larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

[rob123]

Hi there,

I'm new to boating and looking for some advice. I am planning to buy a runabout boat in the 19-20 foot range. I think I've narrowed it down to the Larson Senza 186 (volvo 4.3L / 190hp) or the SeaRay 185 sport (MerCruiser 4.3L / 190hp). I havent decided if I'll be buying new or used yet.

Any comments, suggestions, guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

 

[resinator]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

If you buy new I would easily go with the Larson, I would recommend buying used for the fact that new boats do not hold their value whatsoever. That being said when you find a used boat to buy I would strongly recommend that you have a marine surveyor take a look at. I believe they charge around 7 dollars a foot. After inspecting your boat from stem to stern he would give you a report as to potential problems such as rotten stringers, transom, floorboards etc. I hope I was able to help you in some way.

 

[zach103]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

i have a 1986 larson senza thats in really good condition.. i love it.. if that helps any

 

[Subliminal]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

It seems like I always post the same response to these threads:

I just purchased a leftover 2008 (new) Monterey 18 ft. with the Volvo 4.3.

MSRP is ~$32k.

I got it for $18.5k.

Just make sure you look around until you find yourself a deal you can't pass up.

 

[reap182]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

i agree. look around there are lots of great deals going on now, new and used.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

I bought my leftover 2008 in August last year. Also, a great deal. Substantially less than MSRP and then a rebate. It has the 4.3L, 190HP and I am pleased with the performance. And, I can say that it has plenty of power for skiing and tubing and wake boarding and I am yanking some big guys (my grown sons) outta the water. Good luck.

 

[jkust]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

Those packages seem like very practical first boat choices. My opinion is that Sea Ray Sports are too little for too much. The Larson Senza is my choice. Those seem like very main street brand choices as well. There are so many other similarly priced models some more regional than others that may be superior each in different ways IMO. The Monterey is a great example of that. I wouldn't have many reservations about the Senza except for the 4.3 carb being the base engine. At a minimum I would opt for the 4.3MPI.

 

[rob123]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

Great thanks everyone!

sounds like I should go used and for the senza, but if I go new, to look for a good deal.

thanks for all of the tips!

Rob

 

[JimMH]

Re: larson Senza 186 v. Searay 185 sport

I would go with the Larson Senza. Being partial to Larson's. My brother had a Searay 185 and while it was a good boat Larson 190 I had would out perform it with the same engine. Definitely go with the V6 and look around you should be able to find a good deal on a used boat only a few years old.