85 SeaRay Weekender 230

[lil red truck]

Hi,

I'm looking this boat and wondering if anyone can tell me about it.
I plan on having it surveyed before purchase,
it seems to be immaculate and the marina owner (he's not the broker, it's a private sale) says it's been babied all it's life.I have the marina mechanics phone #, and am going to call him.Is nausea normal when considering buying your first boat? I feel like I'm buying a house.
thanks

 

[lil red truck]

I guess when I asked if someone could tell me about it, I meant ... does anyone know of any particular troubles with the model.
thanks

 

[LouC]

I don't have experience with Sea Rays of that vintage, but it's 22 years old....wood rot is the major issue with boats that old, in addition to all the mechanical issues you need to check out...look at the hull condition, floor, transom and stringers (what you can see of them) first, then check the mechanical. Soft floors/transom walk away.

 

[Cap10pat]

There are a lot of very satisfied owners of 80s Weekenders up to 30 ft.
They don't try to squeeze too much into that model, which is especially good on a 23. And, that leaves you plenty of room to enjoy the boat.
Your surveyor should check the wood stringers and transom, where he will probably find moisture, so you should press for a little more information on that. Aluminum fuel tanks are another possible problem area. The 85 could also still have wood in the cockpit floor. You'll be able to tell if it's spongey. You'll want to get specifics on what repairs or maintenance the boat needs on the engine and systems. It's likely some normal maintenance has not always been done.
Overall a nice boat.

 

[Matt Mosbacher]

I had one for four years and had no problems with it what so ever. I was the third owner and I out grew it. It was hard to get up on plane with 6 people on board, but with just the thre of us, it was just fine. Usewd it on Lake Erie. Sold it for what I paid for it In February believe it or not. It is on a waterway in Tennessee now. The people that bought it stll own it and all they have done to it is upgrade the interior and cockpit.

 

[lil red truck]

Thanks Folks! We have our fingers crossed that it fares well thru the surveys and sea trial...