Newby - lots of questions

[kmalec]

Hello,

I'm new here. I'm planning on buying my first boat this summer and im on a budget ($10k or less). I would liek a cuddy or cruiser because i have a son who is Autistic and loves the water, although i want a save environment for him and somewhere for he and our dog to get out of the sun if they wish and a potty. Im thinking on a 85-87 Sea Ray 24-26ft cuddy cruiser, sorrento, weekender, sundancer, etc (so confusing) for Lake St. Clair in MI. I say this because from my experience ( which is little) i think it's a good size for a family and to tolerate the lake on rough days. I also think the Sea Ray brand is solid and with around 900 hours a well cared for boat should go another 10 years? I will likely finance it with about a grand or 2 down so im wondering what duration i can get on a boat that old or not at all as well. Any incite wooudl be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, trailer or not? I have an envoy with the 4.3 Liter, class 3 tow package and trans cooler and had planned to trailer it about 10 miles for use and back.

Thanks so much.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Several potential issues come to mind.

1) 4.3 liter Envoy will not likely be enough size and power to tow that boat. A 26 footer is heavy.
2) That size boat as a "first" boat is not something to learn with. Be sure you take a boater safety course especially if you will be on the "Big Lakes". The Great Lakes can get vicious in a hurry and even a 26 footer will not ensure safety.
3) Whatever you buy insist on a marine survey. Taking someones word for condition is almost always a mistake.
4) Insist on a sea trial and ensure every accessory, every electrical device, and the engine and drive work flawlessly. Check engine oil for the dreaded chocolate milk symptom (water in the oil).
5) Check the floor for spongy spots. Soft floors are a sign of rot. This is an expensive repair.
6) Check stringers for rot. This is a terribly expensive repair.
7) If you are not confident about what to look for, take someone with you who has been around boats and knows what to look for.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Definitely check your vehicle tow rating because I bet it is 5000Lbs or less. That size boat will be much heavier than that. Also remember to have about 1000.00 to 1500.00 extra for repairs and add ons ( life jackets, survival rings ....) on things you find you need after your first couple of times out. You will never buy a used boat that doesn't need something after you go out a couple of times even if its just longer fishing poles.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Hello,
I'm planning on buying my first boat this summer and im on a budget ($10k or less). I would like a cuddy or cruiser
a well cared for boat should go another 10 years?
I will likely finance it with about a grand or 2 down so im wondering what duration i can get on a boat that old or not at all as well.
Thanks so much.

Things just happen in the boating world no matter how good you take care of your boat even with just normal use and bouncing around so IMHO it would be wrong to assume 10 years.

I would highly doubt any finance company would give you a loan on a 25 year old boat; I would think you'd spend several hundred dollars to get it surveyed and checked out to their satisfaction even if they would.

In that era Bayliner made a 21 foot aft cabin model that may be good for your situation and probably be a weight your rig would tow.


Mark

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

If you're confused about the various Searay models, what they look like and and how they're laid out, go to the Searay website. They have a archive materials (brochuires and specs) on their old models that will give you the basics. Definitely pay attention to the advice you've been given above- it's good stuff. Most imnporant (IMO) is that brand name is almost meaningless in a 25-year-old boat. It's almost entirely about the care it's received. Great boats can turn to junk, low-end boats can be in great shape.

http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10532/Model-Archives.aspx

 

[drrpm]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Something smaller would be a better fit for your tow vehicle, budget and level of experience. I doubt you'll want to be out on a lake with a dog and an autistic child in anything other than ideal conditions.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Things just happen in the boating world no matter how good you take care of your boat even with just normal use and bouncing around so IMHO it would be wrong to assume 10 years.

I would highly doubt any finance company would give you a loan on a 25 year old boat; I would think you'd spend several hundred dollars to get it surveyed and checked out to their satisfaction even if they would.

In that era Bayliner made a 21 foot aft cabin model that may be good for your situation and probably be a weight your rig would tow.


Mark

A few other companies make smaller 21-22' cabin cruiser style boats. They may fit the bill, and be light enough to tow behind an Envoy.

I sold my boat to a gentleman who got a loan on it. Kind of surprised me they loaned on a 1987 boat, but they did.

 

[kmalec]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

thank you for all the advice. I sort of knew the answers you may provide and agree on towing. I would likely not need to do it at all having a well from a friend already but wanted options. The Sea Ray 245 Cuddy Cabin is a friends boat and in meticulous shape. it's a one owner boat and has been rack stored its entire life and never trailed. Ive driven boats and have taken a Boaters safety course. He's seeking around 8 grand for it. The bank says they will likely only go 5 years on the boat which i am fine with if i choose too and I plan to put 2k down on it. beyond this boat I would likely have a friend go with me who is a broker for advice because reading these ads just scares me like it can turn into the greg brady used care scenario.

