Newbie's New Boat

quadzilla · May 13, 2004

I'm new to the forum and to boating (well, at least to anything bigger than a 14' jon boat). Thought I'd make an initial post with some pics of my newly acquired Sea Ray rig. To make a long story short its been completely restored by a fanatical guy who made me feel like I was adopting one of his children. Its not perfect, but while shopping for a starter boat, its the most well cared-for thing I found by a long shot, and fit well under my $5k budget. Its titled as a 1980 18', but its almost certainly a mid to late '70's boat. Inline Chevy six, new lower unit and as can see from the shine on the boat (restored in 1996), extremely well taken care of. We'll see how the family enjoys boating this Sunday as we take our maiden voyage. Wish us luck and let me know what you think. Thanks, Q

delta breeze · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Hey Q, I had the same boat but with the 188 merc.302 ford.I loved the boat,yours looks great.You will really like the 165 mercruiser package.Alot of tourqe and good gas mileage.Let me know if I can ever help with questions. Delta Breeze

quadzilla · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Originally posted by delta breeze: Hey Q, I had the same boat but with the 188 merc.302 ford.I loved the boat,yours looks great.You will really like the 165 mercruiser package.Alot of tourqe and good gas mileage.Let me know if I can ever help with questions. Delta Breeze

Thanks! Whle getting a water test, the owner is explaining that a ground on the gas tank is off so the gauge doesn't work. He says they filled up in the morning and ran it all day on a single tank. He never ran out of fuel. Very stingy with the gas, evidently. As I get to know her a little better, I'm sure I'll have questions. Thanks for the offer.

quantumleap · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Just out of curiosity, how many people does it seat. It looks like the seat is quite a ways back from the steering, but the pictures were all pretty close so it is hard to see the interior layout. But looks like you got a nice clean rig. Enjoy!

RatFish · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Looks nice. Enjoy!

quadzilla · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Originally posted by Quantumleap: Just out of curiosity, how many people does it seat. It looks like the seat is quite a ways back from the steering, but the pictures were all pretty close so it is hard to see the interior layout. But looks like you got a nice clean rig. Enjoy!

Good catch. You could easily put in six people with four comfortably on the bench. He removed the two fold down front seats to allow for that custom bench seat that folds out into a bed. He uses two coolers as seats now, and it works just fine. Not the classiest looking setup, but sure is cost effective. I like the flexibility of the open layout and will put some removable seats in at some point that make it a little more finished looking. I'd like to put a bimini top on the boat and would love ideas for setting that up. Thanks!

DJ · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

quadzilla, All you need to know about bimini's is: 1. Your gunwale width. 2. How tall you want it. (gunwale to top) 3. How long you want it. (front to back-how many bows)

cuzner · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

My first thought was your arms must be 5 feet long to reach the wheel.Great looking boat!!!!. You can always instal a pedastal seat if your butt gets sore from the cooler or if get tired of standing up ever time someone wants a beer. enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim

Jdeagro · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Congratulations & Have Fun!

Solittle · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

On the bimini - The main bow of my bimini attaches to a slide on the gunnels. This allows the entire top to slide to the rear and out of the way when you want to take it down. Many do not have this which results in the top folding forward which get in the way of everything.

scott begovich · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Thats one sweet ole Sea Ray, good luck with her

TPD211 · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Great looking boat and welcome to the forums.....

mercrewser · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

I had the same boat. That I6 is hard to kill. Have fun!

dkwalker · May 13, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Wow... very nice. And for a good price.

quantumleap · May 14, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Yeah I agree, some flush mount bases with swivel pedestals would be the ticket. I've seen them in the same color combo to match that bench seat you have that would look very nice. I'm a little leary of using a cooler for the driver while underway. In rough water you could end up in the passengers lap if the cooler started to slide! Be careful and enjoy!

quadzilla · May 14, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

Originally posted by Quantumleap: Yeah I agree, some flush mount bases with swivel pedestals would be the ticket. I've seen them in the same color combo to match that bench seat you have that would look very nice. I'm a little leary of using a cooler for the driver while underway. In rough water you could end up in the passengers lap if the cooler started to slide! Be careful and enjoy!

I tend to agree. If you've got some ideas of sources for these, I'd be interested in hearing about it. Thanks

doman · May 15, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

where did the seat go? lol ..you definately need some pesdestal seat in there to save the space..other than that very nice boat Good luck and have fun!! Dom

youngboater · May 15, 2004

Re: Newbie's New Boat

The boat looks like new (sort of, lol). Get those seats in and you'll be crusin' in no time.

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