Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

Guma

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
26
New to the forum! Been browsing for the last few days trying to read a few posts here and there. As a member of quite a few forums, I have to complement the members and Mods here for a job well done!

On the the topic at hand. I got the boat itch a few weekends ago after I went out on a house boat with a new friend from work. My wife and I got to the ramp about 1/2 hour before they did, and almost right away I was missing the boat I owned almost 10 years ago, while watching everyone launch. 1990 SportCraft 18' I/O Merc 4.3 w/Alpha Drive.

So I have been kidding myself looking around Craigslist and Boat Trader, and happened upon this site last week. Anyhoo, my buddy and I are at work talking about boats when this girl pipes up that she has a '88 Sea Ray Seville 20' Bowrider with what she says is a new (less than 1yr old) big engine. Her words not mine...LOL She is bringing in pictures tomorrow for me to take a look at. We get to talking and she says she will let it go for $1000. I am unsure if she is serious but so far I am extremely open to discussion.

Facts - '88 Sea Ray Bowrider 20' with somewhat new motor. She knows it is not the smaller 3.0 4cyl. I am crossing my fingers it is the 4.3 220HP, but will be fine with the 190HP. Has a new trailer that was bought with the boat 3 yrs ago. Has a wakeboard tower w/racks installed as well. She says the interior is in great shape with no tears or fading of the vinyl.

BAD NEWS - I live in central FL and the boat is in NC. Probably a $400 round trip with hotels and GAS! However, at $1000 the trailer and wakeboard tower alone are worth way more than that even if everything else were to turn out to be absolute crap.

She has offered to go up, give us a lake test on the lake right behind the house, so that is a huge plus!

More details tomorrow with pics to follow. In the meantime, does anyone have anything good or bad to say about this boat and the possible price? I have done a few searches on here and google, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there about this particular boat.

BTW - My main purpose for this boat would be skiing, tubing, kneeboarding, and learning to wakeboard.
 

this forum wont let me

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
46
Re: Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

hey man $1000 for a boat that floats and runs I think why not? If I were you don't even worry about the gas and maybe hotel for that short of money after a test run and a look at the boat in the water as well as out of the water go for it if all looks good. I don't like to comment on one brand of boat over another not ever owning every type out there. I hope you get a good deal and a good boat. good luck
 

redone4x4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
1,548
Re: Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

sounds like a great deal. i would def. be prepared to jump on that one. A $400 tow trip is nothin compared to the fun you can have with only $1400 invested after you get home. just my opinion though.
 

supertic2004

Cadet
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
11
Re: Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

A 1000 bucks for that would be a steal, if it is in good or even fair condition ! However, take your time looking over it. Maybe there is something going on with it that she isn't fully aware of. Just trying to keep it even keeled. I do hope everything turns out for the best though.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,100
Re: Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

Guma, You might ask her to post some pictures.

BTW- I have never heard of a 4.3L motor with 220HP. The max was 205HP for the 4.3LX motor w/4bbl carb. It still should be enough power however. I had an 1988 19' SR Sorrento with the 4.3LX. it was a bit of a pig out of the hole, but had good performance (42MPH) once on plane. Sevilles were pretty close to the Sorrento in hull design.
 

cwhite6

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 7, 2006
Messages
348
Re: Opportunity to pick up a 1988 Sea Ray Seville 20'

I believe the MPI 4.3l is 220hp.
 
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