I drive my friends Malibu wake setter and a 24 Formula numerous times. I will say im a fair weather and daylight boater, especially with my son on board. and no doubt he would have a life jacket on at all times.Were on the lake all the time. I just dont know the depth, ins and out of where to travel or not, etc. Im looking to just get in waist high water fro a few hours each weekend and enjoy the sun with the family. Maybe have date nights and go to dinner with the wife, etc.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

You are way over weight with that boat and that tow vehicle.

Hull is 4100#
trailer 1000#
fuel 700
gear 200
batteries, cooler, water 200

Thats 6200# minimum.

time for a smaller boat or a bigger truck. Or keep using the dry rack storage and forget about trailering it.

Maybe a 21'er.

 

[kmalec]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Ok, this is where i am at. Ive decided on a 1988 Sea Ray Sun dancer with 640 hrs. 2 4.3's. Has everything, including air and heat. Needs a little TLC, some wax, some seam stitching and a some water stain clean up and thats about it. I can get it for 11.800. What do you think?

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

While you do not say what size boat it is, I assume by the twin engines that it is fairly large and heavy. Your tow vehicle will not handle that boat. Be prepared to upgrade or borrow a 3/4 ton truck. Twin engines mean twice the maintence issues and costs. Not to burst your bubble but this does not sound like a good starter boat for you.

 

[Aquaman-PSD]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

TWINS??? Thats like learning to fly on a rocket ship! From what I can tell without knowing your past boating experience this is a little much. I have driven a few larger boats with mutiple outboards (water rescue boats) and there is a learning curve like you wouldn't imagine. Once you learn how to use it to your advantage it's nice but its a little tricky. Plus for a pleasure cruiser you will be using twice the fuel. From the sounds of what you will be doing it doesn't sound like you need that much hosepower and speed, but I could be wrong.

That being said that noone can tell you what the perfect boat is. The approach that I took when looking at older boats is to follow this order when evaluating a boat that YOU like. Look at structure first, motor second, and cosmetics last. Just my opinion though, I'm new to the game as well!

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

All things aside there is nothing wrong with the older sea rays with twin 4.3s - i assume it is a 270 or larger with twins. Dont think the 268 came with twins.

Obviously there is a lot more to maintain with two drivetrains, frankly double the winterizing and tune up costs, but if you are in love with this boat, it is your call. Definitely not a trailer boat - you will need a slip, and please have it checked/surveyed by a professional. By the sounds of it the boat is not mint, and even the most basic repair can scoot through 2 grand on a boat.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Ok, this is where i am at. Ive decided on a 1988 Sea Ray Sun dancer with 640 hrs. 2 4.3's. Has everything, including air and heat. Needs a little TLC, some wax, some seam stitching and a some water stain clean up and thats about it. I can get it for 11.800. What do you think?

I assume it's the '270' model? I looked in the Searay archives, and that's the smallest Sundancer model of that year. If the engines are in good shape it'll move okay, though not a powerhouse- dry weight is 500 lbs. less than mine.

You WILL have it surveyed, won't you? The kicker with a boat that size is all the subsystems aboard... plumbing, air conditioning, head, holding tanks, water heater, etc. It's a lot to take on (trust me). Aside from the 15 gph at cruise, that is....

My .02

 

[kmalec]

Re: Newby - lots of questions

Yes, thats it. 640 hours on them. Out drives just serviced. Gimble, Bellows, Seals, Etc. new Steering cable and toilet pump. New batteries. upholstery is in good shape, needs no repair. Gelcoat shines, no cracking anywhere, no soft spots. I also looked at the transom, it's solid and when they serviced out drives they said no signs of leaks. cabin needs a good cleaning, including carpet, walls, window's , mirrors, etc. Some fraying on the seat cushions. Everything works, air blows cold and has brand new camper top. doesn't come with a trailer and i have a well on the Clinton river about 15 min from the lake at a friends house. Now, the surveyor is coming this week and we talked on the phone. He thinks just based on year and that it's sitting in the water each summer that it wont pass the moisture tests and will likely have begun to rot. We will have to see if im back at it looking by the weekend. he said plywood in boats have a life expectancy of 18 years, even wrapped in fiberglass and if these boats are kept in the water each summer and not trailered when not in use they usually wont last the 20 years + people think.