Considering a 1988 21' Seville mid cabin Sea Ray

[CMarquand]

Hello all,
I'm looking at buying my second boat and I am considering a 1988 21' SeaRay Seville. It has the 305 Mercruiser motor and outdrive and has two beds with a bathroom in it. I understand the importance of getting a survey and test driving it but my question is much more general. Are SeaRays of this era and type generally ok assuming its in good shape? I wish there was a document somewhere that listed all boat manufacturers by quality and listed any years or types to avoid. It seems like you could be looking at two different boats of the same era, condition, and price, but just knowing the reputation of one company could make a huge difference in resale and potential problems. Any advice?

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Considering a 1988 21' Seville mid cabin Sea Ray

Sea Ray makes good boats, and I'm pretty sure they did 26 years ago. What should matter most to you is how the boat was maintained. A good surveyor will be able to give you information on the condition.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Considering a 1988 21' Seville mid cabin Sea Ray

If the motor checks out OK and the transom, stringers, and floor are not wet or rotten you should be ok. Most everyuthing else, and there will be other things, are not too expensive to repair or replace.

 

[Chris N]

Re: Considering a 1988 21' Seville mid cabin Sea Ray

We had a 1986 Seville and just loved it. It had the enclosed head, aft cabin, and small galley. It was a very basic boat, no pressure water, just a hand pump, no shower, simple ice box, etc etc. Only complaints were; 1- engine access was really lousy, had to do most work by feel while hanging upside down. 2- It seemed a bit top heavy and tended to roll quite a bit. Otherwise it was a very well built, solid boat. If I wasn't so old and large and could still hang upside down to work on it, we would still have it.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Considering a 1988 21' Seville mid cabin Sea Ray

i've owned an 87 cuddy and several friends have that era Sea Ray all good as long as maintained.