Thoughts on a 86 sea ray seville? Are these decent boats?

[zarillus]

Looking at my first I/O wanted to get your thoughts.The boat is a 1986 18 ft Sea Ray Seville 170hp mercruiser.Boat runs well and top speed is around 45 mph? Things i should check on this paticular model?

Thanks in Advance

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Thoughts on a 86 sea ray seville? Are these decent boats?

I have an '88 Seville 20' bowrider. I bought it last summer. It's performed flawlessly for me. I have the 205 hp 4.3 liter V6, so the power is about the same as your 170hp on the 18 footer. I love the way the boat performs. I checked out the floors by rapping on them with a small hammer I brought along. Along the chines, across the back in front of the engine, in the ski locker, under the engine, across the transom. Everything checked out sound from what I could tell, and I've seen nothing to change that opinion. But these boats vary a lot, so check your's out. If it's been trailered and covered properly, there is a good chance it's fine. I'm in California, so it's a pretty easy climate for a boat. Don't know where you're from, but if it's the mid-west (winters, humidity in summer) or South (humidity), or if the boat has been kept in a slip, check floors especially carefully.

The condition of the upholstery should help you understand if the boats been properly covered. Dash guages should be easy to read, with no staining on the faces, and no moisture inside the face.

Engine should be clean, bilge under engine shouldn't be oily or dirty, hoses should look good (not dirty, checked/cracked), paint should look like original color, not dirty all over. Some staining is ok, the boat is 25 years old, after all. Oil should not have a burnt smell, or be very dark and thick. Does it have an hour meter? A well kept engine can last several thousand hours, one not maintained can be old at 100 hours.

Bellows on the outdrive should be in good condition. Cracked shifter bellows can sink a boat, exhaust isn't as important. Cooling water is, of course, very important. If the PO can't show you a record of when the impeller was changed, plan to do that or have it done very soon.

Good luck, these are GREAT boats (of course I'm biased) when they are maintained properly.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Thoughts on a 86 sea ray seville? Are these decent boats?

Okay, my first thought is that regardless of brand, it's 25 years old. That means you should be suspicious of water infiltration (and subsequent rot) in transom and stringers. If you don't know how to check, bring someone who does.

Second thought- is that 170 hp, a 4-cyl motor? If it is, it's the infamous Mercruiser 470/3.7 liter motor. High horsepower for its size, and a pretty terrible design. Search on it and you'll get plenty of info.

Old, well cared for boats can be a great deal. Those that treated indifferently can be your worst nightmare. Best of luck!

 

[zarillus]

Re: Thoughts on a 86 sea ray seville? Are these decent boats?

JoLin-Its a Mercruiser 170 are these decent engines?

Gozierdt-wow thanks for the write up i purchased a old 67 larson a while back and whould have known the transom would be rotten and the deck.Since then i had to rebuild the entire thing.After about 3 years she's almost complete just putting in the last piece of the deck.