Looking and have ton's of Questions

S

Studman

Member
Sep 30, 2011
196
Milford , CT
Boat Info
1985 38' Egg Harbor
Engines
375 HP Cat 3208 TA's
Hello All,
I am kinda new to boating, grew up on boats when I was young and have always had a calling to return to the water. Well I think it’s time, pretty much have the wife on board and with all the great deals out there I think it’s time.
I am looking at a few older Sea Ray’s 1989’s to 1995 ‘s ( because that what’s in my price range )
I am looking at a 1988 280 DA with 2 brand new 5.7 and alpha drives, a 1989 268DA with a single 7.4 and bravo 1 outdrive and a 1995 250DA with a 5.7 and bravo 1, none have trailers
Thoughts
I like the Dancer for the aft cabin , really want to be able to sleep 4 adults even though I think it will be the wife and I most of the time. I like the old style, looks like more room on the boat
I think the wider beam would be better even with being mostly in Long Island Sound but no sure if the twin screw is the right way to go, more maintenance , double repair costs and double fuel? Not sure on the fuel . so many options and to head is spinning.
I was hoping to get a trailer so I could save on winter storage but with the wider beam I know that’s not possible.
Anyone out there running these years
So much to ask ….
I have been reading a ton of stuff on this great site and thanks for any input
SAS

Oh and I almost forgot
Does anyone remember a Marina/ resort called " Tara Mar"
I remeber going there all the time as a kid but don't know where it is / was
 
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Well to anwer your question about twins they are worth it. Better handleing better proformance. And instead of one engine working itself to death you have two hap hazardly plugging away... down side to twins is maint and accesability to your engines. Also the added security that if you have an engine falure you just motor back on one... just my 2c. Good luck with your search and keep the guys here posted on your progress and pics when you fine the right one...

Jason

Ps... love the older rays as well...
 
Everything about boating is a tradeoff...advantages and disadvantages to every decision. I think that's one of the things that makes it interesting. For us, twins are the way to go...for everything Pyro said. You give up some efficiency and there is more maintenance, but one of the regulars on this site has a signature line that says something like "there is nothing on earth quite so enjoyable as simply futzing around on your boat". The extra engine gives you a little something else to "futz" with. Good luck, get a survey and your odds of making a less enjoyable decision will dramatically decrease.
 
We had one engine fail once the other got us back home. As to fuel based on trying to run one engine to save fuel at under 10 knots verses two I did not save any. Wider the better if you are going to spend longer than a week on the boat. We had a non SeaRay 28 footer with upper and lower helms that was 10.5 feet wide we could spend 3 weeks on it and not feel like we were living in a tent. We also could have a guest on and not feel too cramped. Working on twin engines one needs to be thin and under 50.
 
First four boats were single 1/0. Two 4 cyl inline, 2 with 305 chevys.
Now we have serious twin engine direct drive inboards. Will never go back to a single and not sure about twin 1/0. Manouverablility is awesome, and on windy days with a current trying to get into a slip or fuel dock or tight areas is a whole lot simpler.
 
Studman. I hope you find the right boat. This is a good time to buy. 3 comments. 1) The 25DA with the 5.7 is probably under-powered for open water. I have a 230DA with a 7.4, does great, but I really wouldn't want anything smaller. I suspect you will get pretty tired of lugging a 25 footer with a 5.7. 2) Get the trailer for 2 reasons, first you have to marry the marina if you can't take it elsewhere $$$. secondly, I enjoy pulling my 230 home and cleaning, detailing and doing minor repairs and upgrades. I've had larger twin v-drives, the ability to manuever is great. The dancer has a real tall profile in the forward aspect of the boat, which turns in to a great, but unwanted sail, in stiff wind. Even my 23 gets hard to handle when docking in even modestly windy conditions. keep in mind it's almost impossible to put someone on the forward bow area to help dock, because it's almost impossible to get over the bow rails, hold a rope, jump onto a pier...and not about killl yourself in the process. Happy boating. JA
 
Found error on my last post, my 230 has a 5.7 litre power plant, not a 7.4. Having said that, stepping up to a 25 footer, I'd still be inclined to think the 5.7 might be under-powered. JA
 
The dancer has a real tall profile in the forward aspect of the boat, which turns in to a great, but unwanted sail, in stiff wind. Even my 23 gets hard to handle when docking in even modestly windy conditions.

