This is the year

[hillsideshortleg]

With a lot of debt we bought our 280. After collecting gasstation memorabilia for years (MY Hobby) I decided to sell stuff until we couldbuy the boat we wanted (our hobby). We thought 10K would do it. We sold stuff andwere very surprised at how fast it came. Along the way we decided we liked the1989 Sea Ray better than any others we looked at. We found one for 17k and werea little short on money but looked at it anyway. It didn’t click for us although itwas a nice boat. For laughs we looked ata loaded 89 280 that was way out of our price range. IT clicked and we savedand sold and bought it. We absolutely love the boat and the boating life. Wewent from a 16’ boat to this 30’ double engine boat, still no regrets. So hereis my point. We are self-employed and worked and worked but never seemed to geton top of things like debt. This boat has brought a focus to our lives likenever before. We have a plan for retirement and it involves a bigger 1989 SeaRay to live on during the summer and a fifth wheel for the winter down south.We are turning our business around and I am giving the credit to us buyingsomething that we probably had no business doing. I am focused on making moneyrather than just getting the job. It hasbeen a life changing year since we bought this boat. Now everything’s for sale “exceptthe boat”.

 

[Gunn]

I think the saddest days I have had is every time I have sold a boat, even though I have been moving up each time. There has always been so many good memories with the previous boat

So true. And the original post hits me too. That is nearly the same feeling we had before we finally decided to buy our 1st boat. I had grown up with my parents owning a couple of boats, but it had been ages since I was on one. We finally bought our first to be able to enjoy memories with our young kids (5 and 3 at the time). The following year my Dad was diagnosed with cancer. I still remember his (unbeknowst to us) last ride in the tube being pulled behind the boat. Bald from the chemo but having a blast. Those are some good memories right there.

We've upgraded since then, but just last year (after owning two boats for two years), we sold that first boat. That was rough; there were so many memories made. But I still have all the pictures...and a bigger boat to make even more memories!

Tom

 

[Xplicitlnck]

Jim that quote is perfect. Worth a million.

Susan if you need a suveyor , the guy who did my boat a couple months ago is awsome. Very very thorough. Found things I would have never found, found things the owner didn't know about. He got me back 2k off the price on the spot even after we negotiated a price.

 

[skrmusic]

Thank you all for your advise and encouragement! I have had a very busy week and not able to spend anytime boat hunting. But, tomorrow I have an appointment at Rex Marina in Norwalk to look at a few 240 SD's. Will keep you posted!

 

[skrmusic]

Jim that quote is perfect. Worth a million.

Susan if you need a suveyor , the guy who did my boat a couple months ago is awsome. Very very thorough. Found things I would have never found, found things the owner didn't know about. He got me back 2k off the price on the spot even after we negotiated a price.

thank you! I'll message you for info.

 

[skrmusic]

Spent a couple hours at the marina a and looked at 5 240SD's. A few of them were "club boats" owned by the marina and two were independently owned.

We are interested on an '01 w/518 hrs on it. The owner has been meticulous with care and the boat was very clean. The mechanic who has been doing the maintenance work says the bellows and risers will need replaced in a couple years. Definitely will have a survey done, but a question I have for the group: should I be concerned about the hrs if the survey goes well?

 

[magstang1]

500 hours on a 2001 sounds just about right.

I would have no reservations.

 

[SeaNile]

I only throw this out there as a reference because I thought I got a good deal. 2004 with 45 hours on a new 6.3l engine. Boat sat for 2012 and had the engine and bellows replaced in late summer of 2010. Two owner boat, flawless outdrive with zero corrosion. One tiny tear in Bimini top and carpets need to be replaced. Bought it for $22,700. Saw a few other ones for 32K and 36k and neither showed as well and had 170 and 470hrs.

I'd think an 01 could be had for low 20's at the most.

Happy Shopping!

 

[skrmusic]

I only throw this out there as a reference because I thought I got a good deal. 2004 with 45 hours on a new 6.3l engine. Boat sat for 2012 and had the engine and bellows replaced in late summer of 2010. Two owner boat, flawless outdrive with zero corrosion. One tiny tear in Bimini top and carpets need to be replaced. Bought it for $22,700. Saw a few other ones for 32K and 36k and neither showed as well and had 170 and 470hrs.

I'd think an 01 could be had for low 20's at the most.

Happy Shopping!

Thanks. Putting in an offer at $18,000