Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

[SJBrit]

Hi all - newb here with a question (I searched but couldn't find anything - someone just shot me if there's already info out there )

So, I'm looking at buying a 1999 Sea Ray 210 Bowrider, which looks to be in mint condition. It's been dealer maintained all its life, freshwater use only, stored on a lift in the summer with cockpit covers, and inside in the winter (so the trailer is in great shape too ) They're asking $19k.

This boat is a long way from me, but I'm perfectly happy to take a weekend to go get it. My questions are: does the price sound OK? I've looked around and it seems in line with other boats that are available, although it's a little over the NADA value. What should I look for in this boat? Any known problems? I've had boats all my life, but I don't know much about Sea Rays (other than through reputation/marketing).

My biggest concern is for the longevity of the construction - how much wood did they use in this boat? I rebuilt the rotten stringers in my old '85, and that's job I only plan to do once in my life! I also don't want to be replacing seats and trim panels in 5 years.

All advice welcome - Thanks a bunch!

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

I'm sure there is a lot of wood in the boat. Wood is cheap. Bryant and I believe Stringray offer non wood construction. Wet stringers, been ther done that.

 

[Sea Ray]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

Hi!

I just bought a 1999 Sea Ray 210 Bow Rider myself about a month ago.

This is my first boat so I don't have much to compare it to.

I was under the understanding there was not much wood in the boat. I know that the shelves on the sides are wood and there is a wood back to the cabinet in front of the drivers seat. But I am not sure where else there would be any.

As far as the boat goes, I love ours. Like the one you are looking at this one was only used in fresh water and never stored outside. Mine has the Bravo 3 (Dual prop) lower unit and only had 130 hours on it. It is in excellent condition, inside and out, and I got it for $18k - including the trailer (a steal and what the NADA valued it at).

If there is anything in particular your after let me know. I will do my best to answer.

 

[SJBrit]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

Thanks for the feedback - you definitely got a steal! Especially with that outdrive.... I found one for 18k but no trailer.

Have you had any issues with yours since you bought it? any little nits that you didn't notice when you inspected it? I'm just making sure I know all the place to poke at when I go and see this one.

 

[Sea Ray]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

No, I haven't had any surprises yet. The brakes on the trailer were stuck and I had to take them apart and clean them out (surge brakes). They were just stuck from so little use.

The drain under the floor storage in the middle of the boat had the caulk around the tube go bad and water from the bilge was working its way into the storage compartment. I just cleaned it out and recaulked it.

And, believe it or not, my biggest complaint is the thing has as many cup holders as a mini van but there isn't one conveniently located for the driver!!

I hope it all works out for you - Good Luck and Happy Boating!!

 

[philb252]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

I have a 1995 220 S-R BR that I bought new and it looks and runs like or better than new. So, of course, with used boats, being able to measure proper care and maintenance is critical. Of course issues have come up, but when I can, I have tried to modernize or upgrade -My basic boat, hull and machinery (Merc 7.4 B1) has been solid as a rock with great storage and sea-keeping for freshwater lake use. IMHO, that price seems a little high but perhaps that could be a sign that your seller took very good care of his BR as well. Good Luck and see you on the water.

 

[SJBrit]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

IMHO, that price seems a little high but perhaps that could be a sign that your seller took very good care of his BR as well. Good Luck and see you on the water.

Well, I bought it - after a 1,200 mile round trip! It's a great boat - virtually new condition with the only blemishes being a few scrapes in the decals, and one nick in one of the seats. Apart from that it could have just rolled off the production line! Definitely worth the drive and the money - we'll have years of fun from this boat. Now I can't wait to get in on the water

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

how many hours? the price is high for a boat that old-- I suggest you look a little more-

 

[jbraun334]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

I'm looking at a 2000 model, are you still happy with your Sea Ray?

JB

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

is this new or used?

 

[topcop105]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

Hello,

Not sure if you have purchased the boat you're considering or not but I do have an opinion. SeaRay is the only brand of boat I will ever own. Their construction is second to none! I have had several and have loved each and every one of them.

$19K for a 1999 is high and I believe you can buy it for much less. You have to consider which engine the boat has, how many hours on the engine, and which "trim" package it has. I was considering a 1998 located in Iowa City, Iowa. The boat looked in excellent shape and came with a tandam axe trailer. They were/are asking $13K; the boat is not quite is long but it should give you something to compare it to.

Consider this: Gas prices are out of sight pretty soon there will be boats sitting for sale everywhere!!

TC MN

 

[bhaider]

Re: Sea Ray 210 Bowrider Advice...?

there is little or no wood in this boat the two counsels are all glass as is the inside tub the only wood is on the gas tank cover in the floor the quality of the vinyl and the interior is second to none I have a 99 210 signature with the 5.7 and was told by the head service writer at our local dealer that this boat is built better than a brand new one they have had to cheepen them up to be competitive I have seen the same boat with a 5.0 for about 18500 to 20000 around here