I don't think I can help with your decision, however, i will say that we, the wife and I, have previously owned a 26.5 express cruiser, not Sea Ray. It got really tight for us and we are not big people. Thus the move up to the 320. Have friends here on the lake that trailer their 280 without problem. So I think the 280 may be something to look into, with a 8.5 beam it is very legal on the road. Biggest consideration here would be ability to tow and cost of gas! Doubt this was any help, but hope it gave you a bit to ponder.

"There is just the two of us plus our German Shepherd ( what do people do for potty areas with dogs are out on the water with them ? )."

I'd be very interested in this answer as well.

 

So I think the 280 may be something to look into, with a 8.5 beam it is very legal on the road. Biggest consideration here would be ability to tow and cost of gas! Doubt this was any help, but hope it gave you a bit to ponder.



I'd be very interested in this answer as well.

I trailer my 280 but the beam is 9' 5", not 8.5.. it is an "oversized load" but it is very towable

 

Hi Chris,

Bayliner - Scary. No personal experience, thankfully. But, I've heard nothing good. We had a '95 Sea Ray for a few years, and had no problems. I'm currently in negotiations on a '07 290 DA. We'll know Friday if we can come to an agreement.

We are also wondering about the dog and potty situation. We'll be staying on the boat for long weekends and would like to bring the dogs.

Kevin

 

as far a doggy duty, the only thing I've found that worked is a dinghy.

I know how much work I do on my boat, so I can only imagine how much work a 20 yld boat would be. It's a lot of work, not like washing a motorcycle.

whatever boat you buy, it's going to shrink within a month by 25%. So if you think a 26' is perfect now, you won't feel the same way in a month.

After going to a boat show, I will never ever consider a bayliner. Their brand new boats were falling apart in front of my eyes at the show.

This is my first boat, I put together a very thorough budget for a cost per year outlook. well that budget ended up being WAY under what I thought it would be. And the hits keep coming.

 

Chris, good luck to you in your search. We started with a 190 bowrider in 2005, then bought at 1997 250 Sundancer and trailer in 2006. It was a great boat for us, but a bit small, so we've just sold it and are looking for something bigger. Another Sundancer.

There a lots of things to consider, but when you find a boat you want, be sure a licensed surveyor examines the boat's structure. Better if the surveyor has little or no relationship with the seller. The surveyor should be your advocate. Take his advice on the boat.

A mechanical survey of the engine, electrical and electronics is a good thing to have, too.

Since you're new to boating, understanding how you will use the boat is the most important step. If you have friends with boats, spend some time with them understanding how they boat, and talk things through with them.

A 240, 250 or the like are BIG boats for the first time boater. I'm happy we got the 190 first.

My suggestion is that it might be better to start with something like a 190 for the first year or so. It's a less expensive boat to buy and operate, and will be easier to sell again if you find boating is not as fun as your motorcycles were.

A smaller boat is also less intimidating to operate, and more forgiving of mistakes. It has simpler systems. No water system, no waste system, cooking equipment, etc. Those are nice things to have if your boating lifestyle warrants them. They are unnecessary expenses that need maintaining even if you don't use them.

Launching and retrieving a smaller boat can be a 'white knuckle' event the first few times. Starting out by launching and retrieving a much bigger 250 is something else altogether. Something I wouldn't recommend.

Irrespective of the boat you buy, taking a boating course is something you should do (Power Squadron is a good example). It may be a good idea to do BEFORE you buy. You'll be a more informed shopper. You'll also be a safer boater.

With something small like a 190, you'll also have less of a problem when you inevitably run aground. Learning the in's and out's of ocean boating, even coastal, is easier on a small boat.

Getting a large-ish cruiser like a 250 could be fun for you, if it meets your boating style. My opinion is that getting a smaller boat to start with will help you define your boating style and thus help you get the right boat.

There are many more things to consider, which I'm sure will be addressed by others here. This is a great site and resource.

Good luck to you.

