Almost a Sea Ray Laguna Owner

[Jackl]

I put an offer on a 1997 Sea Ray Laguna 18 cc that is for sale for an owner at a Marina. The owner has accepted my offer. I currently have a Crownline 250CR that we love, but wanted a run about to fish and take some quick trips to dinner and in to town. It has a Mercruiser 135 with a power head rebuilt by the marina in 2013. I’ve gone through it from Stem to Stern and other than being dirty from lack of use, is solid. I tapped the hull and looked in every nook and cranny. Bilge pumps, Bimini, horn, chart plotter, live well, trailer and lights all look good. Gel coat looks great as does the hull. In my inspection I noticed a warn starter motor and pinion that only engages sporadically. The marina has agreed to replace the starter motor and Bendex. I will be taking her out for a sea trial once the new starter has been installed. Once I have her home, I will detail her and hopefully bring it back to tip top shape. Anything I else I need to look for. Any tips on this model? Look forward to future postings on the site!

 

[techmitch]

Welcome aboard Jack. There are probably a lot of us on here that would love to have a Laguna. I Just missed a 21 with a 200HP about 5 months ago. Good luck and once again, welcome to CSR

 

[NorCal Boater]

I would always recommend a survey

 

[fwebster]

Check the HIN#..........if the number begins with SERF and the 4th digit is F or M the boat was built in the Merritt Island Florida Sea Ray Plant. This plant was the yacht and sport yacht factory and the fiberglass lay up was done by very experience pros.

If the 4th digit following the SER is V,T or R the boat was built in one of the small boat factories in Tennessee. The production was eventually moved to Tennessee.

All this says is: I'd rather own a Laguna built by yacht builders than small boat people. By now, any structural issues would have been fixed long ago., so go for it.....Lagunas are great boats.

 

[Jackl]

Check the HIN#..........if the number begins with SERF and the 4th digit is F or M the boat was built in the Merritt Island Florida Sea Ray Plant. This plant was the yacht and sport yacht factory and the fiberglass lay up was done by very experience pros.

If the 4th digit following the SER is V,T or R the boat was built in one of the small boat factories in Tennessee. The production was eventually moved to Tennessee.

All this says is: I'd rather own a Laguna built by yacht builders than small boat people. By now, any structural issues would have been fixed long ago., so go for it.....Lagunas are great boats.

 

[Jackl]

I took a picture of a serial number I got off the hull, but its neither of the ones you mentioned.

 

[Jackl]

I would always recommend a survey

I agree and I had one done on my Crownline. I was there when they performed the survey and he walked me through the entire boat. My 2005 Crownline is far more complicated with many more features (toilet, shower, fridge, microwave, V8, battery charger, windless, trim tabs, etc.) Surveyors don’t inspect the engine or out drive. On my 3rd time out the engine coupler went and they had to pull the engine to replace it. While they were at it, I had them replace the shift cable, bellows, and gimble bearings. That was a $1,300 expense. Being my 4th boat purchase and being mechanically inclined, I’ve learned quite a bit so I had the marina mechanic go through the engine. He also did the previous rebuild and provided a great deal of information about it. They did a compression test and its 130-135 in all cylinders. Will be going back shortly for the sea trial.

 

[fwebster]

That is the Riverview plant in Knoxville, which is now closed. It was t he original Knoxville factory located on the river.

Check the second paragraph of post #3....R is the 4th digit.

 

[Riptide III]

Welcome Jack. I have a 1994 24 cc Laguna. I love it although it can be a little wet. It has the original twin 135 Mercurys. They run great but are hard starting and fuel pigs. I would love to repower with a late model single 225 four stroke. Unfortunately all funds run thru the big boat. Good luck with her.