Which Boat, if you had to rank these for Salt Water (Sea)...?

Question

Sea Ray, Stingray, Chaparral, Maxum, Rinker, Larson...

thank you. I have a stack with different boats that are for sale and can't decide...

thanks again

Answer 1

The list is of boats that are more average than others.  Sea Ray is a better made boat then many others.  Maxum is a well known go fast hull.  Stingray and Chaparral are both OK cruisers.

Your profile and post do not let us know what part of the world you are in so we have to guess.  For the ocean you want real strength.  Pick the best boat you can afford to run and maintain based on the "Good Bones" theory of hull dependability.

Review the values on Yacht World and talk to a few "old salts" to find out what has good insides.  Things like backing plates under the fiberglass where the cleats attach.  And marine grade electrical wires.  Once you start looking at the boats in person get into the habit of inspecting the bilge first.  If the owner did not maintain below decks no amount of polish is going keep you afloat.

I'm a past owner of a Cobia and a Scarab. Now I drive an older (1983) Uniflite and keep my family/friends/self safe.  You do the same by being a wise and safe captain.  

Good luck and find a really good surveyor.

Keith <"><

Answer 2

.... I agree that Grady's and Scout's are great boats... but this guy did not ask about them...

As far as your list goes:  First thing to know is that Sea Ray and Maxum are both made by Brunswick (who also makes Bayliners, Whalers, Hatterus, etc)

Sea Ray is their more "top or the line boat"  then comes Maxum and then the bayliners, and believe it or not, there is not a huge difference in how the Sea Ray and Maxum are built in comparison with the bayliner... they just have more bells and whistles and they are prettier on the eye...

Stingray and Larson are kind of cheap boats in my opinion, and I think I'd rather buy a Bayliner then those...

Rinker is between the best and the worst...

Like the other person said, it really depends on the condition of the boat you are buying.... if they are all in the same condition and all the same price, buy the SeaRay...

Answer 3

One  of  my favorites although high  cost, is  the Grady White,  It is extremly  well built , durable, roomy .  rides well and holds its  value

Answer 4

My boat of choice is the Scout.

http://scoutboats.com/

Answer 5

Sea Ray would by far be the choice if money is no object.

All manufacturers you mention do make large boats.

I assume by the choices you laid out your are either considering a small sport yacht and not a sport fisher.

Yes, Grady White is a solid boat, but it is a sport fisher... and very expensive to boot.

If you are considering used....  Forget about particular models and focus your energy on each individual boat and how well they were maintained.

Be sure and have a full survey done on the vessel and have each system tested.

Remember, a motor yacht is just a fiberglass receptacle into which you pour your life's earnings.

Answer 6

6. Larson

5. Rinker

4. Chapparral

3. Stingray

2. Maxxum

1. Sea Ray



Of course this all dependent on power. If they don't have MerCruiser they fall to the bottom of the list.