240 Sundeck Thread - Questions and Answers

Bama Boater said:
I have a parts manual for the 240 SD but the hardware bits and pieces don't seem to show what I need. I need some small stainless steel screws: 2 machine screws that secure the head latch mechanism to the stainless latch plate, and 5 "wood" screws that hold the helm access door open stop strip in place (I know that there's no wood but they look like small stainless wood screws to me). Does anyone know the specified size so I get the correct hardware?
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I found SS screws at Lowe's for both. The 3/8" 4-40 machine screws keep the locking mechinism on the head door from from sliding inside the assemby and not engaing the latch loop.

...and the #6 5/8" oval heads fill the bill for the stop strip that holds the helm door in the open/wind block position. The door opened too far and hit the bow cover snaps on the center windshield so I adjusted it by moving the strip and latch catch back about an inch. Now I can open the wind block without interfierence.

Also found out why the wet bar sink wouldn't drain. I thought it was clogged by a bug or dirt dobber but closer inspection revealed a kink in the hose from the factory. There's suppose to be a drip loop but not a kink. Unfortunately, I couldn't straighten the kink out so had to cut it at that point. The drain works well but the hose is fairly straight from sink to drain now. I put it on my to do list to get another piece of hose to put the drip loop back in it.
 
chuck1 said:
On the 240 the 1 1/2"+-tube/fitting goes out via a through-hull fitting. There is one on both sides of the boat.

I thought the 260SD was the same way, but is has been a while since I looked at it. Check that fitting I think you will find that it has a tube that is directing the water out via a through-hull fitting.
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I would love to see some pics from anyone because I would like to convert mine to this. To me not having this was a big bummer and still is. I assumed that the 240's were the same way because these are basically the same boat. I think i might have to take a trip to the dealer and take some measurements and compare with mine and see if its do able. If it is, than out comes the hole saw. :grin:

Another thing that i noticed is that If these are basically the same boats, how come I have 2 bow pole for my cover and and 2 for the cockpit cover. The 240's only have 3 total, correct?
 
Mustangous said:
I would love to see some pics from anyone because ...
....how come I have 2 bow pole for my cover and and 2 for the cockpit cover. The 240's only have 3 total, correct?
Click to expand...

I try and takes some picture next time.

That is correct the 240 has one pole for the bow and 2 for the cockpit cover.
 
The Speedometer quit on me last weekend so I checked out the "pitot tube" port on the nose of the Bravo III outdrive and found some trash in there. (I don't have a GPS yet).

Unfortunately, yesterday still no speedo. So I put it on 3000 rpm and spent the day cruising the TN river anyway.

I checked the merc manual this AM and found a section where it describes using a drill bit to unclog the hole. At first the drill bit only went in the hole about 1/8 inch. But with a small push it has gone in to a little more than 2" like the manual said it should. It seemed to drain a bit of water since the surgery.

Hopefully, next weekend we have a speedo - though found out it's not as important as RPM.

Just wondered how common this is with the rest of you.
 
Bama Boater said:
The Speedometer quit on me last weekend so I checked out the "pitot tube" port on the nose of the Bravo III outdrive and found some trash in there. (I don't have a GPS yet).


Just wondered how common this is with the rest of you.
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In our lake, with the debris we usually have, I quit worrying about it.. pretty common
 

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Bama Boater said:
The Speedometer quit on me last weekend so I checked out the "pitot tube" port on the nose of the Bravo III outdrive and found some trash in there. (I don't have a GPS yet).

Unfortunately, yesterday still no speedo. So I put it on 3000 rpm and spent the day cruising the TN river anyway.

I checked the merc manual this AM and found a section where it describes using a drill bit to unclog the hole. At first the drill bit only went in the hole about 1/8 inch. But with a small push it has gone in to a little more than 2" like the manual said it should. It seemed to drain a bit of water since the surgery.

Hopefully, next weekend we have a speedo - though found out it's not as important as RPM.

Just wondered how common this is with the rest of you.
Click to expand...
Mine had the same exact situation. Paper clip into the pitot tube worked for me.:smt038
 
Re: Name on Transom ?

