Did I miss a memo with the price of boats?

[jazzman]

Yes, I think the difference in boat length has changed as we've gone from bolt on swim platforms to molded swim platforms.

My 2004 SeaRay Sundeck 240 is really 26'10" from tip to tail (including the bolt on swim platform).

Today's SeaRay Sundeck 260 is 26'4" from tip to tail (with a molded swim platform).

So to get the same interior space, I have to go "up a size" now if I want to buy a new boat. The interior layout of the current 260 is the same as yester-years 240.

I assume a molded swim platform adds a little more mass to the boat, so maybe it handles better in heavy chop.

We find the older SeaRay Sundeck 240 to be a perfect island boat. It can handle most winni chop, it will easily hold a couple weeks worth of supplies and best of all you can fit 16' lumber in it for those October projects....

[ThePlut]

You can't use model numbers to judge boats anymore. It used to be "240" or "220" meant something. Modern boat builders use the model numbers to try to get a boat into competition with other boats of class (hey look my 220 costs what their 200 costs and its "bigger").

I think of model numbers the same way I think of car models ("Tahoe", "C7", etc...). Just "names" meant to evoke a perception. You have to dig into the numbers for hull length w/ and w/o platforms, weight, etc... to try to figure out how a boat will perform.

I've been in some "smaller" boats that will outperform a "bigger" boat in the same water, because of all the variables.

Even demo rides are at the mercy of the weather that day and the person taking you out.

Buying a boat is tough, IMHO...

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by jazzman

Yes, I think the difference in boat length has changed as we've gone from bolt on swim platforms to molded swim platforms.

My 2004 SeaRay Sundeck 240 is really 26'10" from tip to tail (including the bolt on swim platform).

Today's SeaRay Sundeck 260 is 26'4" from tip to tail (with a molded swim platform).

So to get the same interior space, I have to go "up a size" now if I want to buy a new boat. The interior layout of the current 260 is the same as yester-years 240.

I assume a molded swim platform adds a little more mass to the boat, so maybe it handles better in heavy chop.

We find the older SeaRay Sundeck 240 to be a perfect island boat. It can handle most winni chop, it will easily hold a couple weeks worth of supplies and best of all you can fit 16' lumber in it for those October projects....

In 2003 the American Boat and Yacht Council adopted standard S-8. That states that the strict interpretation of LOA includes only parts that are molded into the hull or deck. It was done to establish uniformity in the description of boat dimensions. It is a voluntary standard that is not followed by all boat builders.

[laketrout]

Yes new boat costs are Otta site price wise. I stopped by one dealer in Gilford and I asked what the new 24' bow rider cost he said the MSRP was near $80k, I just laughed and said thnk you.

That said my brother in law is looking for a good used 19-21' that was built in the last few years. He told me he has seen them on boat internet sites & with no bottom paint; no problem finding local NH lake bowriders that are reasonably priced $8k-$15,000.

[robmac]

there is nothing inexpensive when it comes to boating. I look at it from a use standpoint, we are onboard at least 3 times a week if I went on a vacation by the water for the same amount of days the boat is far more cost effective for me. And we all know what it stands for Break Out Another Thousand.