The good and bad on Sea Ray 240 BR

[KD4UPL]

I'm looking to upgrade from my '97 20' Larson to something around 24'. In doing searches i seem to come across a large number of Sea Ray 240 BR models. I'm looking in the mid 2000 era, say 2003 to 2009. How did Sea Ray compare for quality in this era? I get the idea that overall they're a good brand but may have cheapened themselves for a while in the past.
Anyone with experience with this boat. Use would be freshwater lakes, cruising and tow sports with 8 to 12 people on board. I'm thinking the 300hp 350 Mag would be a minimum but I'd love to have a big block.
Any thoughts good or bad? These boats seem to be plentiful; I don't know if that's because they were popular or because people want to get rid of them.

 

[JohnGarko]

I am on my second Searay 240SD... Bought first one new in 1991 with a 5.7L and Alpha outdrive. Awesome boat. Keep it for 15 years then bought my current new 2007 240SD. With 350 mag and Bravo III outdrive. I just love this boat. Plenty of room. With the Bravo III it handles like a charm. All my boating is in salt water on the west central coast of Florida. No problems with the boat what so ever. Only one issue with the outdrive. Premature clutch/gear failure at 500 hours. But that is MerCruiser... not SeaRay.
Good luck with your choice.

 

[Slip Away]

There is quite a difference in hull and layout from a 240 Bowrider and a 240 Sundeck. Not really comparing apples to apples.

IIRC, 2003 was the last year for the 240 bowrider.

 

[jbcurt00]

IMO, any boat older then 1 or 2 seasons it's often less about the quality of the boat builder and more about the boat OWNER. What they did & didn't do to maintain it.

Add how & where you boat compared to others and personal preferences, makes it more difficult.

Use Google:

Sea Ray 240BR review​

 

[Slip Away]

"I'm looking in the mid 2000 era, say 2003 to 2009."

No 240BR made after 2003, unless you want just that year, the "Google 240BR review" would only be of use for that year of boat

 

[jbcurt00]

It would pull reviews, probably from boating mag reviewers, which was my point. With in seconds, no waiting to see if 1 iboater that owns 1 comments, and after 24hrs that's a big NADA currently. And if you don't list a year, it'll pull all the reviews of 240 BR's, which may point to a year you want to find or 1 you might want to avoid.

Here's 1

 

[Slip Away]

My guess is the OP has the wrong description. If he is looking for a 240 in those years, he likely means the 240 Sundeck, not the 240BR. He only has
Pre 2003 240BR models to pick from, and no choices for that model designation after 2003.

 

[KD4UPL]

Thanks for the tip on the BR no existing after 2003. There must be a lot of used boat sellers who have mislabeled their adds. I thought I remembered seeing lots of BR up until almost new models. 2003 isn't an absolute, just an estimate, I'd certainly take older if it was in good shape, my point was I didn't want something real new because I can't afford it and I would like to be a little newer than what I currently have ('97).
The problem with boat reviews is they are typically about brand new boats and almost always positive no matter what. I was wanting some information on how the model holds up after years of use. Also, which year models may have become known as problematic after the fact.
Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming.

 

[Slip Away]

Boats are generally speaking, not like cars (read Pinto, Vega, Yugo etc.) where some models and years were total junk. It's more about how each particular boat was taken care of during it's use. You will be hard pressed to find many, if any, owners of a 240 Sundeck that will say something like " The 2004 Sundeck was horrible, poor fit and finish, hull cracked, but the 2006 Sundeck is flawless" As has been said, find the boat that you can afford, fits your needs, then get into the little details of that particular boat and make sure it is a solid boat before you buy. At this point you don't seem to know what it is you want, aside from a 24' open bow. pick some specific models and years first, then ask about them.

 

[keith2k455]

I think a 5.7 would be not enough motor ...24' is a lot of boat. Before I realized it wouldn't fit in my garage, I really wanted a 23' OB. I do remember it was very hard to find a good selection in 23 to 24 ft range. By good selection, I mean around 500 hrs with upholstery in one piece.

 

[Natesms]

I am on my second Searay 240SD... Bought first one new in 1991 with a 5.7L and Alpha outdrive. Awesome boat. Keep it for 15 years then bought my current new 2007 240SD. With 350 mag and Bravo III outdrive. I just love this boat. Plenty of room. With the Bravo III it handles like a charm. All my boating is in salt water on the west central coast of Florida. No problems with the boat what so ever. Only one issue with the outdrive. Premature clutch/gear failure at 500 hours. But that is MerCruiser... not SeaRay.
Good luck with your choice.

We've been looking at one of these and the 350 MAG has worried me, but I know the Bravo 3 helps. Is it enough power with 8 people on board? Pulling skiiers, etc?

 

[lakegeorge]

SeaRay has it's forum and you will find many people who own the type of boat you want and get a lot of good info.