 

I had a bayliner of the vintage and size you are looking at. I think you can get one very cheap right now. Having owned one, I can tell you the quality sucks..especially for the years you're looking at. I remember everything I looked at in our old boat was done with inferior products. Mechanically, it wasn't a huge problem but the cosmetic stuff really drove me crazy. Good first boat though as we got in cheap and learned on it. I would look at a 240 or 260. Trailering a 280 is not something I would want to do every weekend.

 

I think first you need to have a good idea on how you'd like to use the boat most of the time. How often will you trailer it and where. Will the trailering option be worth the hasle. I've trailered both of previously owned 175BR and 240DA. The process of getting boat ready for the road, putting on/off trailer is very different and longer for 240 compare to 175. Towing is also a very different. If you go to 260 or 280 you have to add more complexity. If you think getting to the same ramp or few that not too far from each other, then you might consider just having a slip. Trailer by itself is another mechanical equipment that will require attention/maintenance, which=time + $$$.

If this is your first boat, don't go too large, but get biggest/newest you can afford.

As for other cometitors, it has to do with what you like in the layout and installed components. Sundancers are very well equipted, offer lots of luxurious features and pleasure to cruise on.

Since you in FL, make sure you get built-in a/c and genset. I think this kind of putting you in the range of 260DA. I loved our 240DA but it's very rare to find one with a/c and genset together. So, with 260/280 you have much better shot.

Don't rush, take your time, see different model and learn much about them. Make list of must have/nice to have items ask lots of questions. Narrow your search and start shopping.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

You should look at up to a 29' boat which I believe you can trailer. You should look at the Sundancer with a Sportsman package for a Searay Amberjack which will have all the fishing stuff you need as well as the creature comforts.

AS for a single engine I know it costs more then a twin but when your out on the gulf and are miles away from land and your only engine goes out for whatever reason your gonna wish you had that second one.

 

I have owned both searay and bayliner, contrary to what most searay owners think of a bayliner they are not junk boats anymore than anyother boat, they are typically a good starter boat for someone trying to learn the ropes and a heck of alot less expensive than jumping into a searay, I have owned a total of 4 boats and the bayliner was just as good and also just as bad as the others, alot depends on maintenance and upkeep, regardless of which brand you may choose, always I repeat always have the boat surveyed and inspected by a qualified surveyor, the extra money you may spend will definitely be worth the peace of mind down the road, right now you can get a great deal on a 2855 bayliner which is a comfortable midsize cruiser I would look at years between 1997-2000 just search the webb, good luck and happy boating, Mike

 

I agree. I've owned a couple of Bayliners (99' 2355 00' 3055), and they were both very good boats. Competent would be the word I would use to describe them. You can't compare Bayliners and Sea Rays, it's just not fair. The Sea Ray has a much higher trim level and uses better hardware and materials . When it comes to fit and finish the Sea Ray is far superior. However they are far apart on initial cost.

 

oops my bad I should pay closer attention, you said you were looking at smaller boat the 2855 bayliner may be a little too large, Mike

 

What is your "pay cash for it" budget?

 

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

Yes I do plan on hiring an independent surveyor when I find a boat. We currently own a 40 ft motorcoach - diesel pusher so I am very experienced with 12 v / 120 volt systems, inverters, holding tanks, 12 v ate systems, etc.. But outside of these areas ( electrical, plumbing and engines ) thats where my knowledge base ends with boats. I do not have a clue as to the construction of boats.

I can relate to the fact I will probably want bigger. We bought our 40 ft - 05 pusher and within months wished we would have gotten a 45 ft. Amazing how something seems big till you spend a few months in it. Then it gets small.

I think going with a small boat maybe a good idea. My only problem with this right now is that every time I have done this, it cost me money in trading up. We started with a 34 ft coach, out grew that in a few months and traded it off and took a beating. We started out with smaller bikes, out grew them in a year and traded up for 1500 cc cruisers, again losing money. I am trying to find a happy medium with boat size but never owning one is tough. I do know the whole purpose of getting this boat is to overnight on weekends with it. I do not cherish sleeping out under the elements in a 19 ft boat. I am still thinking a 24 - 26 footer maybe the ticket for us.

