Question about used Sea Rays
- Thread starter ndulgers
- Start date
thegotoguyr
New Member
The age of a boat is most relevant for the style you like. It is not as important as the hours on it which less important than condition, use and maintenance. A boat of any age can be a great deal or a total disaster. There many variables. You would be urged to get a good survey an any vessel you are seriously considering.
Good luck
Good luck
Alegria
Well-Known Member
I don't think there is a too old age per se. I think it is more a condition of maintenance and upgrades. I would look at various years and find one you like as far as style, interior, and layout. Then focus your search on that particular model year and go for it.
Brand New, late model, older they all need work and they all have issues at some level
It's always a compromise....
Brand New, late model, older they all need work and they all have issues at some level
It's always a compromise....
FishBytes
New Member
I am not sure if this applies to all models, but I know with the 390s you'll want to stick to 1989 and newer. Prior to that model year, Sea Ray used a lot of plywood in the cockpit area for seat bases and side walls. The end grain of the plywood panels were not sealed with anything but paint. Any moisture that gets to the end of a panel will eventually wick its way into the plywood. Those panels will rot out sooner or later. I read that the stringers had similar issues prior to 1989. I'm in the process of buying and older 390 (1989) so I don't know this from my own experience of owning one, but from the research I did from other Sea Ray owners. We had a survey done on an 1987 390 and found wet stringers and the surveyor informed us this is not surprising with pre-1989 390s.
rcknecht
Well-Known Member
Start with your budget... Determine the size boat you want, and the must haves... My must haves were inboards and fresh water cooling. Then search and and see what is available. 30+ is vague... Ar you looking for 30 to 40, what is your limiting factor?
WDCboater
Member
- Oct 3, 2010
- 962
- Boat Info
- 2010 350 Sundancer
Raymarine c95 GPS
KVH Satellite
- Engines
- Twin Mercury 8.1 Horizon V-Drives
I agree with Rcknecht.
1- What can you comfortably spend? (Keep in mind the longer the boat, the more it cost to dock it, etc)
2- What type of propulsion do you want? Are you experienced boater who can handle V drives with ease or would you be more comfortable with a boat with a joystick? (think of others who will also help you drive the boat)
3- Does the current owner (dealer, broker or private party) have maintenance records and receipts they can show you?
4- Take a test drive and run the generator.
5- Open every nook and cranny. Do the hoses look good, is the bilge fairly clean, do you see rust, do you see mold? Do you see leaks? Test every faucet, check the battery voltage, etc. These things can be pricey to replace. Is the canvas worn? (Canvas is thousands of dollars to replace)
6- Get a survey, get a survey, get a survey from a marine surveyor you choose, not one the seller recommends. (Do this only on a boat you are serious about buying)
7- Don't sweat the small stuff like burnt out light bulbs, etc.
8- Have the boat pulled and check the hull, zincs, props, etc. (This is part of the survey)
9- Pick a style you like or can live with. I personally don't like the design of SR boats before 2005/06 and then it depends on the model. This is a personal preference.
It can be easy to make an emotional decision, but if you follow these steps you should be able to pick out a good boat.
1- What can you comfortably spend? (Keep in mind the longer the boat, the more it cost to dock it, etc)
2- What type of propulsion do you want? Are you experienced boater who can handle V drives with ease or would you be more comfortable with a boat with a joystick? (think of others who will also help you drive the boat)
3- Does the current owner (dealer, broker or private party) have maintenance records and receipts they can show you?
4- Take a test drive and run the generator.
5- Open every nook and cranny. Do the hoses look good, is the bilge fairly clean, do you see rust, do you see mold? Do you see leaks? Test every faucet, check the battery voltage, etc. These things can be pricey to replace. Is the canvas worn? (Canvas is thousands of dollars to replace)
6- Get a survey, get a survey, get a survey from a marine surveyor you choose, not one the seller recommends. (Do this only on a boat you are serious about buying)
7- Don't sweat the small stuff like burnt out light bulbs, etc.
8- Have the boat pulled and check the hull, zincs, props, etc. (This is part of the survey)
9- Pick a style you like or can live with. I personally don't like the design of SR boats before 2005/06 and then it depends on the model. This is a personal preference.
It can be easy to make an emotional decision, but if you follow these steps you should be able to pick out a good boat.