Need help with a new boat please...

brad614

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
158
I just purchased a new boat and I need some help with a few things. It is titled as a 1986 Sea Ray, and the numbers stamped in the transom say "250FC0015" and "SERM43761586". I have checked Sea Ray's new boat brochures for that year, and they don't list anything like it! In fact, I only found one other one thru Google that looks close when matching up the porthole windows and the dual hatches, and it is a 1988. It has a 5.7 Mercruiser and the outdrive says "Alpha One", although you cannot read the serial number or gear ratio. The transom number number is "DM536540". I included the maximum number of five pictures here, but you can see more at http://www.bradkistler.com/boat.htm. I would love to know more about this boat, especially if it is some type of "rare breed". How much does it weigh? What should top speed be? What should my maximum RPM's be? Any negatives that I should be specifically concerned with or watch out for? Any and every little bit of advice and input would be greatly welcome!
 

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dockwrecker

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2006
Messages
1,392
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

I thought they called that model a Weekender.
 

brad614

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
158
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

That is what I thought at first also. However, the Weekender has a additional windows in the upper part of the cabin, and only one hatch (see picture).
 

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backyard mechanic

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
203
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

I had a 24' 1987 Searay hardtop with Alaskan blkd. a similar cruiser to yours. Mine was completely rebuilt to the tune of too many dollars (new engine, exterior paint and refurbished interior to name a few things) before I stuck it in the water. I bought it for $4000 and sold it for $6500 four years later. Net profit was zippo but in essence I used the boat 4 seasons and it cost me around $2000. I thought that was worth it.

FANTASTIC boat in the ocean (big water). It's a heavy boat, not very economical with a 350 chev engine hooked up to a 280 Volvo drive. Very adequate for power. (Mine was rated 280HP like the 260HP engine you have). I burned about a gallon every 3-4 miles depending on water conditions and speed. A minimum of 12" trim tabs are a must and 16-18" is way better.

As far as a cruiser; I rode in many kinds of boats in the 24-26' range. Not many were as nice to ride in as that era Searay. They are old but solid gold IMO. Very popular in their day. Absolute pleasure to have and use.

Fuel costs drove me away from it. I dropped down to an 18' boat with an 115HP 2 stroke outboard. About half the operating costs. I feel better fishing and getting it dirty than my cruiser.

My Searay was right around 4000 dry weight. Your WOT will be dictated by Mercruiser (around 4800). Mine ran 30 knots WOT and cruised at 23-24 at about 34-3500 RPM. Took a 160 mile cruise and burned a total of 100 gallons. Nice and easy ride. My buddy ran his 23' Bayliner with a 4.6 liter Merc and his fuel bill was just 20 gallons under mine. Same speed and travel.

Enjoy! :)
 

brad614

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
158
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

Thanks for the link to the PDF file! That looks close, except for the dual hatches and interior in mine. It looks like mine has the optional fishing cockpit. Still not sure where that second hatch came from though...:confused:
 

haulnazz15

Captain
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

Well keep in mind that PDF is for a 1985 model 250. The 1986 model might have had another hatch added to the design. As far as the interior goes, it may have been a factory option to have a different layout, or the PO might have just had his own interior custom made. That tower isn't likely factory for sure.
 

brad614

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
158
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

OK -I missed the fact that it was an 85 brochure. The cockpit DEFINITELY matches what they have listed under options as "Fishing Cockpit." And you're right - the tower certainly was added later, and they did a lousy job...
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: Need help with a new boat please...

Nice looking rig! Congrats!
 
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