Sea Ray 190 (annoying newbie questions)

[Mercurial85]

So, I am a typical lockdown boater.

Our twice yearly holidays to the Far East and Caribbean have been condensed to one and we now have a place in Aberdovey on the North Wales coast. It’s also time for a new hobbie, and lucky for you guys, I want a Motor Boat.

I am seriously considering a new Sea Ray 190 SPXO. I can get my hands on one (outboard merc 150) and the price (50k) seems relatively reasonable given the research. I am also looking at some nearly-new 190 SPX with stern drive Mercruiser 200 which is within 10% of the cost of the new 190 outboard.

Are there any significant pros or cons over each other? I presume the Stern drive has some depreciation built into the cost which is appealing, but we all love brand new, don’t we?

I originally wanted a Galeon Galia 700 but they appear rare and out of budget. The Galia 630 open could be an option and I much prefer the idea of a tiny cabin, but again they seem in scarce supply at the moment.

Should I be looking at anything else?

 

[ST840]

If your buying new and petrol then go for the outboard engine, purely because the maintenance costs will be less than the outdrive and easier. Not that I am a mechanic, but if your out board fails or you damage the prop then the engine just needs tilting to do repairs, a stern drive you will have to lift the whole boat out of the water. If you keep on a trailer (which you don't say) then not a major issue, but if not then.....

 

[Mercurial85]

Thank you. That’s the type of info which I’ve struggled to find on various websites.

I would keep it on a trailer, but never say never (in fact, that’s my biggest challenge at the moment -I have land to store the boat but we have Tesla’s (benefit in kind reasons, not the green reasons which I would be contradicting with his purchase which aren’t exactly made for towing 20ft+ boats!)

They are quite right when they say the costs increase exponentially!! I’ve either got to buy a new car or moor it!

In my OP I also forgot to mention that I also considered/considering a Bayswater VR4 /5 Cuddy.

 

[BruceK]

I would second an outboard for that size. Cheaper and easier to maintain Especially for Aberdovey where with the tidal difference and seasonal activities ( eg Aderdovey Fest) you may want to leave it on a berth with engine up temporarily to avoid the maddening rush of tourists, although festivities ramp up and make it worthwhile, just not for launching and then trying to find parking for boat and trailer. (NIGHTMARES!!)
As for boat, Aberdovey is a great place for watersports but if you want to go to sea then you have to cross the bar and honestly I wouldnt want to do that in a bow rider. One scoop and you're doomed. Get a closed deck or cuddy cabin. Also Cardigan bay can be quite choppy with small steep and close period waves. A open boat could be a very wet ride and again a vote for the cuddy / closed deck.
Aberdovey is a wonderful place to boat. You will enjoy it there.

We try visit Aberdovey every year for their summer fest. The harbour staff are really great, they even guided us over the bar (probably to get a joy ride but hey, who cares) and showed us every kindness and assistance. Wonderful place

 

[Mercurial85]

Thanks Bruce. Really helpful and nice to hear a positive review of Aberdovey. We were there this weekend and it was gorgeous, even in mid-October.

I’ll spend the next few weeks looking into cuddy or closed deck. It will take me to the used market given the budget and on-costs for this new hobbie of mine but would rather get it right first time (and then hope I want a bigger boat, rather than regret buying this one!)

Thanks for the video - nice to see the shoreline from that viewpoint!