Which would be the best pick? 1988 36' carver at 55K or 36' 2002 searay $100?

Question

both boats are marina maintained with all the paper work fully disclosed. Re sea ray, the mechanic who worked on the boat showed the boat to me himself... the carver was beautiful like a home - if it wasn't fixed, it was replaced..but as for any used boats, one would question...what's next to fix $$

Answer 1

I'd take the Carver.  I love Searay but not 45K worth. Both have the same equipment to maintain.  Good Boating!!!!

Answer 2

Both may have the same equipment to maintain as Richard points out BUT the cost of possibly replacing one or both engines on the Carver would add tremendously to your initial outlay of cash. Now, with that said we are left to wonder if the Carver has been repowered, when and how many hours are on her? This has to be taken into consideration before making a decision and making the offer for it could impact the wallet deeply in the future.

My choice, while not being a Sea Ray fan at all, would be the Ray. The boat is well built and with the engines only being 6 years old you should be able to get significant usage out of them without problems.

As for what's next to fix, well, this question is one that quite honestly is open ended and has no answer. If the paperwork is in order on both and each is looking good you have to make a decision based upon what the wallet can afford. Remember, you are going to have to pay for a slip, electricity, maintenance, etc and of course have to pay for the fuel to run her!

Best of luck!!!