I agree with LM230. This was the main reason we decided to move on. My wife and I are not real old, but not in our prime either, and we found the wider beam we have now to more satisfy our needs. However, that being said, the 230DA was a good boat and appreciable cabin space for a 23 footer.
 
Older 280 is twice the boat, 268 has no resale, if you can swing it, go with the 280
 
bahamabreisus said:
Older 280 is twice the boat, 268 has no resale, if you can swing it, go with the 280
Click to expand...

I agree coming from a 90 280 the boat was very comfortable. The sofa was a great spot for overnight guests. The aft cabin on that circa Sundancer was very closed in and might not be the best for guests. Was OK for kids!!

Enjoy!!
 
Alegria said:
I agree coming from a 90 280 the boat was very comfortable. The sofa was a great spot for overnight guests. The aft cabin on that circa Sundancer was very closed in and might not be the best for guests. Was OK for kids!!

Enjoy!!
Click to expand...

Algeria brings up a good point in sleeping accommodations.
Although the dancer model does provide a small mid cabin there are two things that do not appeal to us.
-raised helm to provide headroom in the mid cabin- if you stand while behind the helm a good portion of your body is above the glass windshield area which does not appeal to me
-less elbow room in the engine bay for the same size boat unless you move to a larger dancer model.
In the 300
-2 in the forward berth
-2 kids in the dinette area
-2 adults in the cockpit where the seating and additional removeable cushions can provide a large sleeping area--some additional privacy curtains need to be used with the camper canvass set up
 
Ok so after looking at 10 boats that were all " Perfect" ( all crap except 1) we find our boat
A 1993 Sea Ray 290 with a 7.4 in great shape , just what we wanted
The only thing missing is A/C and a windless which I can add at a later date if needed, oh and was told the stove didn't work but I will look into that and see whats up.
Thanks everyone for your imput, most was helpful

Studman
 
Studman said:
Ok so after looking at 10 boats that were all " Perfect" ( all crap except 1) we find our boat
A 1993 Sea Ray 290 with a 7.4 in great shape , just what we wanted
The only thing missing is A/C and a windless which I can add at a later date if needed, oh and was told the stove didn't work but I will look into that and see whats up.
Thanks everyone for your imput, most was helpful

Studman
Click to expand...


PICS please!!! Congrats. MM
 
You will have fun with your new baby. I use photobucket as well
 
Studman said:
, oh and was told the stove didn't work but I will look into that and see whats up.
Studman
Click to expand...

That could be because they didn't know to lift the switch at the back of the burners. When you close the top, it pushes a switch shut in case you accidentially left a burner on. That switch has to be manually lifted everytime you open the top to use the stove.
 
Awesome boat!....I am a bit partial. I could only go to a 300 Sundancer with twins to be happier but trailering becomes an issue.....the 270/290 is alot of boat & room for the money. We can only use our AC on shore power and don't use it much in PA. I see you have radar....something I'm looking to add. Our 454 just turned 800hrs and running great. Look for 4600rpms at 38mph in a light chop. It's a smooth riding boat. What size dingy is on there?, Mike.

Wake.jpg
 
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The hell with that ... go bigger. Go diesel. It is amazing how quickly your new boat seems small. I went from a 26 overniter to a 37 gass dancer .... to a 40 diesel dancer .... to a 45 express bridge ... to my current 56 sedan bridge over 7 years... save the $$$$ and go big now....lol. Good luck
 
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