Official Searay 200 Thread

[El Capitan]

Anybody go out in rough water?
I’ll be in Fla and although I don’t do any offshore fishing I do like near shore diving.

Does anyone have any video of a 200 in 2-3ft chop?

Thanks

 

[Chip S]

I don't have video but I have had my 200 out in 2 - 3 foot chop and it is the smoothest boat I've owned so far. My previous boats were a 15 foot bowrider (12 degrees deadrise), 24 foot cuddy cabin (21 degrees deadrise), and 26 foot cabin cruiser (5 degrees deadrise). With 15 degrees deadrise I thought the 200 would ride rougher than it does. The trade-off for the smooth ride though is the boat can be a little tippy from side to side when people are moving around in the cockpit. It's a trade-off I'm glad to make for the smooth ride on plane.

 

[BRednwater]

I am so glad I found this thread! I have recently bought a 1989 Sea Ray 200 Cuddy (very similar to the one in Peter's post except mine is red). I am still learning how to post pictures, but this is a big help. I did not even know the boat was called a 200 Cuddy until now because it did not come with the manual and the previous owner was not sure. My compass does not work any longer...anybody know where to get a replacement?

I also have the 4.3ltr v6 and the Mercruiser outdrive. (Alpha One I believe). I like the boat so far, but I wish the seats would be back away from the steering wheel about 2-3 more inches. I am a big guy and it hits my legs in the middle of my calf.

What speeds should this boat cruise at? I have a 21" prop on her, because that is what it came with. What is the top speed?

 

[Chip S]

Anyone know what the range of these boats are? I'm estimating 96 statute miles (3.0 mpg x 32 gallons). I figure if I keep my trip legs to < 60 statute miles I should have enough in the tank to make sure I get there. My longest planned trip leg so far is 53 statute miles.

 

[CNYBoater]

My best on lightchop, no WOT, cruising around 30mph was around 5mpg. Inland lake only. I wouldn’t count on that though. I think you fuel usage is conservative enough for the leg you’re planning. Take a 6gallon with you the first time.

 

[Chip S]

I got the 260 OV doors I modified for my 200 OV on today. Considering they were originally for a different boat model I think they came out pretty good.

 

[CNYBoater]

Very nice work Chip. Question, do you not use or are you missing the cushion directly behind the door?

 

[Chip S]

Very nice work Chip. Question, do you not use or are you missing the cushion directly behind the door?

My boat is missing the cushion directly behind the door but it doesn't bother us. We still have plenty of room to sleep 2 people and it's nice having a place to sit. If we had that cushion we would probably not have it in place unless we were sleeping. If it becomes an issue I'll make a replacement but so far it hasn't been an issue.

 

[Chip S]

My best on lightchop, no WOT, cruising around 30mph was around 5mpg. Inland lake only. I wouldn’t count on that though. I think you fuel usage is conservative enough for the leg you’re planning. Take a 6gallon with you the first time.

I had the boat out yesterday and was doing 30 mph at 4000 rpm. The references I found give 9 gph at 4000 rpm which would result in 3.3 mpg. I think if I plan for 3 mpg and keep my trip legs to < 2/3 of my range (64 statute miles) I should be fine.

 

[CNYBoater]

Was out yesterday with 5 in the boat, 3 on the rear bench. East end of the lake was fairly choppy, headed back to the west end I was crossing into the waves so got a bit bumpy. At some point, and the kids didn't say anything, the rear bench collapsed into the storage compartment below on the starboard side. Didn't find out until back at the dock and I went to the bench to cut off the fuel. Long story short, something let go. I could use a picture of someones under bench compartment and the underside of the bench. I need to replace the underside of my bench since it ripped away from the hinge. I want to make sure the under structure is correct because the hinge should not have been load bearing.

 

[Chip S]

I'm going to my boat tomorrow so I can take pictures of my back bench. My interior was completely redone, though, so I don't know if it will help you at all.

 

[CNYBoater]

Appreciate it Chip... I'll replace the seat bottom, and the cushioning since I'll have it apart. I want to make sure that I'm not missing any underneath supports. Might even add a set of gas struts to hold it open if I'm feeling ambitious. Kids were disappointed not going out today, but I don't want to take it out until fixed properly.

 

[Chip S]

As mentioned before, my interior was completely redone by a PO. Attached are pictures of my bench seat. I was glad to see that the PO used non-wood for the piece covering the fuel tank when he redid the interior. That was a pleasant surprise.

 

[CNYBoater]

Thanks for the photos, completely different than mine since the re-fab on yours. I had a local guy come out to take a look after I got home from work today. Pulled the plug and paid the deposit. Replacing the base wood, internal framing to the base/hinge assembly and replacing the padding. Said I should have it back on Friday. Lucky, I don't need new vinyl. Padding is functional but might as well make it more comfortable while it is apart.

