Re: Choice of Two Boats - What Would You Do?
I can't make up your mind, but for what it's worth I can say, that my 6th boat is a Sea Ray and I'm very pleased with it. It is facing it's 13th season now and it never missed a beat.<br /><br />As with all, proper care and maintenance is crucial. Regardless of brand, your servicing it while not in use is the base for it servicing you while in use.<br /><br />That said, the weight should be considered. Although a lighter boat will have a better power/weight ratio, the heavier boat may be better value in terms of material thicknes, strength etc.<br /><br />Smoker has been in business since 1961 and as such is very experienced. It's a family-run operation. Sea-Ray, also an oldie in this industry, is part of a huge corporation and build a very large number of boats. The family of brands include several well known, aimed at different customer segments - and Sea Ray is one of the top brands.<br /><br />
The Boat Group makes Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Hatteras, Meridian and Sealine pleasure boats from 16 to 100 feet; Baja high-performance boats from 20 to 44 feet; Boston Whaler and Trophy offshore fishing boats from 13 to 32 feet; and Princecraft fishing, deck and pontoon boats from 12 to 26 feet. Land N Sea, marine parts and accessories distribution and Attwood marine parts manufacturer, are also part of the Brunswick Boat Group
More on
http://www.brunswick.com/boats.html. <br /><br />Company size is absolutely no guarantee for quality
(very scary story) but should be included in your considerations.<br /><br />Look carefully at fittings, finish, material qualities and overall appearance. Also investigate hull designs. They're bound to perform and handle differently which may help you deciding.
