Hello from Michigan, and one question...

Jared DeFiore

New Member
Jul 20, 2019
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Hello all, new guy here from Michigan. Not new to boating... grew up on a lake with pontoons, jet skis, and for a few years owned a Four Winns bow rider with an I/O, so I’m familiar with those drives. Also spent time on my stepdad’s ‘78 Sea Ray 240(not sure on exact model but it had the aft cabin). I loved every minute of being out on Lake Erie on that old girl! Naturally, it planted a seed that now as an adult grew into a desire to get back out on the big water here in this great state.
I’ve been browsing CL looking at various mid to late eighties Sea Rays, and I’m really liking both the Sundancers as well as the Weekenders. Looking for something I can trailer easily enough, so it has to be less than 30’. Thinking in the 25-27 range. Other than introducing myself, I guess I only have one question for now- at what length does the weekender go to a inboard with straight shaft? Really like the idea on no outdrive to service. I understand the pros and cons between models as far as layout, and as of right now it’s just me and my dog who will be venturing out. Thanks for reading, and hope to learn more here!
Jared
 
Jared, welcome to TF. Sorry, but I can't help you with the answer to your question, I just wanted to say "Hello".

What part of MI are you in?
 
The late 80s weekenders were nice, but the inboards where 30 feet and too wide to generally trailer. In your size range you're looking at IOs. Good luck.
 
I like my 89 268Da it's well powered with a single 7.4 and robust Bravo 1 out drive earlier year models have the Alpha one which is adequate if you baby it. If you go for a 268 in weekender or sundancer configurations you would be wise to look for one with a big block many with small blocks find them underpowered, hi and.welcome
 
There is a 86' SeaDancer for sale on our dock 26' I think. Twin 350's 1 1/4 shafts. Very few were built. Welcom and good luck on your quest
 
There is a 86' SeaDancer for sale on our dock 26' I think. Twin 350's 1 1/4 shafts. Very few were built. Welcom and good luck on your quest
I love the idea of twins as far as maneuvering as well as having a “backup” engine if something goes awry while at sea... but double the maintenance, don’t love that notion. How are these on fuel? Since two engines are pushing her and not working as hard as one is efficiency comparable to say a single 454? I’m not opposed to twins, just don’t want to have an enormous fuel cost. As for this boat you mentioned, is it a V-drive setup? Where’s it located? Thanks
 
I like my 89 268Da it's well powered with a single 7.4 and robust Bravo 1 out drive earlier year models have the Alpha one which is adequate if you baby it. If you go for a 268 in weekender or sundancer configurations you would be wise to look for one with a big block many with small blocks find them underpowered, hi and.welcome
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I’ve always been a believer in having more and not needing it than needing more and not having it! That’s why when I bought my truck I got the V8 and not one of the V6’s! Thanks for the input. Are weekenders with 454’s common of that era?
 
The boat is in Jamestown Va. Straight shafts. I'm not sure we're all the boat is listed, I think CL and Facebook Sale? If it's something you want to know more about I can ask where it's listed.

As for mine it has 350's and yea it took me a couple of months to get used to twins but to be honest I will never go back to a single! Backing is easier, fuel consumption is good, and power to weight, she loves right along nicely. 454's would be mighty tight down there
 
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I’ve always been a believer in having more and not needing it than needing more and not having it! That’s why when I bought my truck I got the V8 and not one of the V6’s! Thanks for the input. Are weekenders with 454’s common of that era?
Probably 1 in 5 weekenders and dancers I see around ar 454 if you focus on 89 and up you'll find the bravo drive. Fyi a 90 270 is the same hull as an 89 268 I saw one listed near here today with a trailer for 10g, (1990 270 ₩e 7.4 B1 ) do they are around and affordable,Also local to me a 30 ft sport bridge w twins and inboard for 7500, s 1979 I dont know what engines are un that one.
 
Jared, on the question of fuel economy, let me say that most boaters will tell you that fuel cost is one of the smallest costs of boat ownership.

I/O's will get about 5% to 10% better fuel economy than a v-drive boat but that comes at the cost of poorer maneuverability.

As far as one engine vs two on fuel economy, it's going to take a certain amount of power to push a given boat through the water, and a certain amount of fuel to accomplish that. A boat with twin engines will maybe use more fuel than a single engine boat of the same size, but unless you are using the heck out of the boat or taking it on looooong trips, you will hardly notice the difference.

If you ask people who have owned single engine boats then move to a twin, they will almost always tell you they would not move back to a single engine boat. There are so many advantages to twins over a single engine it would take pages to list them.
 
Jared, on the question of fuel economy, let me say that most boaters will tell you that fuel cost is one of the smallest costs of boat ownership.

I/O's will get about 5% to 10% better fuel economy than a v-drive boat but that comes at the cost of poorer maneuverability.

As far as one engine vs two on fuel economy, it's going to take a certain amount of power to push a given boat through the water, and a certain amount of fuel to accomplish that. A boat with twin engines will maybe use more fuel than a single engine boat of the same size, but unless you are using the heck out of the boat or taking it on looooong trips, you will hardly notice the difference.

If you ask people who have owned single engine boats then move to a twin, they will almost always tell you they would not move back to a single engine boat. There are so many advantages to twins over a single engine it would take pages to list them.
Yeah I hear you on fuel costs vs boat ownership, a drop in the bucket haha. Thanks for the insight on twins vs singles... food for thought. Been looking around and seen a few what looked like deals... one I wished I’d jumped on was a 250 sundancer, 1986 I think for $5300 with trailer asking price. Looked clean enough. I’m a mechanical guy and also a carpenter by day so I’m not afraid of one that need some wood work or mechanical stuff, just don’t want a black hole of a project. Others I’ve seen were either more or didn’t include a trailer. Not sure it’ll happen this year unless a good buy falls into my lap.
 
Yeah I hear you on fuel costs vs boat ownership, a drop in the bucket haha. Thanks for the insight on twins vs singles... food for thought. Been looking around and seen a few what looked like deals... one I wished I’d jumped on was a 250 sundancer, 1986 I think for $5300 with trailer asking price. Looked clean enough. I’m a mechanical guy and also a carpenter by day so I’m not afraid of one that need some wood work or mechanical stuff, just don’t want a black hole of a project. Others I’ve seen were either more or didn’t include a trailer. Not sure it’ll happen this year unless a good buy falls into my lap.
Just remember the only thing that works on an old boat is the owner. :)
 
Just remember the only thing that works on an old boat is the owner. :)
So true! Much like old houses, it’s always somethin’!

I do agree with handsome transom though, once gone through, things can be pretty much basic maintenance for quite a while if well taken care of.
That being said, I won’t be buying a boat that needs a total overhaul. I’ll look for one that’s been well cared for and updated over the years.
 

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