Floor replacement is done. Just need to find a local source for the marine flooring adhesive that doesn't close at 5pm. I'd like to have the carpet up and out Sunday so that I can put it on the new panel and let it sit 4-5 days before it sees traffic.

 

[GoPenny]

Hello everyone! Just bought a 1994 Sea Ray 200 Signature overnighter. Was in a boat club for 2 years, but wanted to own. Going through the boat, there are a few items that look to need repair. Hoping any of you can give me some insight?

Lights on boat dash ( is that what you even call it?) - some light up, some don't. Is that a fuse, or maybe something else?
Any suggestions on where to get a OEM Bimini top? I have the one that attaches to the windshield and over boat, but want the open canopy instead.
With seat not having a bolster, any suggestions on how to get that extra 6-8 inches of lift when moving and to look over windshield?

Any other tips for a new owner of a boat? Especially this boat?

 

[JonRZ]

Hello everyone! Just bought a 1994 Sea Ray 200 Signature overnighter. Was in a boat club for 2 years, but wanted to own. Going through the boat, there are a few items that look to need repair. Hoping any of you can give me some insight?

Lights on boat dash ( is that what you even call it?) - some light up, some don't. Is that a fuse, or maybe something else?
Any suggestions on where to get a OEM Bimini top? I have the one that attaches to the windshield and over boat, but want the open canopy instead.
With seat not having a bolster, any suggestions on how to get that extra 6-8 inches of lift when moving and to look over windshield?

Any other tips for a new owner of a boat? Especially this boat?

Hey Congrats on the boat! I have the exact same though it's a 95. I replaced all the lights in the dash with LEDs and they came out great. The easiest way to access them is inside the cuddy, right behind where the dash would be are 3 screws (I believe, may be 2). Take the panel off. The connections corrode overtime and a bit of high-grit sandpaper to the tips are likely all ya' need. You'll want to do this whether you replace the bulbs or not. You'll see the brass and know what I mean once inside.

What you need are 194 LED bulbs. They can be purchased in all flavors and colors. Here's what I got:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0714DTL8Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd have to grab a pic but trust me, they're not too bright, these happen to be blue, and they look great!

Hope that helps your first question!

 

[Chip S]

Any suggestions on where to get a OEM Bimini top? I have the one that attaches to the windshield and over boat, but want the open canopy instead.

Welcome to the Sea Ray 200 club! In my 25 years of boating its the smoothest riding boat I've owned. I think you will enjoy it.

The OEM top attached to the top of the windshield (see attached file, page 5). A PO replaced the OEM top on my boat with a bimini top you can stand under. I'm having front, side, and rear connectors made to enclose the boat when we're sleeping on it. We only plan on sleeping on it once or twice per season, but being able to fully enclose it when we do will be nice. I'll post pictures once we get the new canvas.

 

[GoPenny]

Thanks chip!!! This is super helpful! I just called a guy and he’s estimating one for $600-1000 to be made. But that’s with bells and whistles. I’ll ask him about sides. That’s a really good idea! I plan on staying on boat time, so that gives extra protection of weather.
I appreciate the help! I think I’m
Gonna like this website as I start this adventure!!

 

[GoPenny]

Welcome to the Sea Ray 200 club! In my 25 years of boating its the smoothest riding boat I've owned. I think you will enjoy it.

The OEM top attached to the top of the windshield (see attached file, page 5). A PO replaced the OEM top on my boat with a bimini top you can stand under. I'm having front, side, and rear connectors made to enclose the boat when we're sleeping on it. We only plan on sleeping on it once or twice per season, but being able to fully enclose it when we do will be nice. I'll post pictures once we get the new canvas.

Chip!!! That manual is golden!
Just saw the boat has a cooler? I’m learning so much. Lol. Appreciate the pdf of this!

 

[GoPenny]

Hey Congrats on the boat! I have the exact same though it's a 95. I replaced all the lights in the dash with LEDs and they came out great. The easiest way to access them is inside the cuddy, right behind where the dash would be are 3 screws (I believe, may be 2). Take the panel off. The connections corrode overtime and a bit of high-grit sandpaper to the tips are likely all ya' need. You'll want to do this whether you replace the bulbs or not. You'll see the brass and know what I mean once inside.

What you need are 194 LED bulbs. They can be purchased in all flavors and colors. Here's what I got:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0714DTL8Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd have to grab a pic but trust me, they're not too bright, these happen to be blue, and they look great!

Hope that helps your first question!

Oh wonderful! Sounds pretty easy to try to tackle myself! Lights aren’t too much either! I was out at sunset and dash was super dark so for sure will need to get some lights in there. Didn’t know you could change colors. Even better!

Going for lighting to match boat, so I’ll work on trying to do red. I’ll send a pic of bait when it’s cleaned up.