Good second-hand boats: Buying advice for boats costing around 40,000 euros

As part of this series, we’ll be showcasing three to four second-hand boats from different price ranges in each instalment. The profiles and descriptions are intended as a practical guide for anyone who wants to know what the boat market currently has to offer for their particular budget. To kick things off, we’re starting with Sea Ray models, each priced at just under 40,000 euros. In the second-hand boat market, this price range marks a significant entry point. The focus here is on boats that, in terms of both build quality and space and performance, reach a standard that will meet the long-term needs of many recreational skippers.

Anyone with a general interest in the subject will find at BOOTE Buying a second-hand boat a good start and with Types of motorboats – The main categories a suitable introductory guide.

​The dealer: Boote Pfister

Boote Pfister GmbH, based in Schwebheim near Schweinfurt, is a family-run boat and engine dealer that has been in business since 1967. The company is one of the larger dealers of its kind in southern Germany and stocks new and second-hand boats from various brands across a total area of around 17,000 square metres. The company has its own workshop and a handover harbour with a slipway on the River Main. The models featured in this issue were selected by Dennis Pfister, the company’s fourth-generation sales manager. It has been a Sea Ray sales partner for more than 20 years. Pfister’s assessment: “For me, Sea Ray is one of the world’s best motorboat brands – retaining its value, high quality and with a design that remains timelessly modern.”

​SEA RAY 190 SPXE

​Year of manufacture: 2017 • Price: 39,900 euros

​Length: 5.94 m • Width: 2.48 m • Weight: approx. 1,350 kg • Material: GRP • Fuel tank capacity: 113 litres • Engine: MerCruiser 4.5L ECT V6, Alpha One Z-drive • Power: 200 PS / unleaded petrol • Top speed: approx. 35–38 kn • Cruising speed: approx. 20–23 kn • Operating hours: 270

Exterior & Interior

The Sea Ray 190 SPXE features a sporty design. The hull is finished in black and white and is complemented by a dark wakeboard tower. As a classic bowrider, the model makes the most of its overall length of just under six metres by dividing the space into a bow seating area and an open cockpit. The grey SeaDek flooring replaces the carpeted floors typical of older model generations. This is not only a visual upgrade, but it also makes cleaning easier and provides a non-slip surface. However, with second-hand models in this series, it is important to note that the upholstery in the open bow area is directly exposed to the elements and should therefore be checked for moisture damage before purchase.

​Performance

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the 190 SPXE reaches a top speed of around 35 to 38 knots under optimal conditions. Sea Ray states that the most economical and comfortable cruising speed is in the range of 20 to 23 knots, at which the 113-litre fuel tank should be sufficient for a full day on the water. Dennis Pfister, who has been operating this model for years, describes the 190 SPXE as an uncomplicated all-rounder: “The boat is the perfect family sports craft – whether for a day out swimming or water sports, the engine always has plenty of power in reserve, even when fully loaded.”

Seaworthiness

Due to its design, this bowrider – just under six metres long – is restricted to sheltered inland waters and coastal areas with moderate wind and wave conditions; the boat is not designed for rough seas or open coastal waters. In its primary operating area, however, the model demonstrates the stable handling and predictable performance typical of this class. A practical feature for shallow shoreline areas and trailer transport is the adjustable Z-drive: trimming it up reduces the draught from 0.88 to 0.43 metres. This also makes launching from shallow ramps considerably easier.

​Conclusion

The Sea Ray 190 SPXE is a well-established model in the compact sports boat segment. This particular boat is on offer, complete with water sports accessories, at a price of 39,900 euros. In this size category, it provides a solid point of reference for prospective buyers in the second-hand boat market. Due to the brand’s widespread popularity, there is also a robust network for spare parts and servicing for this model. Prospective buyers should carefully check the condition of the propulsion system and the boat’s electrical system during a viewing, so that they can calculate any potential future costs

​SEA RAY 210 OVE

​Year of manufacture: 2013 • Price: 39,900 euros

​Length: 6.48 m • Width: 2.55 m • Weight: approx. 1,690 kg • Material: GRP • Fuel tank capacity: 151 litres • Engine: MerCruiser 4.3L MPI Alpha One, Z-drive • Power: 220 PS / unleaded petrol • Top speed: approx. 36–39 kn • Cruising speed: approx. 22–25 kn • Operating hours: 718 (approx. 55 per year)

​Exterior & Interior

The hull design of this Sea Ray 210 Overnighter differs from older, all-white pleasure craft in its three-part colour scheme: the underwater hull and the deck are kept light in colour, whilst a dark band runs along the middle section of the hull. The cockpit is dominated by muted mocha and earth tones. In practical use for swimming, the darker colour scheme of the upholstery proves to be more resistant to dirt than white faux leather surfaces. The small bow cabin (sleep cabin) offers limited space for an overnight stay or serves as a sheltered storage area, but due to its design is not intended for longer stays.