Les57 said:
Hi, My New/used 2007 240SD goes in the water May 9th. I want to order the Vinyl letters for the boats name. How big should the letters be ( 2" ?) and how wide can I go?. We are thinking of naming the boat " Chock Full of Nuts II".


Any advise what we helpful. The Marine Max dealer wants $250 but i looks like onle line I can order for less then $50.
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Go to any FastSigns store and make it up on their computer design system. Pick colors, fonts, sizes, shading etc and in 5 minutes it will be in your hands all cut and ready to squeegie into place on your boat. Total cost is definetly less than 50 bucks!
 
I took my 2002 240 out over the weekend and the fresh water pump did not work, it worked the week before. Checked the fuses and switch and they are fine. Any thoughts? :smt100
 
bigkahuna99 said:
I took my 2002 240 out over the weekend and the fresh water pump did not work, it worked the week before. Checked the fuses and switch and they are fine. Any thoughts? :smt100
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I would check for power at the pump and/or put power to the pump to see if it works. I think there is a pressure switch that shuts off the pump when you have the pump switch on and no faucets open. Maybe thats faulty.
 
My pump died last year was told that's pretty common because the pumps are cheap (not cheap to buy cheaply made) good thing for extended warranties.
 
Yep replaced my fresh water pump after 2 years. Have you cleaned the screen on it? Check it out first. Try to wrap on the pressure switch a couple times and see if it starts. You can replace just the pressure switch but, that cost almost as much as the whole pump.
 
Seriously a multi meter is a must have tool. Just replacing parts in hope it will fix it is an expensive way about it. I picked up 3 meters through harbor freight. They had them on sale for $2.99. I now keep one at the shore, one in a trailer, one in my truck and my flukes stay at home and at work. Handy tool without banging on things to see it they work because that dont always work...

Mine are yellow, but looks the same as the red ones.
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

Multimeters are very easy to use. If any one needs assistance on using one or some tips let me know... They are simple to use but my father doesn't want to touch them.... lol
 
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As Chuck said check the screen. Mine stopped working after a year or so too. I couldn't believe all the garbage I found in that screen.

I've got a multi meter too. About the only thing I know how to use it for is to check for continuity but it's been a handy thing to have.
 
Now that I've been running my 2005 240 SunDeck for a few months, I've come up with a list of general operational questions to determine best practices from the experts on this thread. Here's a list of a few things that I have been wondering about:
  • I keep my boat in a slip here in New York and it is in salt water. While at the dock, the dealer recommended that I keep the outdrive in the lowest position so the pistons for the trim are not exposed. Any thoughts on this? How do you keep your outdrive? Also I have been keeping the trim tabs in the full up position for the same reason.
  • How long do you run the bilge blower prior to engine ignition? The manual says four minutes. Do you open the engine compartment and keep it open during startup? What is your general start-up procedure?
  • Knots - what type of knot do you tie on a pole? I've been using a modified half-hitch. Any thoughts on your favorite knots?
  • Underway - How do you get on plane? Do you give it WOT until planing off, then bring it back down? Do you slowly and steadily increase throttle until on plane? Any tips to faster plane speeds?
  • Trim - where do you keep the trim while getting on plane? I typically keep it trimmed down all the way then increase up to around the '3' setting while underway. It keeps the bow up a bit during the rough swells we get up here on Long Island (2-3' sometimes with whitecaps!) Do you use the trim-tabs? I've used them to balance the load if everyone's on the starbord side, but not for much else. I keep both the trimtabs in the 100% bow-up mode for most of the ride.
  • RPM - where do you guys find is the best ride/speed for cruising? I've been keeping her in the mid 3000's and I've been around 25-30mph. Anyone have any tips for keeping GPH as low as possible? I've been trying to keep her around 8-9 GPH. (as per the smartcraft gauge)
  • Sunbrella - any suggestions on cleaning or maintenance? Do you keep the sunbrella up while running? What about while docking? I find that it acts as a giant sail while trying to dock, so sometimes I put her away during docking. As for cleaning, I've just been spraying it off with the hose. But I don't want the zippers to start cooroding like I've seen on other boats.
  • Electrical - I have two batteries with a switch that allows for Off - 1 - 2- both. I generally keep it on 'off' when I'm away from the boat (at dock). I generally leave it on 'both' when starting and underway. How do you use your dual batteries? I've read on this forum where people switch back and forth between starting and underway? Is it safe to switch the batteries while the engine is running?
  • Engine Maintenance - how often do you change the oil or other fluids? How often do you check them? What has been most problematic for you in this area? I purchased mine with 70 hours on the engine. She just had an oil change and new batteries. I'm almost at 90 hours now. When should I change the oil?
  • Boat Maintenance - I've read where people on this thread are changing out water pumps, etc... Do you have a special technique for checking on all these systems or making sure they last longest? I personally only keep the water pump switch turned on when I'm going to use it and I try to limit its use to when we are away from the dock - albeit my 2 boys would love to have a water fight with the water cannons every chance they get.
  • Wash Down - Do you wash her down after every single trip? When she is still all wet (keep it clean guys) do you cover her right away? I'm concerned about mold so I often spray her down, then keep all compartments open for a few hours, then go back down to the boat and close her up for the night. Do you spray off the gauges and the entire helm? During spray-down, do you use soap and cleaner or just spray with water? Do you spray/clean all the seats and everything or just the outside hull? What is your procedure? Do you put the cover on after every trip? Do you ever leave the cover off overnight?
  • I have to know more about the bow tent. Please share your camping experiences.
All the best to you all out there. Please share your best practices.
Kind Regards,
p5surf
 
