Buying advice

[Adventurer24]

Hi, and thanks for reading my post.

I'm considering buying a Sea Ray 275 that is probably around 15-20 years old. It would be used for occasional weekends away and cruising around the east coast of Australia.

My question.. are there any models I should stay away from?

Any advice, help or comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

**Efit - when I say the east coast, I do mean close to shore and not 50 miles or more out to sea

 

[brewster16]

When I think of the east coast of Australia I think of open ocean. I don't really know much about inland waterways there but it's probably not ideal for ocean cruising due to it's small size in big waves. If you are using it on inland waterways, bays, rivers well that is a different story. If it's your first boat these forums are chock full of advise on how to approach your purchase.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

No experience with that model. At that age, condition will be your determining factor. If you have surveyors down under, find one with experience and once you find a boat you like, have him check it out.

 

[northern]

Small boats in open water are not fun if it is windy. Boat will take more than you think but you will not be happy. Have friend who took his 27 footer out in open water, cut behind a cruise ship doing 22 knots. It smashed all his electronic to the point he had to replace them. Scared the S out of him wife too inexperienced to realize how close they were to sinking. They now boat in areas that are protected.

 

[blaster]

I believe the 275 was made from 2000-2008 and is designated 280 Sundancer in the USA. As said above, have a thorough survey. Make sure there is documentation of maintenance. Look for signs of leaks or water intrusion. Look for any soft areas especially around hatches. A good surveyor will find these and many other potential significant issues. Have an experienced marine mechanic do an engine survey including compression and leakdown testing. Sample the oil and have a lab test for wear components. Do a sea trial and run the boat up to full throttle. Trust your gut as once you make the purchase you own any problems that come with it.

 

[Adventurer24]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I have edited the post as I wasn't clear enough... I would be keeping close to the shoreline, rather than out in the open seas

 

[Pgeee]

You’ll see marinas full of Rivieras and the like as they can go out further than your potential searay. In close to coast short trips the searay I expect will be fine. Get vhf licence and marine licence and ais and all safety gear epirb etc anyway I suggest. Make sure the range is enough for your planned trips. You can work out passages on navionics to calculate fuel burn, distance limits etc. Where I am it’s many hours from one safe haven to another so get to know the coastline . I prefer inland, there’s nothing to see out there if you don’t fish.