Boat Purchase Decision - Need Input

I have been searching for a boat with specific options/qualities. I have been looking for a 23-28 ft
cabin cuddy/weekend/overnight stay type of boat with frig, shore power, aft cabin, air conditioning...as well as other options. I found two boats with everything I want on them. However, I am not sure which is the right boat and the best deal. One is a 2000 Maxum 28ft with a Merc 7.4 MPI Bravo 111 300 HP engine with 300 hrs with one owner. The other is a 2001 Sea Ray 26 ft with a Merc 5.7 EFI Bravo 111 260 HP engine with 180 hrs with one owner. Both boats are listed at the same price and have all the options I was looking for. I?m not sure which boat would be the best (of course I will negotiate the price)... but at first look, and with the asking price the same, how should I compare accurately. The Sea Ray is one year newer with 125 fewer hours, but the Maxum is larger and with a bigger motor. Both boats are well maintained. I would simply be using the boat to cruise around the great lakes to port to port with my family. Are there things I should consider that I am not? OR any ideas/ suggestions anyone could offer? I?m not sure how Sea Ray and Maxum even compare......Thoughts and input?
Thanks!

Re: Boat Purchase Decision - Need Input

I would consider SeaRay a stronger brand than Maxum, but they are both OK.

Each boat/engine combination is at the lower end of the power scale, so you won't be winning any races. 28 feet is where you start seeing twin engines on boats.

Check NADA for market pricing . . . that will give you a reference point for the asking prices. At about 12 years of age, NADA and BUCvalue are very close in their pricing models. So, NADA, which is often critiqued will be close to the better price references. You can do a monthly subscription to BUCvalue, for more detailed pricing, etc.

The hours on the boats are both on the light side . . . too light (Sea Ray) would raise an eyebrow as to why?

The detailed condition and and related issues will be key. Sea trial and survey are the way to go. Mechanical inspection of the engine & outdrive, etc.

A survey and mechanical inspection are going to be about $700, so you want to be on target with your choice. The survey will usually have a few surprises, but they may not be show stoppers.

Re: Boat Purchase Decision - Need Input

Are these cuddies or express cruisers? The maxum if its an SCR will have a bunch more room than the sea ray if its a sundancer.

Re: Boat Purchase Decision - Need Input

Sea trial both of them, with your anticipated normal load. That's the only true way to know how they'll each perform.

Sea Ray and Maxum are both owned by Brunswick Corp. In the heirarchy of their brands, Bayliner is the bottom, Maxum is the next step up, and then Sea Ray is all the way at the top. I am stunned that the Sea Ray has the same asking price as the Maxum.

Double check the true size of those boats. That Sea Ray is only 8.5' wide, but that Maxum could/should be wider? So the Maxum could be a much larger boat, as mustang was trying to say, I think.

Re: Boat Purchase Decision - Need Input

TilliamWe said:

Sea trial both of them, with your anticipated normal load. That's the only true way to know how they'll each perform.

Sea Ray and Maxum are both owned by Brunswick Corp. In the heirarchy of their brands, Bayliner is the bottom, Maxum is the next step up, and then Sea Ray is all the way at the top. I am stunned that the Sea Ray has the same asking price as the Maxum.

Click to expand...

Was once true BillyB, but Maxum is no longer made. BBG dropped the line in August of 2009. 2009 models were the last Maxum branded boats made.
With that in mind, if you need any dealer support for the Maxum down the road, it will be difficult, if not impossible to get. They were good boats while they
were in production though.