Worth Repowering a 260 Dancer from 5.0 to 383?

M

Matt1481

New Member
Jul 10, 2019
8
Boat Info
2002 260 Sundancer, 1999 180 Dual Console
Engines
5.0 MPI, 115 Merc
Just got a great offer to replace my 5.0 MPI with B3 drive to a 383 MPI. Any other users know or have heard anything about this repower? I love the boat hate how it is seemingly underpowered.
 
Does it come the electronics/computer? You may have to also change props. But if you want to do it, go for it.

On the flip side, my 260DA also had 260HP and a B3. I never felt it is was underpowered. I could do watersports with it - even slalom ski. Are you sure you're operating it correctly (drive trim and tabs)... is the engine healthy... is the bottom very clean and are the props in excellent shape?

How long have you had the boat? Have you owned a cruiser before?
 
ALL is included with the drop in.......props may be needed tho.....all checks out with what you asked EXCEPT (and I am to blame) maybe the bottom could use a good blasting and re paint. props all good, good compression....the drive trim sweet spot seems to be just around the 1/4 mark. The trim tabs seem to be a sea anchor at times. Last year I was getting 32 MPH (GPS) at 4400 now i can't get over 28 MPH @ 4000 RPM but I am thinking my tach may be wacky as I believe the motor is all there. Could the bottom drag cause that much of a drop in performance?
 
If you poke around this site for a while you'll find a host of things that can impact the performance of the boat. Dirty bottoms being the most common first item to consider...they can really slow a boat down...
 
Doesn't take much in regards to a dirty bottom to slow you down. I could get 40mph (GPS) with my '99 260DA. That was around 4,800 RPM.

Trim tabs shouldn't be 'an anchor'. For top end speed, sure, get them all the way up. But they slow the boat down less than lowering the drive. For hole shot... drop both the drive and the tabs. The boat comes up nice an quick and perfectly level - even with only half throttle being used.Either you're not using them properly or there's an issue. Trim tabs are a WONDERFULL tool to have onboard! :) They are extremely helpful when used properly.
 
The bottom isn't "dirty" per say, it is fresh paint but I was considering having the guy around me that comes and "strips" it so you can start fresh. Yea I am kicking myself in the butt for trying to get away with "one more season". My gut is telling me I'm not getting 100% from the engine to the drive after reading some posts. Luckily I have access to merc diagnostic tools will let you know Saturday how that goes. Owned the boat since 2016 (350 HRS), sleeps me, wife and 10 year old for the weekend perfectly. Whats making this decision tough is the price for the install and motor (reman) is less than I ever would have expected.
 
If there's no algae/scum, just bottom paint - even scary looking bottom paint - won't account for the performance difference you're seeing. On the other hand... no one, if the history of boating, has ever complained about having TOO much power ;)
 
DAMNIT your both right! MY 180 with the 115 is tuned perfect WOT is 43-44 5200 RPMS, to put it in perspective a NEW 383 FULL DROP In is around 16K here, the price offered is less than HALF THAT for the reman.
 
WAs told a "week" for drop off/to pick up, Boat terms that is 10 to 364 days.......worst case the 18 takes a beating this year.

P.S.-Just a quick thanks for all the input here it is appreciated gonna try all suggestions
 
i did my 260DA recently from a 6.2 to 383 (technically 6.3) and love it! still wish I had more power...
 
FYI-UPDATE boat went to shop Tuesday, owner confirmed I was down a cylinder and he will troubleshoot that issue, but also sea water coming in up behind motor so its coming out anyway. Opted for the 383 will post when complete with results of sea trial. Hate when posts get started and have no closure.....lol
 
Matt1481 said:
FYI-UPDATE boat went to shop Tuesday, owner confirmed I was down a cylinder and he will troubleshoot that issue, but also sea water coming in up behind motor so its coming out anyway. Opted for the 383 will post when complete with results of sea trial. Hate when posts get started and have no closure.....lol
Click to expand...


Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Looking forward to your results.
 
I had a 260 with the 350 mag and wished it had more power.
It’s an amazing boat with what I feel is one of the best all around layouts.
Glad to hear you’re going for it!
I’m psyched I found a 260 with a 496..keeping this one long term
 
Results are in: jumps right up on plane with minimal trimming cruises 28-31 at 3800-3900 rpms. Having the extra throttle is nice WOT saw 42-43 on gps. Love having that lil extra for those spots when you need to go around etc. all in all extremely pleased.
 
Matt1481 said:
Just got a great offer to replace my 5.0 MPI with B3 drive to a 383 MPI. Any other users know or have heard anything about this repower? I love the boat hate how it is seemingly underpowered.
Click to expand...
we just repowered our 2005 260 sundancer with a 383 stroker. we love the new power. Just what it needed. We did have 5.7 motor.
 
We ordered the complete drop in replacement everything new. did not have to change props or anything. The electrical harness had to be changed out for the smartcraft to function properly.
 
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