Where should I purchase a pre owned Sea Ray cruiser?

M

maximos

New Member
Jul 27, 2012
1
United States
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So many questions...but most importantly, we need to know WHERE to begin shopping for our choice of a pre owned sea ray cruiser. Seen them everywhere...but where will we find the very best service and price for one? Definitely not Craigslist. Not sure about private sellers on boattrader.com. So where does that leave us? Dealerships who are loaded with excess inventory and desperately seeking weary buyers like us? HELP us make an educated, responsible decision. We would greatly appreciate any advice.
 
I went through boattrader to find boats. We ended up buying from a dealer (the lead was from boattrader, though).
 
I found mine on Yachtworld/Boats.com listed through a broker. Sold my old boat on Craigslist direct. It all depends on your comfort level in researching and negotiating. Sometimes individuals can be difficult because the expect to get the asking prices posted, whereas for brokers its a business and they will negotiate knowing that the asking price is the starting point. Most boats sold thru brokers or individuals are on an "as-is" basis, so when you find one you like make sure to get it surveyed and have the engines inspected. If shop your local Sea Ray dealership you may be able to find something with a partial warranty remaining.
 
maximos said:
So many questions...but most importantly, we need to know WHERE to begin shopping for our choice of a pre owned sea ray cruiser. Seen them everywhere...but where will we find the very best service and price for one? Definitely not Craigslist. Not sure about private sellers on boattrader.com. So where does that leave us? Dealerships who are loaded with excess inventory and desperately seeking weary buyers like us? HELP us make an educated, responsible decision. We would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
i would start looking in your area.....the United States :smt001
 
Actually, I think this is a very good question, that I haven't heard anyone ask, probably because most people are too proud to ask. The answer, of course, depends on what type of boat you're looking for, where you live, and how you plan to use your new boat.

As an example, your methodology will be different for a 175 or a 60DA....if you live in Florida, the local selection of a given boat in your search will be different than if you live in Minnesota. And, if you only want to boat on holidays, your needs will be different from a coastal cruiser in Miami that goes to the Bahamas 4 times a year.

As on any forum, you will get the occasional smart-a$$ answer but, give us a bit more info as to what you want, and the knowledge is here to help you.

I suggest, as a starting point, go to the Sea Ray website and do research on the offerings of various models of various years. You will see how different models and options relate to offerengs on Boattrader, Yachtworld, and the other sites. Also examine pricing in different markets....Florida, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, etc. Are the freshwater boats worth the premium that some ask for them? You decide.

Obviously, the seach and the decisions vary to the extremes depending on what you are looking for. That's why I mentioned it in the beginning. Do the research, decide what's best for you and your budget, and we'll be glad to help.

Good luck,

Don
 
I found a great deal using Marine Max - they even tracked down a trailer and had it all setup before we got there.
 
maximos said:
...we need to know WHERE to begin shopping for our choice of a pre owned sea ray cruiser. Definitely not Craigslist.
Click to expand...

Why??? Very good vessels can be found there along with a bunch of scams. If you cannot root out the scams find a friend or one of the members here to help you evaluate them. If you are looking for a runabout or small cruiser Craigslist is a good source as some folks will take a stab at selling it there before upping the ante on advertising on the big boating sites or Ebay. My boat was never available on ANY of the sites mentioned in this thread. On the other hand if you are looking for a 370DA, you will not find many on Craigslist. I actually had a saved google search of the model and year of boat I wanted on craigslist sites all over the country and found mine 11 hours away. There are apps that do that now. Good luck, MM
 
I bought from Craigslist from original owner.....they were very nice and I got a great value! I've been around and in boats all my life so that helps a lot, Mike.
 
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