Why all Surveyors aren't created equal!

[richard3rd]

Surfing last nite for any info on the 268 Sundancer ( I have a 87' w/454, absolutely Love it) and I found this article about the 268 Sundancer: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/SeaRay27.htm

This guy was way off in his opinion, but we all know what opinions are like....buttholes and they all stink! Check it out and see what I'm talkin' bout.

 

[SCORPIO]

David Pascoe doesn't really like any production boats other than maybe a few older Bertrams. I agree, a Sea Ray isn't a Viking, but they are very good production boats. Take Pascoe with a grain of salt.

 

[JediJD]

Pascoe is something of a lightning rod. He is certainly very opinionated and not afraid to take a position and support it. In a world of people terrified to take a position, I admire his passion and candor. However, as with most experts, I tend to value his observations and listen to his opinions but balance the latter against his perspective.

It has been my personal experience that experts are usually swayed by their own personal biases. A Sea Ray expert viewing the exact same set up, would probably see the construction techniques as cutting edge for the day, an engineering tour de force and any flaws the result of excrutiatingly well thought out compromises.

 

[tobnpr]

He also has a review on my 390.
I can't find much to disagree with. He points out the faults, that are there.

Often, as owners, we tend to overlook faults- particularly big ones that might mean we made a bad purchase decision- when critiquing our own boats.

In the end, he concludes the 390 is a decent boat, that could have been a whole lot better for a few grand more in build costs. I agree...

 

[popeye]

Surfing last nite for any info on the 268 Sundancer ( I have a 87' w/454, absolutely Love it) and I found this article about the 268 Sundancer: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/SeaRay27.htm

This guy was way off in his opinion, but we all know what opinions are like....buttholes and they all stink! Check it out and see what I'm talkin' bout.

I agree ; Maybe he should only survey yachts $500,000 and up. One example-The engine hatch comment. The hatch size gives you the ability to work on things below decks. If it were smaller as he suggest he would be a full paragraph griping about not having access to the engine compartment...I think this is the same guy who fell off a sea ray and has never gotten over it.....:thumbsup:

 

[Pietro]

He also has a review on my 390.
I can't find much to disagree with. He points out the faults, that are there.

Often, as owners, we tend to overlook faults- particularly big ones that might mean we made a bad purchase decision- when critiquing our own boats.

In the end, he concludes the 390 is a decent boat, that could have been a whole lot better for a few grand more in build costs. I agree...

I also have to agree on what he says about our 390. I also understood that my 390 surely was better built than the earlier ones.

I have read his books and they are really interesting. This does not mean I still believe he exagerates sometimes... as it seem that no boat can pass his tests completely... (good point by popeye)

 

[Hydnophora]

I'm looking at getting back into boating after 10 years and considering a classic 268 or 270. I'm still learning all of the different years/models. I came across yachtsurvey.com and I have to admit that it scared me a little reading the reviews. This guy really paints Sea Ray in a bad light. I do agree that he is stating his unbiased opinion, however he takes it too far.
Even so there are some very legitimate comments. I'm looking for information to better understand what "normal" fixes or upgrades are available for some of these problems. This would be a good help while evaluating potential boats.
Can anyone point me to a good thread or resource?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Getaway]

You are at the best source on the internet that I have found!

I purchased our 1988 268DA last August and have gone through everything you can imagine on this boat.

First I'll say, the 268 is a great express cruiser for family and fishing. The use of space in this boat is by far better than any other I've looked at in this size range. Also, the main hull layup is superior to a lot of others out there. My boat lived in the water all her life with no barrier coat. She does not have one blister, crack or signs of delamination from water anywhere on the main hull.

Now, for the things to look for. When I inspected my boat, the moisture meter checked high in the transom area. I knew I had some water intrusion into the wood, but did not know how bad she was. Well, water had wicked it's way up through all of the stringers all the way into the aft cabin. This was caused by incorrectly sealed transducers and transom mounted stuff. I have just completed an entire rebuild of the transom, stringers and support structure of the boat. I've also had the engine completely rebuilt to make sure we are clear for launch this spring.

Now, knowing the transom was wet, I worked the previous owner down to $8k for the boat (should have worked him down a little further). After the structural and engine rebuild I've added another 12K back into the boat. I could do this because I did some of the work myself and had highly experienced, but inexpensive help doing the structural wood/fiberglass work.

I would not have done this if I did not feel these boats are worthy of the work. I've looked at lots of boats and this one fits the bill very nicely. With the $$ I have wrapped up in this, I have a strong sturdy boat that will last my family and I for many many years to come. It was much less expensive to do this than to look at a newer rig with possibly the same issues and less living space.

In short, if you look at these boats and the price is low, there is probably water intrusion and she will be in need of some work. If the price is high ($20K+), then she's probably dry or recently rebuilt and worth the $$.

 

[Ka1oxd]

Boats are one of those areas where you need to decide if you do not mind doing some work to maintain or improve what you found. In 2009, I bought my 340. They originally wanted 29,000 for the boat. I took a 150 mile ride and went to look at it. Being around boats for the last 40 years and an owner for the last 32 years, I had a good feel for where problems might show up.

I put in an offer based on what I thought it was worth and their counter was higher than I wanted to pay. I signed the agreement with a couple of conditions. 1. A pre-purchase survey must be done. Based on those results, I could reject, have the sellers repair, or could renegotiate the price based on what it would take to bring required items to be repaired before putting the boat into service.

When I selected the surveyor from a list the broker provided, I spent time making sure he was the right man for the job. I reviewed my findings with him and during the day of the survey and sea trials, many discussions we held between us and how the findings should be worded. Yea both of us missed a couple of items, but the outcome was great.

I ended up with the boat for 15,000 and put 3,700 in parts and all my own labor. The biggest replacement was the swim platform. I did so well that just this past month, the state IRS cam after me saying that I needed to prove why I paid less sales tax than what the NADA price for the boat was. That is another story for a different day!