2006 260 with no spoiler -- can one be added?

SeaRay215

New Member
Oct 17, 2006
13
Upstate NY
Boat Info
215 Weekender
Engines
Merc w/ Alpha
I am looking at two 260s to replace my current 215 Weekender. One is a loaded 2005 that is at the top of my price range and the second is more of a stripped down 2006 with fewer hours that is about 5Gs less than the 2005. It doesn't have a few of the options that the '05 has, like the interior trim package and colored hull, but it's spotless. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a sport spoiler... I really like the look of the spoiler and how the canvas attaches to it. Can a spoiler be added without major modifications? ...cost involved?

Thanks for any advice and Happy New Year!
 
I am looking at two 260s to replace my current 215 Weekender. One is a loaded 2005 that is at the top of my price range and the second is more of a stripped down 2006 with fewer hours that is about 5Gs less than the 2005. It doesn't have a few of the options that the '05 has, like the interior trim package and colored hull, but it's spotless. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a sport spoiler... I really like the look of the spoiler and how the canvas attaches to it. Can a spoiler be added without major modifications? ...cost involved?

Thanks for any advice and Happy New Year!

Please don't take this the wrong way but I think you are going to have a hard time finding an original radar arch for that boat and if so I am not sure the cost to add would be worth it simply for looks.

You may be to somewhat of an advantage performance wise by not having it. I have seen posts here where it has been reported that generation 260 feels a bit "top heavy" as was consistient my experience driving one. One *theroy* is the weight if the radar arch on an 8'6" beam boat could be a contributing factor. Not sure if that truly holds any weight but may be something to consider.

I would say if you want the radar arch, get one that has one already. There are tons of them around.
 
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Also, keep in mind that if you add an arch you will most likely have to replace the entire canvas package including mooring cover- except for maybe the aft or camper rear curtain.

Every other part of the canvas componets either attaches to the arch or is dependant on the front or rear visor which is attached to the arch.

Unless you could find someone to modify your canvas, you would be looking at several thousand dollars just for that.
 
Jason makes good points all around. Go for the 05 with the arch. YOu spend well beyond 5 grand updating everything to accomodate the arch.

Owning the same boat for 5 years now I can assure that the arch has nothing to do with the dreaded 260 lean. Find the official 260 thread and you will read how to correct it very easily. All it take is patience
 
Without looking up the exact costs, I can positively tell you that adding an arch, changing the canvas and modifying the cockpit cover will cost you considerably more than $5K... That's if the tower is even still available from Sea Ray. I'd agree with all the advice above. If you feel you must have the arch, then buy the one that already has it.

I will point out one small downside to an arch, though. And, this is really for any pocket cruiser. Because of the extra weight that is well above the boat's center of gravity, a 260 with a tower will exhibit a bit more back-and-forth list as compared to one that doesn't have a tower. The 260 is a pretty heavy boat and it is likely something that you may not notice unless you compared two of them. The listing will not be present while underway - just while stationary or at slow speeds. Again, it's not a huge difference, but it is there.

Good luck with your purchase! I also had a 215, before my 260.
 
Depending on where you boat, it may be an advantage not having the arch due to the bridge clearance - especially at high tide where thats a factor. I trailer my 240 to several lakes, and at least two of them have low, fixed bridges that I can go under only by tilting my Bimini top down. Couldn't do that with a hard-arch.
 
I have a 260 with the arch. I love how it looks and the way the canvas attaches. I also like having the overhead lighting and having the antennas for GPS and TV on top out of the way. IMHO, go for one with an arch.

Good luck with your search!
 
I agree with purchasing a 260 with an arch for all the reasons mentioned here by others. Plus, to my eye, the 260 just does not look "right" without it.
 
Ditto - Having just sold my 06' 260 I really appreciated having the arch for several reasons, all of which were stated above. Go for the arch!
 
Do you intend to add radar? That’s actually a good reason to have a radar arch.

The concept of style / looks will vary by individual tastes and I’ll let you decide on that one.

If you go with the arch I agree with the above, it would be more expensive to add then to simply pay the additional money to get a boat that already has one.

In addition to bridge clearance, I’d like to point out storage clearance.

I don’t know your off season storage plans. Some, well, many of the self storage unheated rental units will not accommodate this boat even without the arch however more will fit without the arch then with the arch.

I’d consider a 2006 260 Sundancer without a arch then trailer the boat if we had less children.
 

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