New Boat blues

[gtochris]

I'll start this with saying I know I don't do well with change and usually very fiscally conservative when it comes to purchases. I work very hard and save my money.
Some time back I posted I was shopping for a new boat... Well, I bought it about 1.5 months back and still processing and think I have buyers remorse.

We had the Wellcraft for about 9 years. It's old, interior is showing it's age a bit. The 5.7L (Carb) was the real ticket and cruising was low 20's, WOT is 54MPH. It could accelerate out of a hole with 6 people in the stern NO PROBLEM. cockpit was cramped, Ride was rough and quality was lacking. It wasn't great at taking waves and rough days required plowing most places but it did the job.

After a month of negotiating, I purchased (in cash) a 2014 Sea Ray Sundeck 220 for roughly NADA price. It's the 5.0L MPI with an A1 drive. 230 hours. It rides SOO much better, has improved cockpit space, little head, walk through stern, large swim platform. All the seats are comfortable, takes waves like a champ, cruises upper 20's, WOT is about 43MPH.
Cons: I'm not liking this sea ray smartcraft gauges, it will be IMPOSSIBLE to change plugs/ wires with the engine crammed under the deck. I was really disappointed first time out loaded down I needed to shuffle guests around to get on-plane. I really thought the MPI and similar horsepower would not be such a hit. Seller who had "all the receipts" lost them and never produced so I'm kinda disappointed how clumsy someone can be with records.
It's a beautiful boat but feels cookie cutter compared to even the Wellcraft and I'm regretting having spent so much and not in love with it after a month plus of trying.

In the mean time- I have the Wellcraft for sale, I've lowered the price (14->13->12K) for a turn key boat and have little leads on a sale both on FB and Craigslist. (It started hot and fizzled out quickly). I'm 1/2 tempted to list the Sea Ray but I know my partner will kill me.

Not sure what to do.

 

[briangcc]

I have to ask....did you investigate what motors were offered on the SeaRay before pulling the trigger?

2014 Sea Ray 220 Sundeck - Full technical specifications, price, engine - The Boat Guide

All about boats and the boating industry in Canada. News, reviews, specifications, videos, comparison, buying guide

specs.boatguideweb.com

Seems the boat was optioned with the lowest available motor so...yeah, performance isn't going to be the strong suit here. A 4k+ boat with low power is a recipe for disappointment when it comes to speed. It probably should have been with the 350 (5.7L) and B3 drives.

 

[gtochris]

I have to ask....did you investigate what motors were offered on the SeaRay before pulling the trigger?

2014 Sea Ray 220 Sundeck - Full technical specifications, price, engine - The Boat Guide

All about boats and the boating industry in Canada. News, reviews, specifications, videos, comparison, buying guide

specs.boatguideweb.com

Seems the boat was optioned with the lowest available motor so...yeah, performance isn't going to be the strong suit here. A 4k+ boat with low power is a recipe for disappointment when it comes to speed. It probably should have been with the 350 (5.7L) and B3 drives.

It's not just the motor that I'm less than thrilled with.

I did research plenty and without traveling 100's of miles or purchasing a salt water boat, this seemed like the best "deal" we could find. I know boat buying (unless brand new with unlimited funds) is a series of compromises.

A 350 or 6.2 but seem incredibly rare on a newer style 22-24' boat. Would have been nice, we werent sea ray specific although their is a ton of them up here- just had to be a quality brand with a non volvo engine for starters.

 

[Sprig]

If you’re really unhappy with the new purchase, cut your loses and sell both boats. You will always be unhappy with the newer boat. It’ll take the fun and pleasure out of your boating experience. Chalk it up to a learning experience. Then take what you’ve learned and find another boat that suits your wants and needs. Be sure to take another boat for a long test drive before purchase and make sure it’s the one.

 

[Jmunk]

Have you thought about changing the prop to get the boat on plane better?

The engine compartments on the Sundecks are awkward at best, but not the worst I’ve contorted myself into.

I have had a number of boats, I’ve always had compromises.

 

[JimS123]

Have you thought about changing the prop to get the boat on plane better?

The engine compartments on the Sundecks are awkward at best, but not the worst I’ve contorted myself into.

I have had a number of boats, I’ve always had compromises.

Most any boat can have stellar performance if the prop is optimized.

Now, if you want a family boat that can provide hours of enjoyment, that;s what to do. If you NEED the fastest boat on the water to show off to your friends, buy a boat with a humongous engine and be willing to pay at the pump.

 

[Scott Danforth]

While the 5.0 MPI may have 260hp at 5000 RPM. It lacks torque.

 

[gtochris]

While the 5.0 MPI may have 260hp at 5000 RPM. It lacks torque.

I'm surprised in real life how much 0.7L makes a difference. Additional passengers really influence this boat where as the Wellcraft 5.7L was not bothered by a full load. Once it's moving the Sea Ray is quite nice, it cruises effortlessly at a higher speed than the Wellcraft cruise. Everyone who has been on it feels it's huge upgrade and so much more comfortable so there is that... It seems like it's a nice "family" boat even if it's just us 2 and a handful of friends. It's the newest boat I've had ever.

Perhaps I'll feel better once the Wellcraft sells- if it does. I had 3 people check it out on weekend 1 and suddenly they all went in different directions and any new leads dried up. I put HUNDREDS of hours into the old one making things right when I didn't have much money so it's paining me to still have it when I see utter garbage listed for sale for similar prices.
I've dabbled with listing the Sea Ray too just to see if perhaps on a larger platform I can re-home it.

