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Random Quote: No Ma'm were not drunk anymore....were just stupid
I looked at one here in Jersey and would have bought it except it looked like the previous owner could not spell soap and water.Boat looked as if it was never washed down its entire life.Great ride though.Get a survey.
That vintage Laguna had a problem/recall with the transoms. There was insufficient bracing in the transoms, which caused them to crack and want to separate at the corners and where the hull met the deck. Also, the Sea Ray/Mercury motors were known for their carb problems which led to bad combustion and problems with the pistons/rings.
This particular boat looks as if the original dash switches/wiring has been replaced. Maybe for the better? Maybe not. There looks to be quite a bit of rust on the steering wheel. Maybe that is why the switches/wiring was replaced? Maintenance issue?
The ride of that boat was good. As with any CC, they can get you wet. They never did perform great with those motors though. That hull is VERY heavy for its size. I have spent quite a bit of time on one and if you ever had to run on one engine (we did), you better hope to have a lot of time on your hands. Trawler type speeds at best.
Have a thorough survey done before you commit to buying.
Thanks, everyone makes fun of sea rays, but I grew up going "offshore" (nearshore) in an 18.5 Seville as a kid with daddy and we never had any problems boating fish (mackeral, dolphin, bonita, cobia etc) or anything. Hell, I may end up with another Seville, they are dirt cheap, and my dad's 1983 has never had to go to the shop for anything. It can be a rough ride in less than perfect sea's, but oh well, that's fishin. It also makes a great entertainment boat. The only problem is that its not fun with several people fishing, it just isnt laid out that way, and it has carpet, so its hard to get the blood and beer out. If I ripped up the carpet, I might not have the same opinion. The Laguna may be twice as much $$$ but at least I could keep it clean and have a few people fishing in some type of comfort.
But as a credit to sea ray, It's never taken me more than three or four turns of the key to get it started, since 1983.
That year and size laguna was my 1st boat. beat the snot out of it many many times. even ran her to bimini. good ride but not like a 23 seacraft or contender. it really shines with a terrific layout and storage with a head for the ladies. we ran back in very bad seas once and broke the stringers in the front, but they had been damaged before when we ran her into a dock (like I said it was our 1st boat). we had a guy patch her up for $800 and she was better than ever. ours had twin 100 mercs when we got her second hand then we traded out for a single yami 250, which was a good move for us. we were too dumb to know about generic "sea ray" stuff, but we have no regrets and would do it again.
Just bought an 88 Sea Ray Laguna 20, which LOA is closer to 23. 2001 Yamaha 250 OX66. No transom problems, no T-Top, and has a LoadRite trailer. Paid just under that price. I would love to find the factory T-Top for this...I beleive this could be a good deal, if motors are OK.
Looking at various pictures of the boat in and out of the water, it does appear to draft an unusually large amount of water, I guess because it's heavier. Is that a good ro a bad thing? I know its more ga$oline. But what about the ride? Wouldnt a heavier "draftier" boat ride more smoothly?
That's neat. I like that. I think I'm going to buy one. I can't wait for when I'm huddled up with a sweet cutie pie blond at the bar, I can say " I have dual transom doors"... yeah... wait.. no... that would sound kind of gay... wouldn't it? I don't know. Yall tell me. You're the experts. I'm just a weirdo with a dream.
And that's a mem... wait... that' not a memo.... it needs to go on the most popular quotes scroll that runs over the home page... admin, help me out here....
I own a 24 laguna flush deck cutty. Same hull. Solid, heavy boat, however I have a 225 hp merc and can run 47 mph on the gps. You'll like the ride. I am 10 minutes away from the boat you're are looking at. My boat was the last Laguna made in their Merritt Island plant (1997). Six trips to the Bahamas and 790 hours on her and she still looks like new. If I can be of help please let me know.
I have been on one. They are decent hulls and like others have said the design (exterior) is pretty sharp even today. I don't like the "no toe rail" part though. Not a great way to fish for sure. You also have to consider 16 year old engines....it's always smart to add the cost of your re-power choice and then look at the picture. A single makes that boat at least 28K, twins well over 32. And it's not worth that in any market.
If you could get it for 10K you have to ask yourself if it is even a 25K rig with a new single??
I just installed a T-top from North Atlantic towers looks great on my 89 Laguna 20. As a result of this I no longer have a need for the original Fabric top that covers mid way over the back hatch to over the ice chest infront of the center console. If this is what you are looking for send me and email. I am in Oregon so your shipping would be the hardest thing.
Sea Ray Laguna 
