A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

[jattea]

Hi all.

I've posted a few times saying I'm searching for a late model (2000 and newer) 24-26' midcabin cruiser, mostly among Sea Ray, Rinker, Chapperal, Maxum, and Four Winns.

After much research, one of my favorite models is the Sea Ray 240 Sundancer, especially the pre-2005 layout , pictures here and here (as opposed to the post 2006 layout, photo here)

Does anyone have any opinions of this boat? What about the layout? To me, the pre-2005 layout has more capacity and that nice port bench. The post 2006 layout replaces the port bench with two "bistro-style" seats, and loses an entire bench seat in the aft. But it looks roomier. Is the pre-2005 layout too cramped?

What about the engine -- should I avoid the base 5.0 Mercruiser, in favor of the 5.7l?

I was just looking for some general thoughts on this boat. Thanks

 

[marine4003]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

The layout - style - seating situation are all ascetics...all are up to you and your needs,as for power,the bigger the better, the 5.0 is a good motor,but the 350 will have that extra torque needed to get on plane faster..plus motor isn't working as hard to cruise, all in all you cant go wrong with a SR, there very well built boats,and properly maintained will last years.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

That newer layout is silly, agree to look for the older. For most people looking for a pocket cruiser, speed isnt a huge priority so the 5.0 is more than fine. I honestly dont think there will be a big difference in fuel usage, so simply see what you can find. More important would be if you could find fuel injection over carb, that would be very nice to have. I have a 5.0 in a bayliner 2655 - very adequate power.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

Google David Pascoe. He's surveyed quite a few Sea Rays, though I'm not sure if the model you are looking at is included in his reviews. He's not very kind to Sea Ray.

 

[torcano]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

I just sold my 2004 DA. In general, it was a very well made boat. I agree that the pre 2005 layout is much better. I don't think I would have considered the newer version. My boat had a 5.0 L MPI with Bravo III. The engine was more that ample with 2 people on board. With 4 or 5 people it took a while to get on plane. If you frequently go out with 4 or more people, I would consider the larger engine. I liked the Bravo III's alot, especially when backing into a slip. I also liked the Bravo III clutch better than my current boat. Backing in is less of an issue because I have twin I/Os on my current boat. SeaRays have good re-sale. I actually like my Chaparral better, but you can't go wrong with the 240 DA.
RK

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

Google David Pascoe. He's surveyed quite a few Sea Rays, though I'm not sure if the model you are looking at is included in his reviews. He's not very kind to Sea Ray.

i dont put much fath in this guy, he sounds more like a disgruntled employe that has a bone to pick. more like a ralph nader to the corvar.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

i dont put much fath in this guy, he sounds more like a disgruntled employe that has a bone to pick. more like a ralph nader to the corvar.

You apparently don't know who he is.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

ya i do and i have read his reports

 

[rngale]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

having worked on a few searys myself i can understand the bad reviews some of them get. The worst one i worked on was inspected by the coast gaurd a independant marine surveyor, and seay ray them selves plus an independant they hired. Long story short, the guy had a 26 foot weekender 1990 year range, cracked hull up and down the lifting strakes, searay claimed they used the boat to much, after much digging found both main stringers in the aft had been cut and removed to install two lockers by searay. After a threat from the owner of class action suit and a full page add in yachting world sea ray came and got the boat leaving us a check for all work that had been done to find the failure.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

ya i do and i have read his reports

Well, when a boat builder just gelcoats stringers instead of glassing them in, or sends a boat out of it's plant with electrical wires flopped on top of a gas tank, it kind of makes you wonder. The problem with many boat builders is they like to fancy up the topside. That's fine. But, it's what the boat buyer can't see that really matters.

 

[rngale]

Re: A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

Couldn't have said it better Sea Wolf. And beware when a large manufacturer gets bought out by another, it ussually means changes are in the future and not always for the best. Its the bottom line we need to make a bigger profit thing.