Searay 250 Sundancer or Stingray 240cs

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Narcosis

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Hi, thoughts please on a '96 Searay 250 with 5.7Efi Mercruiser (Bravo 3) or a '04 Stingray 240cs 5.0 Mercruiser MPi (Bravo 3)
The Stingray is £4k dearer but in better overall condition. Searay gets good reviews but can't find much about the Stingray. Would be used on rivers/lakes.
 
If I've learnt one thing when buying boats, its think about how easy it will be to sell it.....as sure you will want to sooner or later.
I think that alone would make the Sea Ray a better proposition.
 
I don't think the Stingray is a bad boat, but it is not a well known brand. Despite the wealth of knowledge on here, I don't think anyone has said they have any experience with them, whereas there will be a few of us who have owned Sea Rays. It is a really personal choice, but you really need to ensue that the engine and drive are in the very best condition, and have been well maintained. Everything else is fixable with a bit of TLC.
 
If you go to view both you will find that the build quality on the Sea Ray is a million times better. I viewed a brand new Stingray cruiser at the 2012 Southampton Boat Show and was thoroughly unimpressed with the finish. You get what you pay for...

Paul
 
Have to point out though that the Stingray (if much newer) may look more modern, so if you get the price right may sell easier for that reason.

I think it may depend on what you can buy them for.

In my limited experience, asking prices are irrelevant. Offer what you are prepared to pay (or a tiny bit under) and see what happens.

I know people who won't drop their price by more than a couple of pounds, and some who'll drop 30-50% - so many factors come into play.
 
Got to be a Searay over a Stingray. Stingrays are great Lake boats but struggle to sell in the USA, never mind Europe. Searay is a great boat, great hull and great name for resale. However If I was you I would look to get at least a 1997 which is when it switched to the 240 which is a better design and spec (better resale) for a few £more. Also be careful of Bravo 3's.....electricity eats them very quickly. Make sure they are thoroughly checked over and had regular Anode changes. Apart from that the Searay is a great weekender/week boat that will do everything you need it to. Personally I think it only needs a 5.0l, a 5.7 is bigger for very extra benefit. This one is perfect even with the bigger engine https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/19...-2564300/Plymouth/United-Kingdom#.Uvf9OY2PKP9

One last thing, there are several 'Grey' imports from the USA so get one which is CE marked!
 
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