laguna 24'

R

rgy

Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
RO Number
8311
Messages
178
am i nuts? interested in a 1988 24' sea ray laguna with twin 135 merc's. i like the lay out and the boat in general but 88 technology engines are a concern. what is the availability of the parts and power heads if needed?
I know to look at the transom and electrical from my previous thread but what els on an 88 24'?

I don't want another money pit, been there but also don't want a new boat, been there! the boat looks like it has been very well maintained.

thanks bob
 
It is an OLD BOAT. Say it again, louder. Three items to keep in mind: HULL,ENGINES, SYSTEMS.
At this point I suggest you concentrate on the engines. Most likely you have given the boat a quick first glance so the hull must not be too shoddy. 22 years of service can wreck most things mechanical---or 22 years of service under smart maintenance can give you an old boat that may have some use left in its bones. Maybe the engines are not original ? Demand some proof of regular maintenance. Old engines are not of much value if they have not been cared for. Systems should be minor. Either the electrics work or they don't. Corrosion is easy to spot. You'll want to buy a couple of new bnilge pumps in any event and maybe some new electrical cables and a couple of heavy duty switches. No matter, this is a crap shoot. Be careful and don't jump into something that doesn't quite sound or look right. Final word: You must not spend much money for an old 22-year "worked hard and put away wet" boat! Good Luck.
 
Fresh water boat? The motors run? If yes, compression test next.

Then a water run. What they want for it?

Jeez why can't i find one like that?

I have a 76' never kissed saltwater, trihull Arrow Glass, with a 76' 70 hp evinrude, runs great if you looked at the motor you would never believe the age.

Freshwater is the key.
 
am i nuts? interested in a 1988 24' sea ray laguna with twin 135 merc's. i like the lay out and the boat in general but 88 technology engines are a concern. what is the availability of the parts and power heads if needed?
I know to look at the transom and electrical from my previous thread but what els on an 88 24'?

I don't want another money pit, been there but also don't want a new boat, been there! the boat looks like it has been very well maintained.

thanks bob

Has ethanol fuel been run through that boat? You need to check gas tank (material and has it been replaced) fuel lines, fuel filters, etc. Keep in mind, those engines have zero trade in value, and should you need a repower in the near future, you are looking at a ~20K bill.
 
I've got a friend that has that exact boat. It's a great boat, but I questioned his wisdom in buying it.
Replacing those two motors is inevitable at some point and won't be cheap. Personally, I don't think re-powering the boat is worth anywhere near what it's going to cost him.
They are nice boats though.
Unless you absolutely have to have two engines; Look around for the next size down. You will likely lose the little head in the console, but get essentially the same amount of fishing space. It will likely be a single engine which will be much cheaper to re-power.
I was looking at a 93(?) 21' Laguna. It was a nice boat with just as much deck space to fish on as my friends 24'.
I passed on it because my Uncle, who is getting on in years, asked me to come in as a partner with him on his 95 22' Eastern with single 200 Merc so that I could help him with the maintenance that he can no longer do, and he could keep the boat he's had since new. It was a great deal, and I like the little pilot house a lot better anyway.
My friend with the 24' Laguna was sorry he bought that boat, because after considering everything he would have much rathered have the 21' I had been looking at.
Look around at a couple of ealy nineties 21's. If you like the 24' (a nice boat), I think you'll like the 21's.
 
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