Help! How to Select Deckboat

[dakota0727]

I am looking to get into a boat for family and fun, some fishing. Living next to a large river with access to the intercoastal and the ocean, I want a boat large enough to handle the open waters or choppy, windy river days. I have zeroed in on the Searay 240 Sundeck. I really like this boats features, styling and specs. The current style has been around only since 2000, so not a lot of used boats yet available on the market locally, that I can find. <br /><br />I would use the boat for family cruising, (wife and 2 kids) sking/tubing, some light fishing on large river or open water.<br /><br />Please help with:<br />1. Your opinions on this boat.<br />2. Is the 5.0 MPI Bravo enough engine or should I go with 6.2 MPI Bravo option?<br />3. Local dealer has price of $39,400. 2002 model with 5.0, full canvas, no trailer. Good price?<br /><br />4. I am successfull with negotiating very good prices on autos, with available net resources, but at a loss in knowing what leaway, tactics I have in negotiating boats.<br /><br />5. General pros/cons - new vs. used. I intend to keep this boat for some time.<br /><br />Any help/feedback greatly appreciated!

 

[dakota0727]

Re: Help! How to Select Deckboat

I should give all of you more information. <br /><br />This will not be my first boat. I ran an 18’ Ranger Fish and Ski(150hp merc) on lakes in Oklahoma in the mid 80’s. Was single then.<br /><br />The Sea Ray 240 style deck boat appeals to me be cause I like bow riders, but the head compartment on the deck boat is to address the “wife” factor. Usage would be:<br />Large River and springs 85%, intercoastal 10% and open water 5%.<br />Cruising and tubing, etc. 90%, fishing 10%. I like fishing, but at this point it would be just quality time with my boy. Now its to have fun with the family on weekends. Later on, I plan on getting into a center console rig for more serious fishing. <br /><br />I have not tested any boats yet, and honestly, a test ride may pursuade me to change my mind about what I want. So your opinions and suggestions will be helpful. <br /><br />Here are specs on the Sea Ray 240 SD. I am using it as a model to compare against other manufacturers, models. I am looking at Chapparal, Monterey and Cobalts.<br />Overall Length w/Std. Extended Swim Platform 26'4" 8.03 m <br />Beam 8'6" 2.59 m<br />Draft (Stern Drive Down) 41" 104.1 cm<br />Draft (Stern Drive Up) 25" 63.5 cm<br />Dry Weight 4,500 lbs 2,041.2 kg <br />Fuel Capacity 65 gal 246 L <br />Water Capacity 20 gal 75.7 L <br />Dead Rise 21° 21° <br />Standard Power 260 hp 194 kW <br /><br /> <br />Your opinions on boats that are good alternatives that offer the room, head compartment and suitable performance,( pull a 200 lb skier out of the hole!) would be very helpful.<br /><br />Again, I am open to buying a used boat if I find what I want. But any tips on working with a dealer would be helpful. Just how much haggle room is their in working deals on new boats (see first post)?

 

[KCook]

Re: Help! How to Select Deckboat

Prices will depend on your dealer. Sea Ray can be way up there. Many builders now offer this same style and size of boat. Such as Chaparral, Four Winns, Monterey, and Rinker. Hurricane also has a big line of deckboats. But if you want a deep hull Hurricane may not fit.<br /><br />Shop all available dealers. And make it clear you are looking for price. Such comparison shopping is about the only valid approach. MSRP and discount info is just to sketchy to try and calculate a good deal.<br /><br />For any 24' boat I would want more than a 5L motor.<br /><br />These new designs with the full windshields have not been out enough years to expect to find many used ones.<br /><br />Most bowriders 23' and bigger will also have a head compartment. As they are often less expensive than deckboats, you may not want to rule them out.<br /><br />Here are some more threads on deckboats that may help you - <br /><br /> SeaRay 27' Deckboat <br /><br /> Buying a new deck boat <br /><br /> Let's call it a deckboat? <br /><br />Also try www.goboatingamerica.com<br />Kelly Cook

 

[endust]

Re: Help! How to Select Deckboat

dakota0727: Did you every get any further looking at Searay deckboat ?<br /><br />I've looked at several as well - also found one that you didn't mention - Stingray 220DR.<br /><br />Specs are closer to the Searay 220 Sundeck than the 240 though.<br /><br />Interested to see how you have progressed...<br /><br />Ed D.

 

[taz33911]

Re: Help! How to Select Deckboat

If there is a Caravelle dealer near you check them out too.Can't give you specs or price but, I just build them not sell them.I am pretty sure we have a dealer in your area somewhere.Can,t think of our website right now but I will find out for you.

 

[taz33911]

Re: Help! How to Select Deckboat

The website is www.caravelleboats.com .Not sure about the dealers in your area can check the website under dealer locater . Think most in that area deal or fish boat line but they can get any others if you were interested in one.