In regards to the age of a boat, I am pretty well versed in mechanics and would probably do all my own work ( except engine rebuilds ). I also do upholstery work on the side so that is not a problem. Chances are I would probably reupholster everything so I can update the fabrics.

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to post your helpful suggestions. Please do keep them coming. In regards to the Bayliner responses - I think I will cross those off my list...........lol. I like the SeaRay boats.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

My budget ( excuse me - my WIFE's Budget ) is set at $ 15 K. From what I am seeing on all the ad sites, this will put me in the 1985 - 1990 range. It also puts me into the 24 - 26 ft range as well.

I could easily go more, but she is dead set against credit and payments. So cash has to do the trick or its no boat for me. It isn't a lot to work with I admit, but for a first time boater, I am hoping it will get me into something decent that I can gain experience with.



Chris

 

Mojo,

Take a look at 270DA, it fits that middle spot well, has plenty of room and its been very forgiving as a first boat as well as being trailerable. But YES IT IS alot of boat for a newbie, but not impossible. I havent overnighted yet but it has adequate room inside for me, the admiral, +3, just in case you bring friends along.

 

Take a look at Monterey's as well. I had a 26 foot Monterey I/O and it was a great boat to learn on. They are manufactured in FL and are very sea worthy.

Just a heads up on the price - If your out of pocket is $15K, make sure you keep a little slush fund for the boat as well. Every boat that is new to somone requires some hidden expense in the beginning...and for the life of the time you own the boat come to think of it. ;-)

 

On the "upgrade costing money" side of the equation, you are correct, if you buy new or slightly used. If you're looking at buying a 15 year old boat, the depreciation is done. A boat that age will appreciate if you fix it up and clean it up, and it will depreciate if you use it until it dies. If you wanted to try boating for a year in a 19 or 21, and shopped around to make a good purchase now, I think you could move up in a year without incurring too much, if any loss due to depreciation.

You may still want to start a little larger, but I'm just trying to give you options.

 

I'll just repeat what someone else said: TAKE THE POWER SQUADRON COURSE! I bought my 1st boat 3 yrs ago ( 87' 300 Sedan Bridge ) and if I had not taken the course I'm sure I would have wrecked it by now. I would also reccommend twin engines - the safety factor is just too important. Good Luck.

 

Already being planned. I navigated while flying planes, but not boats. I also have a great deal to learn and I have heard that these courses teach you all kinds of things. I also need to get up to speed on the latest GPS systems in addition to a lot of other things.

As one more safety measure, I am going to hire a Captain to go with us on our maiden voyage. I want to know exactly the best way to launch at the ramps we will use in addition to learning the particular boat itself. No better teacher then experience and paying an experienced person a 100 bucks or more for a couple hours of tutor time is well worth it to me. I could easily cost myself MUCH more with a few dumb mistakes.


Thanks for the suggestion.

Chris

 

and also far apart on resale.

 

In my experience thats not true. We got just about what we paid for the 1st on trade in. On the second one it retained about 60% on trade after 6yrs. It's all relative. 50% of 90,000$ vs 50% 400,000$

 

I've only owned Sea Rays but I have spent a bunch of time on the 2855 bayliner. Mercruiser is mercruiser but fit and finish is an entire different matter. The Bayliner is an "entry level" boat and no disrespect intended but it shows.

 

regardless of what brand you pick. Get on and drive several different size boats. Some with twins and some with singles. take the dog and make sure it fits you. They all drive different and react differently. Single engines tend to rock a lot more than twins and like others have said, you have 2 chances to get back to shore with twins. Really think about a boat without a gen set. It gets hot when on the hook with no ac and the only way to keep the batteries charged without a gen set is cranking the engine(s).