p5surf..........
As a former 240 Sundeck Owner I think I can answer most of your questions.

1) You are getting the correct advice. Keep the drive trimmed down and the tabs in the up position.

2) I always turned on my blower for several minutes before starting. Get in a routine and make it one of the first things you do when you board. While you are doing other things to get ready chances are the blower will have run for several minutes. And keep the engine cover closed when starting. In case of fire you want to have a closed cover to contain the fire. If you have an onboard fire extinguishing system it is the only way it will work properly. (By the way if there ever is a fire turn off the bilge blowers). If you extinguish by hand there is a cap you remove on the engine hatch for that.

3) "Knot" sure about that one. I always tie up to cleats on the dock

4) I always came up on plane gradually without slamming the throttle all the way forward. Once on plane I trimmed the drive ever so little to increase speed. I could always feel the boat smooth out and speed up myself when I found the "sweet spot".

5) You pretty much described what I said above.

6) I used to use 3000 as my maximum cruising speed (unless of course I needed to go faster:smt001) I didn't have smartcraft so
I can't comment on the best RPM for fuel usage but I think what you are doing is the right way to figure it out.

7) I would keep my Bimini up while docking. i don't think the wind affects it much. As far as cleaning I always cleaned with the canvas on and only hosed the covers and Bimini avoiding brushes and chemicals. If you ever need to really clean your Bimini, Sunbrella's web site explains how to do that.

8) Keep the batteries off when leaving the dock. If you don't have an onboard battery charger I would run the boat on BOTH so they are both being charged by the alternator when underway and only switch to one or two when anchored to ensure you have at least one fully charged battery to start the motor.

9) I changed the oil and filter once a season (in the fall) or at 100 hours whichever came first. I also changed my outdrive fluid annually and had the drive pulled as well to check engine alignment, the condition of the gimble bearing and u-joints, and to grease the drive splines.

10 If you are talking about fresh water system pumps, the only thing you need to do is listen to see if they cycle on and off for no reason or run continuously for no reason. Otherwise, I used to leave mine on the entire time I was on the boat. The pump only runs when water is used and therefore wear is not an issue. On your raw water pump that cools the engine, I would change the impeller at least every other year or for sure no longer than 3 years or 100 hours. These things can fail and leave you stranded so don't take any chances.

11 I never washed my boat down after using it for exactly the reasons and concerns you state. But then again I didn't boat in salt water. I would have probably washed it down under those circumstances to get rid of the salt.

Hope that helps.

Dave
 
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