Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

[jattea]

Hi all

I've been looking to buy a used 260da for some time, and I've found one that I like. It's fairly clean, and we've agreed on a price that I think is VERY good ($20k less than asking price, and about $8k less than the bottom-line prices of similar boats I've encountered).

I saw the boat yesterday, and I took a bunch of pictures. I'm a relative novice, so I was hoping to get the input of experienced people on this board.

Note: The boat was mostly very clean. These pictures just focus on the questionable parts. Also, I will be getting the boat surveyed next week.

First concern: The caulking where the arch meets the hull looks messy. I'd be surprised if this is how it came from the manufacturer. The broker claims it's normal, and can be brightened with a toothbrush, but I'm skeptical. What do you think? Was it re-caulked? Why would someone do that?

Second concern: Lights on the arch are rusty. Can I purchase replacements?

Third concern: The companionway door handle glue looks messy. Again,does the boat come this way from the manufacturer? Or does it look likethe door handle has been replaced? Why would the handle need to bereplaced?

Fourth concern: The hole in the cabin carpet for the table is messy. Isthis how it comes from the manufacturer?? The broker claims this isnormal, but it looks like a shoddy third-party job to me. Is this howthe carpet is normally cut? Do you think the carpet was replaced? Ifso, what does that indicate? (water in the cabin?)

Finally, here's a picture of the bilge. Is this normal buildup?

The boat is a 2003 and only has 115 hours, and it's stored in a slipall season, so I have a feeling it's slightly neglected.

What are everyone's overall opinions?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

For the deal you are getting you can't expect prestine condition. The survey will uncover anything that you should be worried about. I do not believe for a second that the items you listed here were that way when the boat was delivered. Considering the price of new boats nobody would take delivery. The up side is that they are all cosmetic and minor IMO. Yes you can replace the lights and if you have access to a blast cabinet I would blast the trim. Paint it white and call it a day. Caulking I would strip and replace just becasue looking at it would bother me. The hole in the carpet seems strange as most mounting hardware for the tables should have a part that is installed over the carpet but would not deter me from purchasing. Bilge looks clean to me for a 5 year old slipped boat.

The door harware may have gotten loose and that was an attempt to remedy that. I would caulk the enges with white caulk and call it a day provided it functions properly.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

jattea; these are nit picking things and if thats all you can find then your in good shape.
i would be worried about mechanical condition. your survey should be a big help to you there

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

all of it looks like normal wear and tear for 6 year old boat that has been enjoyed. actually the bilge is immaculate, compared to most. the carpet, does you wife like to change things. i personally hate carpet anywhere. the door lock looks like a lot of them. not the best design.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

Completely agree with everyone concerning the normal wear and tear issues.
I agree with TD on the carpet. Look at replacing it with some teak and holley - it will look sweeeeet!

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Help with purchase of 2003 SeaRay 260da (w/ pics)

teak and holley would be a lot more work than carpet right?