OK. Apologies if this is not the correct place ask this, I am a
newbie.

I have recently moved to South West Florida and - once the wind stops
blowing - intend to buy a deck boat.

I am a newbie to boating but after looking around the internet and
visiting a number of dealers I narrowed my choices down to a pre-owned
Sea Ray 240SD of 1999 vintage with about 100 hours. It looks a nice
boat but I would like to hear the opinion of those more experienced
than I on if it would be a reasonable choice for a first time family
day boat.

I have a wife and four kids (upto age 12) to take as well as optional
friends so considered this size vessel to be a minimum. The head is a
definate benefit for the ladies and there appears to be plenty of room
for the kids to move around safely.

The power is a standard 5.0 unit with an alpha 1 drive - I am unclear
as to what difference the later Bravo drives or duoprops get me if I
were to go for a newer boat. Also - is a boat this age going to be a
sound proposition from the perspective of integrity?

The current owner has not used it much over the past couple of years
apparently due to ill health and it has been stored high and dry. Any
suggestions on what I should look our for or expect to have to fix if
I buy as is?

Does anyone have any thoughts of alternative boats which would suite
what I am looking for - my budget is 20k - 25k.

Thanks in anticipation

Paul Bedford