Anything in particular to check on a 1996 SeaRay 175 OB?

[striker1211]

I am buying my first boat tomorrow (hopefully) and am taking the test drive tomorrow morning. I have read the various "used checklists" but am wondering if the 96 SeaRay 175 had any problems in particular that would be a deal breaker for $6000 w/ trailer & original 115 merc ELPTO. Also, are there any better sources for Bimini tops other than eBay for around $400? Thanks in advance for your help and feel free to post any suggestion you have for a new boat owner.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Anything in particular to check on a 1996 SeaRay 175 OB?

Boats don't tend to have model and year series problems, and SeaRay is a decent brand. So, if you have checked various inspection lists, then you should do OK.

at 17 years of age, structural issues will be top of the list. So, look deep into the boat's innerds for signs of problems.

let us know how it goes.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Anything in particular to check on a 1996 SeaRay 175 OB?

My only suggestion is to take along you anticipated load to your sea trial. If you're going to haul around 4 200lb+ folks, you need to have that weight in the boat to know how it's going to perform.

 

[striker1211]

Re: Anything in particular to check on a 1996 SeaRay 175 OB?

My only suggestion is to take along you anticipated load to your sea trial. If you're going to haul around 4 200lb+ folks, you need to have that weight in the boat to know how it's going to perform.

Thank you for that. I did bring my girlfriend with me and me and her will be spending the most time in it. Plus the salesperson probably weighed a good 200 so I am happy with the 115's performance. I checked the boat for cracks and transom damage and it appeared fine to me (with what I know that does not mean much) and I hope shes a great boat. I have a 30 day warranty on the motor also so I am going to have a shop look at it too. Thanks again.