Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

[mtburman25]

We're looking for new boat. Our's filled with water earlier this month, although salvageable, it's a good time to upgrade.
Are there any major differences between 95 Sea Ray and 2001 Sea Ray, with respect to hull differences, building materials, etc. And opinions on 4.3L throttle body vs. 5.0L 2 barrel carb. Both have low hours and good maintenance.

We ski, wakeboard, air chair, camp and generally enjoy the lake. I am a 250# single ski, (72" HO) and we put 4 - 6 in the boat with us.

If both boats are equal, what would be reasonable $$ justification for the new boat?

thanks, looking forward to new boat this weekend,

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

Fuel injection is always a plus. Fuel consumption between the 4.3L TBI and 5.0L carb in the same size boat is probably pretty similar. What is the HP rating of each motor? I'm guessing something like 190HP vs maybe 220?

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

210 HP on the 4.3L, 190 HP on the 5.0, (can put on 4 barrel/manifold and get same HP)

 

[limitout]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

we aren't talking about it falling apart over night but fiberglass does have a finite shelf life and it dries out and gets brittle and starts cracking. condition and storage situations matter but in general I would always go with a newer hull when dealing with a fiberglass boat

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

Limitout, I've never heard of it getting brittle and causing issues. Plenty of 1950s/1960s glass boats still out and around not falling apart that I can see.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

Split the difference. Go with a 1998, but a 5.7 liter with a 4 barrel!

What size boat is it? They say that there is no replacement for displacement, but a TBI would be pretty nice to have.

Do you see any differences in the hull design, windshield design, seating design between the two?

Is your current, flooded, boat the 1995?

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

both 18.5, exact same boat except 1995 5.0L Carb and 2001 4.3L FI

 

[Volphin]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

I'd take the 01 EFI. Sea Ray glass was still good back then.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

I'd take the newer one with the fuel injection.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

And, a 4.3 liter is plenty of power for an 18.5. I'd take the 2001.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

What type of boat of yours filled with water? What size and engine was that?

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

old boat was 99 larson with 4.3L 2bbl.

With 4 blade prop, it had enough power with 3-4 people, I would like to add second battery, and still be able to ski with 4-5 people.
$$ difference between the two boats is $4k. That's whats making the decison tough.

 

[jkust]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

So 1995 was the year prior to the introduction of modern vortec heads. It's possible the 95 could have a modern engine in it but my inclination is the newer boat. The 2000's have a more contemporary design and back around the late 90's and early 2000's small sea rays were actually nice as compared to the crap they've become. A modern 4.3 is amazingly capable for just 6 cylinders.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

loved my 02 SR190 (really manufactured in 2001). actually a wider boat than the pre 1996 boats (different hull mold)

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

That $4,000 difference is pretty big. Heck, you could buy the 1995 and put a brand new engine in it and still be under the $4K difference.. then you'd have a 1995 with a new engine as opposed to a 2001 with a used engine. What do you think of the body styles between the two of them? 1995 is around the year where they started putting the rounded windshields in and have the molded in swim platform (which I think started around late 80's early 90's right?). So, the body style may not be that much difference.

$4K can go a long way towards other stuff. How often do you boat?

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

thanks for input, we purchased the 2001 after the 1995 was taken off the market. Did think about the engine swap ideas, etc. In the end the decision was made easy. Been to the lake skiing twice already this week, planning on next week also.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

ok, now we need pics

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001

Great boat. Which seating option did you get?

If you decide to put trim tabs on your boat. I have done it on my 2002 and I can step you thru the process with pics, etc. Bennett Sport Tabs will fit with modification

 

[mtburman25]

Re: Differences and Opinions between 1995 and 2001



I don't think I'll be doing trim tabs. Would like to put removable ski platform on back.