Idi-Yacht!

H

Harryg549

New Member
May 12, 2010
4
Wildwood New jersey
Boat Info
260 DA
Engines
260 Merc. cruiser
:smt021 I need a owner's/Operator's manual for a 1979 26' Sea Ray 260 Da, I am SOO TIRED of being bull crapped and ripped off by "Marine Mechanics" that Don't know what their talking about. I want to Fix it myself. Also can someone tell me without seeing my fridge. It should convert to 12 Volt once I leave the dock power correct? The bilge pump float in the floor should start the pump in the floor when manually lifted, or it needs water to hit it? what's the majic with that? :huh: Hey, First boat ever, but I Will get there!!!! Loving it!:smt101
 
As you'll discover, a lot of stuff in a boat is made by another company. Fridges, pumps, engines, electronics, etc. It helps to mention the make and model of them. Many vendors have manuals and specs available on their websites.

Most fridges intended for use on a boat are designed to automatically cut over between AC and DC. Assuming the right kind is actually installed in your boat. With an older boat it's possible a previous owner has replaced the factory installed unit with something different (and possibly incorrectly).

Also consider that many brands have local servicing distributors, ones that might be able to fix it directly instead of being gouged by the middleman at the stealership. I pulled my fridge and had it repaired that way. Got it done in two days versus losing several weekends (and the money) through the dealer.
 
On the 80's era Sea Rays they have a dash panel switch for the AC operation of the refrigerator. Your 79 may be the same.
 
Also be sure the wires for the 12v are connected at the battery. My old boat, an '82, someone had removed the wires that feed the fridge at the battery, probablly due to some kind of battery drain. Does the bilge pump work from the dash switch? If so replace your float, if not look for a bad fuse somewhere.
 
Wish I could help bro, All I have is an ice box on mine.
 
I had one of those back in 1989. I don't remember having to do anything to switch the fridge over to 12volts. I do remember having to replace the float switch. I changed it to an electronic switch that turned the pump on when the water hit a certain level. The water completed a circuit between 2 diodes. I also added a battery isolater to prevent killing both batteries at the same.

I had a never ending problem with over heating. That boat weighs around 6000 lbs empty. Add 100 gallons of fuel, 40 gallons of water, gear and guests and your over 8000 lbs. That is alot of weight for Merc 260. Try to keep the weight down and take your time getting on plane. You will probably learn what a flex coupling is if you push the boat too hard

Good luck.



Picture198.jpg
 
Have an identical '80. Yes to both queries. Fridge should automatically switch over to 110 when you are on shore power and flipped the switches in the fwd berth, and the bilge pump (fwd & aft) should turn on when you lift the float about 3" and have the pumps turned on at the helm. Make sure the forward one (stepdown, under the steps) is not sitting cock-eyed or it will impede the movement of the float.
 
I had the same boat as you. The fridge did automatically switch over. If you open the door you should see several screws , may have covers on them, just unscrew them and the fridge should slide right out. You can then see the outlet behind it as well as the red and black 12v lines. Give them a test and be sure you are getting power. I sold my 260 last year with the original fridge still running great. The other float switch you ask about is in the floor compartment in front of the head/closet area yes? This is your stepdown pump switch. My boat had a switch for this on the dashboard. I just left it on as it only came on when I showered since it was on the float switch. If the dash switch is on and nothing happens when you lift the float check the fuse first next to the switch and then test by the switch accordingly. Good Luck! Todd
 
tdschafer said:
I had the same boat as you. The fridge did automatically switch over. If you open the door you should see several screws , may have covers on them, just unscrew them and the fridge should slide right out. You can then see the outlet behind it as well as the red and black 12v lines. Give them a test and be sure you are getting power. I sold my 260 last year with the original fridge still running great. The other float switch you ask about is in the floor compartment in front of the head/closet area yes? This is your stepdown pump switch. My boat had a switch for this on the dashboard. I just left it on as it only came on when I showered since it was on the float switch. If the dash switch is on and nothing happens when you lift the float check the fuse first next to the switch and then test by the switch accordingly. Good Luck! Todd
Click to expand...
Thank you todd. I cant wait to investigate! Tomorrow. :smt038
 
NEW ISSUE, Ya Think? 1979 Sea Ray Trim Switch IN OUT TILT for out drive and Trim and Trailer mode. I keep blowing a 20 AMP fuse? Anyone know the correct fuse Amperage to use. 20 was in when i bought the boat. Also, any one have or know were I can get a manuel? Also, I think I have 100 gal. fuel tank, Is that correct? Really need help with this Trim Switch issue? Thanks! Idi-Yacht
 
Harry, I think mine had a slo-blo fuse but don't recall the amperage.... I did have a 100 gallon fuel tank and a 30 gal fresh water tank.
 
the float switch should operate the bildge pump even if your battery switch is on the off position as where they are wired for direct power, something else to check and consider, just sayin
 
Matt89GT said:
the float switch should operate the bildge pump even if your battery switch is on the off position as where they are wired for direct power, something else to check and consider, just sayin
Click to expand...

That was NOT the case on my '79 260 Sundancer. The ER bilge pump had a three way switch, Auto/off/on, The step down pump had off/on and I added the float switch as I otherwise had to remember to turn it on every time I showered. I also would collect water in the stepdown compartment when we got lots of rain and the carpet would get wet around that area. Once the float switch was installed....No more problems! Todd
 
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