​Performance

With its standard engine, a MerCruiser 4.3L MPI producing 220 PS, the model achieves a top speed of 39 knots according to the manufacturer’s specifications, whilst the cruising speed in the economical planing range is between 22 and 25 knots. The 151-litre fuel capacity is more than sufficient for standard day trips. Further equipment on this particular model also includes an electric windlass. The engine-propulsion combination ensures direct responsiveness, which facilitates harbour manoeuvres and course corrections.

​Seaworthiness

Due to its greater displacement compared with smaller bowriders and its longer hull, the 210 Overnighter offers more stable handling in choppy waters. The model is considered easy to handle in inland waters and coastal waters. However, the boat is not designed for rough sea conditions or open coastal waters. The variable draught, ranging from 0.91 metres with the propulsion unit lowered to 0.53 metres when trimmed high, makes it easier to approach shallow shoreline areas and to launch the boat.

​Conclusion

The Sea Ray 210 Overnighter expands on the concept of a pure day cruiser by adding an enclosed bow cabin and extra living space on board. The choice of materials in the interior gives a solid impression, but clearly limits its use to leisure and fair-weather cruising. The fitted MerCruiser 4.3L MPI is regarded in the market as a durable engine; before purchase, it is advisable to check for a complete maintenance history. Overall, the model proves to be a functional all-rounder for owners who value flexibility when planning their cruises. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of the cabin upholstery and the watertightness of the deck hatches during a viewing to rule out any hidden moisture damage.

​SEA RAY 190 SPXE Pfister Edition

​Year of manufacture: 2020 • Price: 39,900 euros

​Length: 5.94 m • Width: 2.48 m • Weight: approx. 1,350 kg • Material: GRP • Fuel tank capacity: 113 litres • Engine: MerCruiser 4.5L ECT V6, Alpha One Z-drive • Power: 200 PS / unleaded petrol • Top speed: approx. 40–42 kn • Cruising speed: approx. 22–26 kn • Operating hours: 143

Exterior & Interior ​

The Sea Ray 190 SPXE ‘Boote Pfister Edition’, created to mark the dealer’s 50th anniversary in collaboration with the shipyard, has the same dimensions as the standard model but has been visually modified. The hull is finished entirely in black with a narrow red waterline stripe, whilst the black-and-white cockpit features specific details such as diamond-pattern quilting and a discreetly embroidered anniversary logo. The fittings also include a teak cockpit table as well as bow and stern cushions. When using the boat, it should be borne in mind that dark gelcoat shows scratches, salt and limescale deposits more clearly than white surfaces. Built in 2020 and with just 143 operating hours, the boat has been used for an average of less than 25 hours per season, which is consistent with the minimal signs of wear mentioned in the description and its very good overall condition.

​Performance

With performance figures identical to those of the standard model range, the fitted MerCruiser 4.5L ECT with 200 PS and Z-drive propels the bowrider to speeds of up to 38 knots under optimal conditions. The economical cruising speed lies within the efficient planing range of between approximately 22 and 26 knots, whilst the 113-litre fuel tank is sufficiently sized for conventional day trips involving water sports and swimming. The technical specifications also include a multifunction display with GPS chartplotter and sonar, which facilitates navigation and depth monitoring in unfamiliar waters.

​Seaworthiness

This bowrider, which is comparatively smooth-running for a boat just under six metres in length, exhibits the highly manoeuvrable handling typical of the 190 class. Due to its design, this open boat is intended for inland waters and coastal areas with moderate swell, but not for rough coastal weather. The trim-adjustable Z-drive reduces the draught when required.

Conclusion

The special edition Sea Ray 190 SPXE enhances the tried-and-tested design of the family bowrider with stylistic touches and functional additions. Prospective buyers should, in addition to the maintenance requirements of the dark hull, pay particular attention to the maintenance history and the Z-drive, as damage caused by prolonged storage is often more critical than operating hours alone. Nevertheless, the combination of a 2020 build year, low hours, a robust 200 PS engine and the condition described makes the boat a very attractive second-hand option.

You can find out more about this topic in our used boat special

• ​Buying a second-hand boat: The key to success – Here’s how to do it right!
• The pros and cons of second-hand boats
• How to find the right boat
• Types of motorboats – The main categories
• Boat marketplaces: Your guide through the online jungle
• Checklists for the test drive and vehicle inspection
• How to avoid pitfalls in the purchase agreement
• What new owners need to know
• You’ll need these insurance policies for your boat

​Series: Good Second-Hand Boats, Episode 1. To kick off this BOOTE series, we’re looking at second-hand boats priced at around 40,000 euros.

​​This series is based on Boote Pfister’s range of second-hand boats. The editorial assessment of the boats featured is carried out independently.