Another boat buying question

[JOz99]

Hello All,

I've been lurking on here, reading the forum for years - but this is my first post. I'm finally on the verge of buying my first boat (I've been on Lake Erie with family for 20 years), and am looking for some final advice.

After literally years of looking, I finally got serious this spring, and recently found a 1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 250 that fits all my needs perfectly. I have looked it over as thoroughly as I know how (which admittedly isn't much, and mostly what I've read on here), and while there are a few cosmetic issues, I don't think they're a problem as long as the transom, stringers, and motor are sound. I couldn't find any soft spots, and we just had it out on the water for sea trial - it ran great. We agreed on a great price, so I think the next step is a survey, then close the deal if everything passes.

Now, are there any obvious red flags that I'm missing before spending the money on a survey? It has just over 800 hrs on the engine - is that an ok number, or getting too high? I'm also a little confused on the survey. Does it just cover the structure, and then I need to hire a separate mechanic to go over the engine - or does the surveyor go over everything?

Although it's a great deal, it's till a lot of money and of course I'm nervous that I'm overlooking something. Since I'm new to boat buying, any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: Another boat buying question

when it's all said and done you may indeed overlook something, there will always be something. As long as you know that and dont let issue's pile up you will be able to enjoy it.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Another boat buying question

800 hrs is not bad on a well-maintained engine. It also depends on which engine(s) the boat has. If it's got
the base 5.7, it's been working much harder than the 7.4 or dual engine options. But it all depends on the
previous owners. And it ran fine on the sea trial, so that sounds good. Has the boat been kept in the water
or trailered? Staying in the water is generally harder on the boat and outdrive.

My '88 20' Sea Ray Seville has been a great boat. I bought it last year with 320 hrs on the 4.3 engine.
Runs great, solid California "trailer queen". I had to buff out some oxidation on the hull, but other than
that, she's in great shape... That said, I lust after the exact boat you're looking at getting. I think it's a great combination of size and capability.

 

[JOz99]

Re: Another boat buying question

Thanks for the responses.

It is the 5.7 engine, which looked surprising clean when we opened the hatch. I was expecting some obvious use, dirt, oil, wear and tear, but it all looked great. I know there will be issues that pop up - but I just wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything obvious. Hopefully just small maintenance, and nothing major. With the holiday weekend, we haven't had a chance to get the survey done ... hopefully this week, and we can close the deal.

I also grew up on smaller 21' cuddy's - fishing on Lake Erie. We decide to step up to the small cabin cruiser, so we can have a combination of everything. It's small enough that it won't break the bank to go fishing or tubing, can even be trailered short distances, and is still big enough to spend a weekend up at the islands.