Find us the right boat

[Mhorn0817]

We have been boating for a while, we have had a couple boats. We had a 98 sea ray 215ec that we used and liked but wanted bigger. We found and purchased a 98 sea ray 270se which we are currently using and while we do like it, there are some things that we don't like. Enough to make us want to get and another boat.

We like the express cruiser style, comfort, convenience. The couple issues we have with our 270 is that there is no walk thru windshield, so we either want a walk thru or a windlass, or both but the walk thru seems more practical. The boat lists and feels unstable in a couple foot waves, we would like something that doesn't make us feel like we're going to roll. The deck has too many different levels and somebody is constantly tripping or banging their foot and toes. So a flat deck or maybe 2 levels but not 4 different levels on a small deck.

The boat must be trailerable, fuel injected, newer the better but I'd rather a good report on any boat that's being purchased. Would like to stay $25k or below. May go a little higher for the right deal.

It doesn't have to be an express cruiser but something with a large cuddy to relax out of the weather sometimes. Any help, options, opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you on in advance.

 

[tpenfield]

$25K is going to be tough . . . but there are a few boats.

'Trailerable' can mean different things, but I assume you want to stay within the 'no permit required' limits which tends to be 8' 6" beam. (I tow locally a 10' 10" beam boat, but don't tell anybody )

A flat deck typically means no aft berth, just a cuddy. Fuel injected means 1998 or newer. I had a 1996 Formula 330 with the first generation of MPI, which was somewhat primitive vs. today's standards. I would also go with MPI vs. EFI. However, keep in mind that when an MPI (or EFI) engine is not working properly, traditional methods of troubleshooting are useless.

Flat hulls are less 'tippy' but terrible on choppy waters. So, it is a trade-off.

My advice is to go look at boats of various types and get a first hand idea of the look and feel. I recently bought a new boat and looked at a variety of boats. What I thought I would like, when armchair shopping, I didn't actually like in person.

 

[Mhorn0817]

Yeah we completely understand all of it, lol.

We would like to legally trailer so 8'6. We travel up to an hour sometimes so we rather be safe then sorry. I won't tell anyone your secret, lol.

Aft berth isn't a huge must, it's nice but really just used for storage. Even if the deck only had 2 different levels and not 4, it would be better.

98 or newer for the fuel injection. Why would you choose mpi over EFI?

I think we have to stay with the V hull because we do hit chop half the time. I think the "problem" is a 27' cruiser with only a 8'6 beam. Pair that with the raised center deck and it seems sketchy at times.

We have no problem looking at boats and comparing. We just have no clue where to start on what to look at. So many options, styles, etc.

 

[tpenfield]

Yeah we completely understand all of it, lol.

98 or newer for the fuel injection. Why would you choose MPI over EFI?

If you have ever seen an EFI in action, it is not much different than a carbureted engine The fuel mixture still has to travel through the intake manifold and make its way into the cylinders.

MPI is injecting the fuel right at the intake port, so it is more precise delivery of fuel in the right amount at the right time.

Look at Formulas as they have both a cruiser style (PC) and a day boat style (Sun Sport - SS). Cobalt would be another brand to look at, and even Chaparral. You've had Sea Rays, so you know what they are all about.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Would like to stay $25k or below.

This will be the largest hurdle to overcome

 

[Mhorn0817]

What are some brands to stay away from? Our budget can be a little higher but we prefer to stay below 30k unless the right deal comes along.

 

[garbageguy]

The 1998 Wellcraft 240SE we now have, may have (some of) what you're looking for. I selected it ever a similar-sized searay bc of the larger flat exterior cockpit, smaller interior cabin. We like to be outside on the boat, with friends. It does have a mid-birth, and a carb'd GM 350 (easier for me to work-on). There seem to be plenty around here (western NY anyway).

 

[Mhorn0817]

That does look pretty nice. How bad is the step down into the cabin? Is the 5.7 big enough to move that thing?

