'86 Sea Ray Seville II

[devils518]

Hi all. First time boater here with a couple questions. I am going to look at a 21' 1986 Sea Ray Seville II with a mercruiser 470 motor. Online posting was rather vague so that is all the information I really have right now. I am just wondering if there is anything in particular I should be looking for on this boat. It looks to be in fantastic shape in the pictures and the owner claims it was always stored inside and professionally maintained. I did read the checklist sticky and definitely will use that but again, I just wanted to ask if there is anything specific to this boat I should be looking for as I have not been able to find a ton of info online. Btw asking is $3700 if anybody wants to give an opinion on that. I really appreciate any advice I can get.

 

[Expidia]

Not to tick you off but as a first time boater do you really want tomstart with a boat that is almost 30 years old? if pouring money into a first boat does not give you a bad feeling about boating I dont know what would. Also, don't believe "anything" a seller is telling you about the boat or it's history. Would you buy a 30 year old car? In my opinion, 99% is BS of what a seller is telling you so they can get your $3700. If you don't believe me than save this post and let me know a year later how you made out .

 

[devils518]

Doesn't tick me off at all. And I appreciate the input it's exactly what I was asking for. That said I wish I could afford a newer boat but I just can't. Getting a boat in this age range is really the only thing I can afford. To your point on not believe anything the seller says I completely understand that point of view and don't entirely disagree with it.

 

[Bubbasboat]

First, where are you located?

 

[Bubbasboat]

I agree with Expedia about not believing what the current owner tells you! Other than that, I have a 40 year old HULL, I have a 37 year old MOTOR that are both in great condition and I love them both as together they make a great BOAT!!. When buying an older boat, keep in mind your buying two items, the hull and the motor. In these age ranges, you don't always find both together in the same boat(package). $3,700 sounds like a lot for that age. Would need to be in superb condition! They exist, but are the exception in reality! Always stored inside????? 30 years is a long time in boat years! Is this the original owner? OK, enough.:laugh:

 

[JimS123]

That vintage Searay was an entry level boat at the time and most didn't fare well in time. If it was truly 30 year garage kept, then it might be OK. OTOH, that 470 Merc was problematic from the get go - that's why they haven't made them in 30 years.

For mint condition I'd go $1500 and be prepared to spend a lot of $ in the future to find parts for the old motor.

 

[nlain]

I owned an 87 SeaRay Seville, 17 feet in lenght, bought it new, it was a great boat, I enjoyed it for most of 17 years. Now, there is a lot of wood in that vintage, decks, transom, stringers. My boat was stored outside under a cover, if cover leaked it got wet inside, when I got rid of it there were soft spots in the deck, as in bad wood. So if you do go look at it check the decks, transom, lift any panels in the deck and look below, pull the engine cover, look in there. The 470 engine does have a bad reputation. That size boat needs a little bit more engine, 4.3L at least.