Hello Sea Ray community! My wife and I are interested in getting into boating. I have recentely ran across a 1986 268 that is in good condition with a trailer for a great price. We are thinking it might be a good starting point for us so that we can see how we will like it/use it, etc, then maybe upgrade to something a little newer in a few years. My question is this--how much would a typical restoration be on this boat? I know there are many variables involved, so let me tell you what we would like to do. Replace and update the interior fabrics, carpeting, and equipment (new head, stove, countertops). Also, get the padding recovered in the deck area and it needs new seats. The teak is in need of repair--not replacement, but just refinished. Also, adding an AC/Heater unit (there is none right now, but it does have a spot on the switch panel) along with a water heater. Also, getting the chrome and window hatches re finished or replaced. The engine is in good shape--could use a new outdrive, but the existing one is in working order. Update the dash and steering wheel would also be something we would like to do. Basically, updating the boat to try and get the 80's style out of it. It has a good hull and good bones, but I know any repairs on boats can be expensive, so I am hoping someone here can give us some insight on approx how much a project like this is going to cost. I could sink around $8,000.00 into a restoration and still feel comfortable with the price of the boat/trailer. I know the outdrive can be upwards of $2000, and the AC/Heater built in can be costly also. Any help or suggestions from experienced owners will be appreciated. Is it worth it for us to look into this boat, or would it be better to look at something newer? Thank you much for your opinions.