New to me SeaRay

[Kurt V]

But not a new SeaRay! I have stepped up from a 1989 Bayliner Capri to a 1998 SeaRay 180 BR. Found one in really good condition and one owner. This guy was fastidious about taking care of his boat. Even replaced the stern drive last year when he thought there was just too much metal fuzz on the lower unit drain plug. Looking forward to getting out on the lake next spring. We’ve got a cabin down on Lake of the Ozarks. For those that have been on that lake you know down close to the dam it can be a bumpy ride in a small boat. Fortunately, we live up at the 60 mile marker and an 18 foot bow rider gets along just fine. I’ve done quite a bit of research on this boat, including reading a lot of posts on this forum. Hopefully I won’t need too much help in the future!

 

[blaster]

The 98-01 180 BR is a great family boat. I absolutely loved mine before I got my 205 sport.

There are so many positives about that model which far outweigh the negatives.

The lack of wood to rot is at the top of the list. The bow seating is spacious and comfortable. While not a rocket ship, the 3.0 mercruiser is very dependable, easy to work on, and fuel efficient. I never had trouble getting up on skis with a full load aboard. The ride was about as good as you can get for an 18’ boat.


The only negatives about the 180 BR were the boarding latter would catch on the tow rope and the glued down cockpit carpet that is difficult to keep clean.

Congratulations on the purchase.

 

[KevinC]

Congrats and welcome aboard! Lots of good info and people here on this forum!

-Kevin

 

[Nater Potater]

Welcome from Idaho!
We started out with a well-used 18-foot (not a Searay) and it was a great family runabaout. 'Taught many a person to water ski behind the old girl.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Welcome to your first Searay and also to Club Sea Ray. How about sharing some pics of your new baby with us?

 

[Kurt V]

Welcome from Idaho!
We started out with a well-used 18-foot (not a Searay) and it was a great family runabaout. 'Taught many a person to water ski behind the old girl.

looks like we are both Norton fans. Here’s mine:

 

[Kurt V]

Welcome to your first Searay and also to Club Sea Ray. How about sharing some pics of your new baby with us?

Don’t have too many pictures yet. Just got it winterized and the cover on.

 

[Nater Potater]

looks like we are both Norton fans. Here’s mine:
View attachment 136045

Man, those Nortons are good looking bikes! Also a '74? Do you know of any others in your area? There's only one other around here that I've ever seen. We should post them in the http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/so-lets-hear-about-and-see-your-cars.81513/

 

[Kurt V]

Man, those Nortons are good looking bikes! Also a '74? Do you know of any others in your area? There's only one other around here that I've ever seen. We should post them in the http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/so-lets-hear-about-and-see-your-cars.81513/

Mine is a ‘73.

 

[Nater Potater]

Yeah, it might be a

But, after all, it was the OP that showed a picture of his bike first, which is his prerogative. So, here goes:

 

[El Capitan]

This is a bike.

 

[Gofirstclass]

This isn't mine but I rode one of these for many years. Honda Aspencade 1500. Now THIS is a touring bike!

 

[Kurt V]

Yeah, it might be a

But, after all, it was the OP that showed a picture of his bike first, which is his prerogative. So, here goes:

That is one nice looking interstate!

 

[Nater Potater]

That is one nice looking interstate!

Thanks! My dad bought it new, and I was there when it came out of the shipping crate. It got bounced about a bit, but is now back home to stay. If anyone's interested, you can read the story here: https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/shes-back.14703/