2002 Sea Ray 17 Footer?

[txbeetle]

Looking at a 2002 Sea Ray, owner says it's 17.5 feet long, 60 hours on engine, supposedly in great shape. Wants $8500, which is about right on NADA. Anyone have experience with this model? I looked at new one like this, 175 model, very plain around $17500, only thing I didn't like was driver seat was not adjustable and some cleats were not stainless steel. Any comments would be appreciated. It's between this boat and a 21 foot 95 model Bayliner with big V8. $6800 also in good shape.

 

[sportsnut87]

Re: 2002 Sea Ray 17 Footer?

I have a 175 BR sea ray 1997. I love the boat, very simular in hours, mine is almost show room condition. I paided a bit less, but got about 1600.00 in extras. My issue, and it is not an issue yet, but this was a starter boat for me, is engine size. Mine has the 3.0 130 horse merc. Works great now, but as my kids get bigger it wont be so good. Currently pulls kids great on tubes with 5 of us in the boat. the Performance has been better than most told me it would be. But now that I am hooked on boating, bigger and faster will be better. I will say this, mine has carpet in it and fishing with a 6 yr old is a royal pain in the neck. but he is getting better and I will spend the hour it takes to clean it just so I can spent 3 hours alone with him. As far a construction, looks, extras, performance, I have a great boat.

I have had mine 2 months now, live in flood land,(well atleast this year) northern illinois, I just got off the Sea ray website looking at new layouts. I thought I would keep my boat a few years and then trade, but given the boating economy, I may trade this fall for a new one. deals, deals, deals,

Good luck on the search.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: 2002 Sea Ray 17 Footer?

I just sold my 2002 BR176 for about that and I feel that I let the guy practically steal it from me.

When I checked NADA was closer to $11,500 on the boat with the options I gave it to him with. I was ready for a new boat and he gave me just a little more than the dealer was going to give me for it.

If its been maintained well it's a great boat. My only thing with it was the same thing the guy above me said. After a while you're going to want more power. It's a starter boat pure and simple.

 

[Thunder_SS]

Re: 2002 Sea Ray 17 Footer?

My story is almost the same as the previous poster.

I have a 1995 Sea Ray 175, it actually measures 18' 2". Cleanest '95 boat I probably have come across in a while. Although I would love a bigger, faster boat, this little boat suites me fine for now. I have 2 boys under under 6 years old. Pulls them fine in a tube with 4 adults in the boat. I have had several peope tell me that a 3.0L will not have the power (mainly marinas trying to sell me a bigger boat), but it cruises 40-45 MPH pretty easy with the right trim level. I am sure in 2-3 years when Gavin is 8, I will want a 20 or 22 foot with a big V8.

But right now, this one is fine.

As for the 2002 sea ray, 8500 is a pretty good price. Around here in Okoboji, boats go for about 20% higher then NADA. That is just the market for boats in our area.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: 2002 Sea Ray 17 Footer?

You will generally find Sea Ray owners to have been very careful with thier boats. Go for the six year old Sea Ray over the 13 year old bayliner and buy a lower pitch prop if you need more power.