First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

[clement4]

I am in the market for my first boat...I've been considering a Sea Ray 205, but want to do my due diligence first. I've also heard Four Winns is a good boat. What advice (and which brand) would you recommend for a first time boat owner? Mainly going to use for cruising & tubing with family.

Also - what Four Winns goes head to head with Sea Ray 205?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

Both brands have a good reputation. Both brands have built really good boats over the years.

Are you looking at new or used boats?

Preference often comes down to a few things that typically only the buyer can determine.

If looking at new only, local dealer support is important. If looking at used only, a local repair shop that services the engine/outdrive in the boat is important.

Of note Four Winns often use Volvo Penta drive packages but can be had with Mercruiser also. Sea Ray is only packaged with Mercruiser power. (Mercruiser and Sea Ray are both owned by the corporate parent Brunswick).

There is a lot of overlap in the Four Winns line up. The H200 and H210 should both be considered if comparing to the Sea Ray 205.

 

[clement4]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

[looking at new...great advice! keep it coming.
QUOTE=RotaryRacer;4370689]Both brands have a good reputation. Both brands have built really good boats over the years.

Are you looking at new or used boats?

Preference often comes down to a few things that typically only the buyer can determine.

If looking at new only, local dealer support is important. If looking at used only, a local repair shop that services the engine/outdrive in the boat is important.

Of note Four Winns often use Volvo Penta drive packages but can be had with Mercruiser also. Sea Ray is only packaged with Mercruiser power. (Mercruiser and Sea Ray are both owned by the corporate parent Brunswick).

There is a lot of overlap in the Four Winns line up. The H200 and H210 should both be considered if comparing to the Sea Ray 205.[/QUOTE]

 

[jobofly]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

I bought my first boat this year and I went with a sea ray. I looked at a lot of different brands and the quality of sea ray made the decision for me.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

Aside from what I already stated, I will add the Sea Ray "Sport" series are the bargain basement specials in Sea Ray's lineup. They are not bad boats, but they don't have all the same nicetys of the rest of the lineup.

I would put a Four Winns H200 or H210 a rung above the SR 205 Sport in terms of standard features and equipment.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

Also look at a Monterey 204 FS. We did, and available storage, build quality,performance and value for your money put the Monterey on the top of the list. Four Winns would have
been a close 2nd. The Sea Ray is a good boat, but overpriced for what you get IMO.

 

[DB Cooper]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

I would also look at the Regal 2000, great layout and has the Fastrak hull. Sea Ray makes great boats, but the Sport models aren't it. With those you are getting a Chevy for a price of a Cadillac.

 

[Chief9]

Re: First time boat buyer - Sea Ray or Four Winns?

We also went with the Monterey 204, couldn't be happier