What's it worth - '69 Sea Ray SRV185 with Mercruiser

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petza914

New Member
Jun 25, 2020
5
Boat Info
1969 Sea Ray SRV 185
Engines
165 Mercruiser I/O
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Hey guys, my Dad was the original owner of this 1969 Sea Ray SRV185 with Mercruiser Sterndrive. He spent the last few years of his life doing a decent restoration of it, but passed away about a year ago, and although we're boat people, it's not our kind of boat as we're wakeboard and wakesurf people.

So, although it has sentimental value, and I spent some great times working with him on it's annual tune-up, waxing, learning about old engines, learning to captain a boat, etc, it won't get any use, and it's time to pass it along to someone that can appreciate and enjoy it.

We'll be putting it up for sale in the late Spring when more people are actually shopping for boats, but I have no idea what it's worth and thought you guys might be able to provide some guidance.

The floor has been replaced, the fiberglass is in decent shape (some marks on the bottom), the interior is in great shape and we just had some new rear cushions made, has a stainless steel prop and planing wing. Engine runs really well - shifting from Neutral to drive or reverse isn't perfect as it's a little abrupt, but works. Dad had a custom drawer console made for the front, and installed a stereo with cool locking face plate in the dash. The aluminum trailer was brand new just a couple years ago. The boat has never been run in anything but fresh water. It was winterized for the "winter" of 2019/2020 (oil changed, cylinders fogged, fuel stabilized, etc) and hasn't been run since, but I'd give it a tune-up before putting it up for sale.

Here are some pics and thanks for any guidance. It's located in SC near Clemson University.
 
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Sorry to hear about your dad but that's a cool looking boat.

I can't offer up any thoughts on it's value but I would suggest that spring boat selling seasons is 100% here, now. I wouldn't wait too much longer to get it out there on boattrader or craigslist at least...
 
Sorry for your loss, your sorry brings back lots fond memories for me. My dad had a 1963 sea ray with a 88 hp omc. Wish I could find it to restore.
 
Stee6043 said:
Sorry to hear about your dad but that's a cool looking boat.

I can't offer up any thoughts on it's value but I would suggest that spring boat selling seasons is 100% here, now. I wouldn't wait too much longer to get it out there on boattrader or craigslist at least...
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Thanks for the input, and your probably right since we've already had our annual boat show down here.

Hopefully some others have an idea on what I should ask. Between the new trailer and the refurb, I think they have almost $10,000 invested in it, not including the value of the starting boat. Trying to see if there is a high-value market for these things like there is for classic cars, where they sell for $15k-$20k, or if there's really not and it should be priced at $5k-$7,500. I just have no idea.
 
Sorry for your loss.
In my area, the $5-7.5 range would be the value.
 
petza914 said:
Thanks for the input, and your probably right since we've already had our annual boat show down here.

Hopefully some others have an idea on what I should ask. Between the new trailer and the refurb, I think they have almost $10,000 invested in it, not including the value of the starting boat. Trying to see if there is a high-value market for these things like there is for classic cars, where they sell for $15k-$20k, or if there's really not and it should be priced at $5k-$7,500. I just have no idea.
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If you were pushing for top dollar you may want to consider getting the glass repaired on the forward part of the hull. Having the gelcoat completely gone in an area that big would be a potential red flag I'd think. Assuming that's below the water line it could also be a considerable problem for moisture getting into the hull?
 
Stee6043 said:
If you were pushing for top dollar you may want to consider getting the glass repaired on the forward part of the hull. Having the gelcoat completely gone in an area that big would be a potential red flag I'd think. Assuming that's below the water line it could also be a considerable problem for moisture getting into the hull?
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Thanks. I'll have to look at that spot again. I don't actually think there's a void there, but rather that it was a filled spot from many years ago using an epoxy that yellowed over time.
 
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Wild guess would be the "used" value of the new trailer plus 1,500 for the boat. The market is pretty brutal. I like the look of the boat. It has very nice lines, and would make a nice project for the right person.
 
The market is on fire. I am in the process of selling one and its crazy. Get it advertised and it will
vaporize. Remember start high you can always come down but never go up.
 
It is your dad’s boat, the memories you have with him and the boat far outweigh the pittance you will get from somebody, keep it. Look what Mark60 said. Give it to your kid when he turns 16. If you sell it for a bag of balls you gonna be sorry.
 
Pirate Lady said:
Don’t know how old you are but I can say there are a lot of us here that say “I never should have gotten rid of that car or boat or wife or etc.”
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Yep, so here's a perfect opportunity for someone to go back in time and eliminate that regret.

I'm 50, but I know what you mean and why I have 6 cars and haven't sold any of the ones I've bought. Have a '74,' 79, '81, 2' 05s, and an '09, but I'm not a boat guy other than the wakeboarding and skiing we do.
 
Pirate Lady said:
Don’t know how old you are but I can say there are a lot of us here that say “I never should have gotten rid of that car or boat or wife or etc.”
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I wonder if there are just as many that have held on to something too long only to see it fall apart? I can appreciate a guy realizing he may not have the time or interest in maintaining a boat. They don't weather so well sitting outside 24/7 year after year never getting used.

No comment on the wives part, not sure how well they weather sitting outside either though...:)
 
That's a really nice boat. Looks a lot like my 72 SRV 190. Same engine. However, here in the PACNW you wouldn't get what you're asking. More like 2.5 to 3K It has a lot of sentimental value to you because of your Dad. Sorry for your loss. Been there. It sucks. But others don't have that kind of investment in the boat. The advice about sell it now (if you want to sell it at all) is good because right now the market is hot. It's the pandemic. Many people are buying boats because they can get out for some recreation and not have to worry about social distancing, etc etc. Used boats are going like crazy because people just want to go. However, the start high and go down gradually is good advice. If I didn't already have one I would certainly consider buying it. They are great boats.
 
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