Does a reliable boat exist???

[F_R]

Re: Does a reliable boat exist???

Just want to give a kind word concerning Sea Ray. We used to supply the hydraulic steering and engine controls for them. We found their quality control to be outstanding. We had to do a special second QC inspection on everything we sent them because if any part had even a minor scratch where it wouldn't even show they would reject and return the whole system. It was a pain for us, but I said at the time that if I were ever to buy a new boat it would be a Sea Ray.

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: Does a reliable boat exist???

I've worked in the electro-mechanical world for the better part of 40 years. A quote I heard many years ago "if made by man it will break" is always with me.

I've owned both I/O and outboard. Yes, a 2 cycle outboard is less maintainence but I love my I/O. No matter if it's a boat, car, plane or wife, if it ain't happy it's gonna give some hints. It just comes down to listening to what she's telling you so you can get it corrected before something breaks.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Does a reliable boat exist???

If the automotive industry turned out cars with the same quality and attention to detail as the average boat builder there would be rioting in the streets. But because the production volumes are miniscule (compared to the automotive industry) and, as someone mentioned above, boating is seen by many as a luxury we put up with these things.

The common denominator and only hope seems to be routine maintenance. But it's a major uphill battle considering the very hard life boats lead.

That's part of the reason I insisted for this latest boat that there would be no carpet, no wood, no outdrive. Not to say boats with those ingredients can't give you years of good service, I just wanted to stack the deck (ha,ha - pun intended) in my favour as much as possible by eliminating a few major sources of potential future problems.

I will also respectfully disagree with tash on the engine debate. My 3.0 ran almost flawlessly in our 17 foot SeaRay for 10 years and hundreds of hours. Only let down once due to cracked coil insulator and even then could limp home. I agree there wasn't a lot of power on tap but the boat was on the small side for an I/O and so we could cruise for hours at reasonable speeds on comparatively little gas. That little motor is a rock and I would assert there are applications where it will serve with distinction.

As for the SeaRay itself, a gorgeous boat but had crap fit and finish for the most part. Whatever rep for good quality they may have had, I saw very little evidence on our 1996 model...

 

[4Winns2]

Re: Does a reliable boat exist???

you are now educating yourself, i first would have never bought a 3.0 or the omc. that was your 1st mistake. my feelings are anything smaller than a 4.3 in a boat is underpowered, and puts excess strain on the engine. DON'T start guys, just my opinion.

as stated the proper care and maintainance is of utmost importance. I prefer outboards over the rest, but i do have a 5.7L Volvopenta, in a 23' deckboat that since repairing all the lack of maintainance of the previous owner, has been bullet proof.

you buy them cheap, and then correct the flaws of the previous owner. or you buy them new and maintain them.

Having grown up on one of the Finger Lakes here in central New York and 40 years of passionate boating under my belt, I wholeheartedly agree with the consensus here: it's not the brand but the maintenance you/previous owner provide.

My father's boat is a 17', 1987 Imperial with a 2.5 litre Mercruiser. Very little maintenace (with the exception of oil changes and tuneups) has been provided this boat which has been beat on over the years and it still runs great. The biggest difference here is that we only run boats 5 months out of the year if that much.

I take very good care of my 90' Four Winns with a 4.3 OMC. So tashadaddy, I do take issue with your OMC comment. It doesn't support your agreement with the theme in this thread: it ain't the brand but how you take care of your brand. Volvo Penta hasn't been the most reliable and best designed outdrive over time, IMHO.