 

[Mhorn0817]

I've seen a lot of brands, some I've never heard of and some I'm just not sure if they're good or not. Can anybody chime in and tell me some brands to stay away from or to lean towards?

Rinker
Renken
Maxum
Monteray
Regal
Wellcraft
Larson
Stingray
Glastron

 

[tpenfield]

I've seen a lot of brands, some I've never heard of and some I'm just not sure if they're good or not. Can anybody chime in and tell me some brands to stay away from or to lean towards?

Rinker
Renken
Maxum
Monterey
Regal
Wellcraft
Larson
Stingray
Glastron

More significant than the brand would be the current condition, since you will be looking at older boats. But poorly made boats do not get better with age. So, . . .

From your list, I like
Regal
Wellcraft
Monterey (Maybe)

I'll add . . .
Formula
Chris Craft
Sea Ray
Cruisers Yacht
Chaparral
Grady-White
Pursuit

 

[Mhorn0817]

Thank you for the reply. Your list is what I know and/or assumed were good brands. Condition is definitely going to be key but I've seen a few good condition Rinker's, and that didn't make the list, lol.

We've had 2 Sea Ray so far, content with them. Parts availability is a plus for any boat. We found a regal express window that we liked and fit the bill but motor brand we've always been told to stay away from, so we're not sure.

 

[briangcc]

What motor? Volvo? Merc?

Volvo Penta are truly smooth running critters. The problem in my neck of the woods is finding a dealer who will service it. That is the main problem with Volvo Penta....well and they like to charge a 2-3x premium over comparable Merc parts. IF you have the marina support in your area, this actually would be my preference despite the cost difference, keep reading...

Again in my neck of the woods, Merc dealers are almost everywhere. Downside, on my particular setup, is that it has the stupid shift interrupter which during docking has cut the engine off at the absolute wrong time. Most times its fine and doesn't happen but when it has, I've wished I had the Volvo back.

 

[nola mike]

. Downside, on my particular setup, is that it has the stupid shift interrupter which during docking has cut the engine off at the absolute wrong time. Most times its fine and doesn't happen but when it has, I've wished I had the Volvo back.

Bravos don't have that problem, which is what's likely on a boat that size

 

[Mhorn0817]

Yes the Volvo motors. I've always dealt with Merc's. Easily readily available parts and good prices. I can do most repairs myself and of course merc mechanics are everywhere. I'm not sure about Volvo mechanics around me.

 

[tpenfield]

Both are good motors and for the boats that you will likely be considering, the engine itself are both sourced from GM. All the 'dressing' around them are specific to each manufacturer (Merc, V-P)

For the boat that I just bought, I could have gotten a Volvo-Penta or a Merc . . . but my comfort level is with the Mercury products. So, that was a deciding factor.

 

[Mhorn0817]

We wound up selling our 270se and are actively looking for it's replacement. We have been looking at 2003-2007 Sea Ray 260 since it fits the bill. Our only concern is that they all list and most of the owners have been honest about it.

Will all other boats similar still list?

 

[tpenfield]

'List' as in lean to one side?

If so, V hulls will tend to favor one side or the other. Narrower the beam, the more noticeable it will be.

 

[Mhorn0817]

Yes, lean bad to one side or the other. I know I can use the tabs and control and I do. Just wasn't sure if there was a different style or layout that would help.

 

[tpenfield]

The flatter hulls won't lean as much, but they won't handle choppy waters well at all. You can always shift weight around the boat to get it as well balanced as possible.

My 24 ft Formula (242SS) leaned about 2" to one side at rest. I added some weight to the other side to get it to sit more normally. My more recent boats are/were over 10 ft beam, and listing is not an issue.

Even so, when I get people on board I sometimes need to have them change seating locations to balance the boat.

For quick adjustments while on plane I just use a slight bit of steering to the 'high' side. If there is a persistent list . . . I use the trim tabs.

 

[Mhorn0817]

I've been noticing the mid to late 2000s have a better seat balance layout so that may help some.