 

[tpenfield]

MPI engines, typically don't give you much, if any HP over a carbureted engine. I've seen some people rationalize a smaller engine because of the MPI. . . doesn't really work out.

Sea Rays are under powered, unless you get the highest power option. I would try a lower pitch prop to see if it makes the boat 'livable'.

Getting a new(er) boat is an adjustment, and as stated they are all compromises.

 

[Jmunk]

When I buy a new boat one of the first things I do is put on a Solas 4 blade prop. I go down one pitch from the factory and it keeps the RPM in a good range at WOT.

In my area in the last 6-8 weeks the boat market has shifted. It went from everything selling for top dollar in a few days to sellers doing price reductions and boats being re-listed multiple times and still not selling.

 

[Lou C]

I can see exactly what you’re taking about I am also very financially conservative and now ALL my stuff is OLD:
1998 Grand Cherokee
2007 Grand Cherokee
1988 Four Winns
But to change?
Won’t buy a newer I/0 boat too hard to service & wont have cat exhaust
Want a newer Jeep but don’t want Pentastar V6 because of the leak prone plastic oil filter housing
F/W prob needs to be repowered
98 Jeep needs rust repair
07 Jeep needs AC repair
I guess I’ll just fix all 3
Lol
Can’t win!

 

[briangcc]

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

Will put that on the Durango v6, when I need it. Problem solved. Next?

 

[gtochris]

When I buy a new boat one of the first things I do is put on a Solas 4 blade prop. I go down one pitch from the factory and it keeps the RPM in a good range at WOT.

In my area in the last 6-8 weeks the boat market has shifted. It went from everything selling for top dollar in a few days to sellers doing price reductions and boats being re-listed multiple times and still not selling.

I'm considering the 4 blade prop change. It may help the enjoyment factor.
Lucky me- may be stuck with 2 boats... I've been told by a few friends that know what I paid that this was a "good deal" but I'm not sure. It should be easier to love a "new" boat.

 

[gtochris]

I can see exactly what you’re taking about I am also very financially conservative and now ALL my stuff is OLD:
1998 Grand Cherokee
2007 Grand Cherokee
1988 Four Winns
But to change?
Won’t buy a newer I/0 boat too hard to service & wont have cat exhaust
Want a newer Jeep but don’t want Pentastar V6 because of the leak prone plastic oil filter housing
F/W prob needs to be repowered
98 Jeep needs rust repair
07 Jeep needs AC repair
I guess I’ll just fix all 3
Lol
Can’t win!

I'm familiar all too well with your situation. Sold our 2005 4Runner last year and it was entering the "rusty" zone. Had I sold it 2 years sooner I know I'd have gotten more. The Wellcraft while still great just was feeling really tired this spring, my partner and I felt it was "time" even though I really liked it. I'm not thrilled about the electronics nor the CATS however being in freshwater I'm hoping will minimize any issues. This may be a short term ownership boat.

 

[Blorton]

+1 on the four blade. You just need to regear it is all.

Sorry the wellcraft hasn’t sold. I have noticed in my area that a lot of people are dumping theirs even though there is plenty of season left.

 

[airshot]

I feel your pain, my wifes health turned bad 3 years back, I wanted to sell our motorhome as the market was hot two years back, but hung on hoping her issues might get better. This year I said it goes....but at 5 bucks a gallon who wants a motorhome?? Timming is everything, we were hammered by scammers for two months, ready to give up when a nice young couple came along and wanted to try out a motorhome. If your price is fair it will sell, just a tight market right know, thanks to those that seem to know what is best for us !!!!

 

[gtochris]

Sorry the wellcraft hasn’t sold. I have noticed in my area that a lot of people are dumping theirs even though there is plenty of season left.

I put both boats up last night, see which one gets action/ attention. Just frustrated with myself more than anything. Depression and stress don't help with enjoying much.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. Very important you get the mpi propped well. They can lack a little power down low. You want to be running at least 4700/4800 rpm up the top end. That’s where their power is. What rpm are you getting top end ?

 

[Lou C]

Only thing I'd get now if going newer is a 4 stroke outboard. I will never have an EPA over-reach no one asked for this 700*F heat generator in the bilge of a boat that I own and maintain. Be very careful about buying one of these, the check engine lights will drive you out of your mind, just read some of the threads on it. I'll take a Quadrajet, Holley, or Edelbrock & a simple points distributor over those headaches and costs ANYDAY!
My brother has a 2020 Merc 4.5 already has the CE light, I warned him about this but it was all he could find a decent price last year. So then you either depend on the dealer, drag it there and wait, or spend hundreds on Rinda tech scanners.
For me, I'll keep doing this....

 

[JimS123]

Only thing I'd get now if going newer is a 4 stroke outboard. I will never have an EPA over-reach no one asked for this 700*F heat generator in the bilge of a boat that I own and maintain. Be very careful about buying one of these, the check engine lights will drive you out of your mind, just read some of the threads on it. I'll take a Quadrajet, Holley, or Edelbrock & a simple points distributor over those headaches and costs ANYDAY!
My brother has a 2020 Merc 4.5 already has the CE light, I warned him about this but it was all he could find a decent price last year. So then you either depend on the dealer, drag it there and wait, or spend hundreds on Rinda tech scanners.
For me, I'll keep doing this....

I agree with what you said.....mostly.

I replaced points 25 years ago and never looked back. The pertronics ignition made the boat run a lot better and of course eliminated a lot of maintenance.

I know, I know, people say they are junk. When I sold the boat it had been in use for decades and never one iota of a problem.

Regardless, all ancient history. Nothing but 4s obs in my future.