Sundancer 260 for first boat?

[mongo380]

Hi all, my wife and I are looking at buying a boat (first one) and came to liking the sundancer 260. But we wonder is this too much boat for a first boat?

The 240 dancer is nice, but we like the aesthetics of the 260 better and feel we would probably get 2 footitis so why not go for the bigger one. Plus, there are some great rebates on 07 260's laying around at dealers in our area.

Does anyone own a 260 or have any advice or insight into this boat or can share some experiences?

Thanks!

 

[magster65]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Never owned one but would like to
My 2 cents;
The 260 is still an 8'6" beam and therefor trailerable without a permit. Watch your towing capacity if you're gonna' tow it though... they're quite heavy as a boat/trailer combo.
The extra room is a bonus for sure... and I like the lines better too. Having been around them a bit though, I would suggest getting some 'power'... not just the 5.0 or 5.7 standard engine. A sporty looking boat should be sporty, not a slug. To top 40 you'll need the 6.2 or bigger.
Happy shopping!

 

[mongo380]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

magster65 thanks for your input!

That is definitely good advice about the motor size. I will look into the cost of the bigger motor.

I will not trailer it since my suv cannot pull such a weight.

 

[magster65]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Yer' welcome
Nice first boat.
I had my '06 240 up to 46 mph with the 5.7 mag mpi but my '03 240 with the 5.0 would only get 40 (with the same load). That's good but a 260 is quite a bit heavier according to Sea Ray's website.
It's actually not the top speed that matters, these hulls (both the 240 and 260) like to go 30 mph or faster. They level right out and appear to be most efficient at that speed. It'd be nice to cruise at 30 mph or better @ 3500 rpm. There's a couple for sale online that have 496 mags in them... that would be a sweet ride!
Cheers

 

[billder62]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

What he said , I have a a 240 SD, and love the boat , but wish I had a big block and a bravo . I dont think I would have a boat over 24 ft w/o a big block . Oh well when I repower

 

[MyIsla]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

I would go for the larger. We bought a 250 Cabrio 2 years ago and are now looking at a 30" boot to accomodate the amount of time we spend onboard as a family of 3. We vacation for extended periods and wanted the wider beam for a permanent table without V-Berth. The 260 is supposed to be an excellent boat.

Good Luck

 

[magster65]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

I would go for the larger. We bought a 250 Cabrio 2 years ago and are now looking at a 30" boot to accomodate the amount of time we spend onboard as a family of 3. We vacation for extended periods and wanted the wider beam for a permanent table without V-Berth. The 260 is supposed to be an excellent boat.

Good Luck

Yep... more often than not, bigger is better when you're floatin'. The 260 SD, like the 240, is still a trailerable 8'6" beam. You'd have to go to the 280 if you want a wider beam (9'6"). I think the 260 is an awesome first boat... they have beautiful lines.
My first boat was an 8' plywood rowboat

 

[mongo380]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Thanks for all the input everyone.

I think we are set on the 260!!

Will keep you posted on how it goes...

 

[mongo380]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Another question, I was thinking of having the bottom painted with anti-fouling paint.

The boat will sit in the river slipped all season long. I have read differing views some saying that its not necessary in fresh water and others have told me that it is a must when the boat stays in the water all season...

Any opinions? thanks in advance...

 

[flboater312]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Check out fleetrates.com. TJ helped me find my new or used boat. They carry every boat possible and their prices are way below any dealer.

Pleasure boating.

 

[magster65]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Another question, I was thinking of having the bottom painted with anti-fouling paint.

The boat will sit in the river slipped all season long. I have read differing views some saying that its not necessary in fresh water and others have told me that it is a must when the boat stays in the water all season...

Any opinions? thanks in advance...

I'm in the ocean for roughly 3/4 the year and trailer the rest so bottom paint is required. My boat came from a big river and all the boats there had anti-fouling on them. I think it's a 'yes'. Go to the marina where you're going to moor and check out what everyone else has done. That should be a good indication.
Where's the pics?!

 

[magster65]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

Well?!...

 

[mongo380]

Re: Sundancer 260 for first boat?

I ended up doing the paint. After seeing the river, I think it will pay off .

She's a beauty. I will have to take some photos of the outside of the boat. The camera has been consumed photographing the tears in the vinyl and marks on the cabin cushions and other fit and finish problems we have noted. doh!