Which boat would you buy?

bpmcl00

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
271
Im looking for another boat for cruising/watersports. My last boat was a 19 foot dixie bowrider with a 4.3 it was nice but due to rot i decided to get rid of it before a little problem turned big. here are my 2 options

1) 1997 MARADA MX-1 18 foot 3.0/Alpha one. iv not heard too much about marada except that they are no longer in business. The boat looks to be in very good shape, has a slightly larger beam then the Sea ray im looking at, but also weighs a about 300lbs more. The upholstery is very nice and there is no sign of rot. asking 3500$ NADA is around 3300-3800. my only concern is ill regret the smaller motor

2) 1992 SEA RAY 180 4.3LX/Alpha one- This boat has slight rot in the front bow section where there is support for the bow cushions. Does not look like anything major, i can glass some support with no problem. Also the upholstery is SHOT. im not very concerned with this cause the cushions are very basic shapes and i can recover them myself. Also the Trim System has a leak cause the trim oil is milky. Small maintaince here and there is needed, i havent check the compression yet but will do so before i buy. Also one right side manifold is JB welded due to freeze cracking. Boat comes with decent sound system mooring coverand front bow snap cover. Floor is solid and tansom seems too. 2900$


Im having trouble deciding which one. i was thinking the sea ray cause its below value asking price, and i can fix most issues and may have a chance of selling it for a decent price later down the road. ALSO i like the bigger motor. i dont think i will be happy with a 3.0. i like to tow towables with a full capacity sometimes. MOST OF ALL ITS A SEA RAY!

Tell me what ya guys think!

Thanks
 

Summer Fun

Banned
Joined
Mar 2, 2002
Messages
2,251
Re: Which boat would you buy?

JB welded due to freeze cracking
Right there would have me RUNNING away from that one !!. :eek:. That $2900 could turn into $5.000 in repairs.
 
Last edited:

Bifflefan

Commander
Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
2,933
Re: Which boat would you buy?

I think the 3.0 should do fine.
I also would shy from the sea ray as it needs quite a bit of work and is 5 years older.

But in the end its is your choice. none of us can make it for you.
 

bpmcl00

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
271
Re: Which boat would you buy?

Freeze cracking in Georgia?

yes believe it or no it does happen. i may hold off on both till i can find one with a 4.3 or bigger. iv ridden in a 3.0 and they just dont pull very well especially with a full load. im just in the i want now stage haha. ill chekc out the other one maybe take it to the lake and see how it runs and go from there. the sea ray does need alot of work but the motor just sounds soo appealing
 

Summer Fun

Banned
Joined
Mar 2, 2002
Messages
2,251
Re: Which boat would you buy?

the sea ray does need alot of work but the motor just sounds soo appealing
Dude why ??. If he let the motor freeze !! What about the outdrive too?? . This is a buyers market :). You can get a better boat !! Just keep looking. :)
 

nitsuj

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 22, 2003
Messages
483
Re: Which boat would you buy?

Why would you want a boat with a cracked block, and floor rot, and possibly other large repairs just because "ITS A SEARAY". Sea Ray makes a nice boat, but it's not the be all, end all boat brand. It's just as likely to turn into junk from neglect as any other brand. Don't let the name on the side lure you into buying someone else's problems.

Of the 2 you listed, I'd pick the Marada. But in this market, I'd not limit myself to just 2. Lots of boats out there. Pick the one that has the features and specs you want, for the price you want.
 

tmh

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 16, 2006
Messages
1,136
Re: Which boat would you buy?

The Sea Ray, in THAT condition, is worth whatever the trailer it sits on is worth. Sorry, but that's reality. Cracked block, trashed inside, and I'd BET much more rot than you think. The boat is done for. $5K to fix it to be worth maybe $3K!

I say hold out for what you want. A 4.3L in that size is perfect. Get a 3.0 and you'll live with "OK" until you sell it!

Good luck.
 

Subliminal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 21, 2009
Messages
555
Re: Which boat would you buy?

Just a note: A crack in the manifold does not a cracked block make.

I might be grasping at straw here, but a manifold is basically an accessory, which can be unbolted and replaced as needed.

But, I do understand that a crack in one spot could mean damage in others.
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
Re: Which boat would you buy?

3.0 on the small side but that SR sounds like a project not a runner. Do you want to boat or fix stuff? With winter coming up maybe you have the time. My opinion is to keep looking.
 

justchange

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
214
Re: Which boat would you buy?

I think i'd keep lookin'. Too many boats out there for a reasonable price to get one that need so much work. ;)
 

bpmcl00

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
271
Re: Which boat would you buy?

Thanks for all the replys fella's!
 
Top