Sea Ray cruisers

[SkinnyBoy]

Andy (Rum Runner) will probably be the best to chime in here. I'm looking at getting a decent boat in the next year or two, nothing massive but something me and the mrs can enjoy with a couple of friends.

I spied a Sea Ray 240 Sundancer that caught my eye which would suit my size requirements, inboard V8 and decent accommodation, and not a bad price at all.



Any info and experience would be greatly appreciated!

[Cupramax]

I run a Sea Ray albeit one bit smaller than that one. They are one of the best built (and hence most expensive) on the market but you only have to look at older ones to see the quality of the gel coat and general finish of the boat, they last well if looked after. Be aware though if its your first boat they do cost a fortune in regulare maintenance. Expect 1 full service and winterisation per year. That will be 500 at the very least on a V8 240 and on top of that expect the usual consumables like anodes and an impellor (Water pump). Antifouling will need to be applied every other year 300/400 quid or so if its kept on a pontoon(depending on the qaulity of what you apply). And of course then the storage/pontoon/racking fees. Its an expensive but great past time...

Also be aware that you will need safety gear (lifejackets, flares, a VHF radio), and its worth doing a basic RYA course.

[Cupramax]

Just noticed you're in Oz, those prices may not be accurate for you...

[Rum Runner]

Great boat good size many big boat features and as said well built.
Make sure the gimbble bearings in the leg are not rattly when in neutral and the engine is trimed up at idle.

Edited by Rum Runner on Thursday 8th October 00:27

[SkinnyBoy]

thanks for the quick replies fellas. Cupra, i already have all the safety equipment and have been sailing for years, I currently fish off a Caribbean 18 footer, which is ace for fishing but not so for just chilling out with friends. I am going to a few of our local marina's this weekend to have a chat about storage of such a vessel and ongoing costs. As for maintenance I have that pretty much sewn up as I do all my own now. Of all the boats of this size such as the Maxum, Bay(bin)liners, the Sea Ray seems to be the nicest balance of style and equipment. I have a contact who buys repo'd boats from the USA so I can probably get a bargain if I am willing to wait for a year.

Thanks for the input chaps, the sooner I do my homework the sooner i can convince SWMBO that having a boat this big would be rude not to!

Anyhow, my current bateaux will be getting a run this sunday if the weather is nice.