CliffA]

i just purchased a 1998 215EC last Thanksgiving...it was a Florida boat so we were able to test drive it then...i had to winterize it as soon as i got it back to SC so we have not had it on our local lakes yet...i am anxiously awaiting Spring also...my 215 also has the 350 engine and a lot of other 'goodies' that the PO installed....i did considerable research (anal about that kind of stuff) before buying the 215EC...i wanted a cuddy cabin that is easily trailerable and with a weight my current tow vehicle could handle...i have an aluminum trailer and i am thinking my total weight including trailer and fluids in the boat is around 5,200 lbs....i am thinking about converting the head compartment into storage with the bottom shelf being left for the port-a-pot....if/when needed the port-a-pot could be pulled out and put back into place for storage....i have read where other 215 owners stated they wished they had a little more storage room...i am also thinking about adding some shelves over the sink for additional storage of kitchen related items...my son gave me a SS grill for Christmas and we can't wait to give that a try also....from my research the 215 should fit all our needs nicely...i hope our real world experience in the Spring confirms this....good luck with your 'new' boat...

 

[steve19]

Cliff,
I guess we both are hoping for Spring. I think it will come for you first, I am from NJ. Do you mind giving me some details on your trailer, my "new" boat will be delivered and does not come with a trailer. I plan on keeping her in a slip during boating season and on the trailer in the off season. I will have some time to look for a used trailer. Bunk or rollers etc.?
Thanks,
Steve

 

[CliffA]

Steve,
my trailer is an ordinary bunk aluminum trailer...it is a 2002 model made by Magic Tilt....it has two large carpeted bunks (2" x 10" i believe) turned on their side that are about 8 ft long and support the majority of the boat weight in the rear....the transom of the boat and bunks overhang the rear of the trailer by 2 - 3 feet....i also have two 1" x 6" carpeted bunks that are lying almost flat that are in front of the other bunks and support the middle to front half of the boat...it has two axles with drum surge brakes on the front axle...each axle has leaf spring suspension.....the brake actuator is made by Titan...the wheels are 14" and galvanized and have 'bearing buddies' in the hubs for greasing...i will be replacing the tires soon with ST 205/75/14 Maxxis trailer tires...i have a spare tire/wheel lying flat mounted in front of the boat on the trailer tongue.....i have a two speed winch but i don't remember the size....i have a double bow roller mounted on the winch stand...it has standard tail lights and side lights...the trailer jack does not tilt....it is bolted to the trailer in the tip of the 'A' section where he two side rails come together....as you can see there is not anything special about my trailer...i do like that it is aluminum because it weighs about 1/2 as much as a comparable steel trailer...also aluminum will not rust....i will be mounting a watertight storage box somewhere on the trailer soon, most likely on the tongue behind the trailer jack....then i will be able to use a small 4' light weight aluminum ladder to board the bow of the boat when launching...i will be able to place the ladder on top of the storage box and lean the top of the ladder against the bow....once the boat is launched my wife will be able to handle the small ladder easily and store it in the tow vehicle...during our test drive of the boat i quickly saw how difficult it is to board the boat during launching....since the boat is a cuddy cabin it sits taller on the trailer than comparable sized bow riders....i use the swim platform ladder or a 6 ft step ladder to board the boat from the rear while it is on the trailer...

 

[steve19]

Cliff,
Thanks for the info on the trailer.
Steve

 

[Deckworks1]

I bought my 99 215EC in late august last year. Mint condition. I LOVE IT !!!! Almost to the point of obsession. I am getting ready to install a 1000 watt inverter to run a microwave. The kids like easy mac and popcorn while out on the water. We have skied,tubed and fished with our boat. It is pretty for my wife and functions as a fishing boat for me. That's why we named her "Compromise". I may put an extended swim platform and trim tabs on her. After that, Who knows. It's a great boat that's very versatile. Wish it had the 350 in it but I have the 5.0. I have friends who have the 350 in the same boat and love it. You should be excited for spring. Good luck.

 

[Rono007]

I bought my 99 215EC in late august last year. Mint condition. I LOVE IT !!!! Almost to the point of obsession. I am getting ready to install a 1000 watt inverter to run a microwave. The kids like easy mac and popcorn while out on the water. We have skied,tubed and fished with our boat. It is pretty for my wife and functions as a fishing boat for me. That's why we named her "Compromise". I may put an extended swim platform and trim tabs on her. After that, Who knows. It's a great boat that's very versatile. Wish it had the 350 in it but I have the 5.0. I have friends who have the 350 in the same boat and love it. You should be excited for spring. Good luck.

Would love to see some pics of your boat.

 

[Deckworks1]

I haven't had the foresight to take pictures this past fall. We are having more snow this week. As soon as I can get her unwrapped to add my additions I will take pics and post them. I may take her down to VA Beach to do some Rock fishing later this month. I can get some great shots while she's on the bay.