I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 248 LS. This would be my first boat, so I'm a little gunshy, to say the least. I've been looking at Sea Rays, Rinkers, and Regal. If you don't mind a few questions.
1) How does the Monterey brand compare to the others I'm looking at?
2) The boat has a Mercruiser 5.7 260 HP engine with an single prop drive. That seems a little under-powered (well . . I'm a solid 220 pounds wet . . I'd like to know I could be pulled up on a slalom ski). Any guess on the top speed of this configuration?
3) I'm going to look at the boat in a day or two. When examining the engine, what should I look for. I would think that on a ~10 year old boat that the risers/manifolds should be replaced. Is that true?
4) Does the Bravo III drive bring much to the table (speed/power).
5) NADA suggests a considerably lower value than the buyer is asking, but I've heard NADA isn't very reliable (but that's usually the sellers telling me that!).
I appreciate any advice. I'm approaching this endeavor with much trepidation and anxiety.
