2005 260 DA hard to keep under control

D

dsanner

New Member
Aug 1, 2009
11
Erie, Pa
Boat Info
2005 - 260 Sundancer
Previous 1994 OV220 Signature Select
Engines
350MPI - 300HP - Bravo 3
We recently purchased a 2005 260 Sundancer with the 350 MPI and Bravo 3. I was out for our second day and when the boat was up on plane, if the boat caught a wake parallel to the boat direction it would veer off to port or strb and I could not get it back under control without backing down the throttle. The boat also leans severely in these conditions making it unnerving to all on board. Also, when trying to get the boat level with the trim tabs, the boat reacts in the similar way to any tab adjustment. I know that the center of gravity is higher on this boat but I wouldn't think it would affect the control of the boat this dramatically. Is this an issue with this model?
 
Yes I believe so. There should be a thread specifically for the 260 model. I'd read through it and you may find your fix.
 
Agreed. You have to drive this boat a little different. Very little use of tabs. Only a little to level out for load. Mostly just use drive trim adjustment. BTW had one for 2 years.
 
When you're crossing the wake of another boat you should change your course so you cross it at about a 45* angle. The problem you're having is not the boat, it's how you approach boat wakes.
 
Thanks, I'll try to find it.
 
You are absolutely correct about a 45* angle but in some instances, say a crowded bay, it isn't always possible. I have been boating for over 40 years and never had a boat react like this. I will try to find the thread on this behavior for the 260. Thanks.
 
Consider investing in an Auto Tab Control add on to your Bennet system. It works well to adjust the tabs while you focus on steering in those circumstances.
 
You sound like I did back in 2007, lol... The '05 260DA is a unique animal. If it feels like she wants to veer all over the place, the bow is planted too hard into the water. This would be caused by too much trim tab, or too little drive trim.

Until you get more used to how it handles, try to minimize your use of the trim tabs. You still need to use them, but try to use only one at a time, and go light on them. 90% of it is getting the drive trimmed up to the correct running position. This will take care of 80-90% of the listing. She's got a narrow hull with a high center of gravity, so it has it's own feel to it that takes some getting used to.

After 7 years of driving mine, I can tell you that you simply need to get a feel for her. I can tell when I get her trimmed right by the sound and location of the spray coming out from under the boat when I lean over the window by the throttle. Sooner or later, you'll understand what I mean. Take some time on the water bringing her up on plane using the drive (up) trim in various amounts, and at various rates. I start trimming the drive up as soon as I start gathering speed. I've gotten to the point where I can easily feel when it is trimmed correctly. You should be able to get it mostly level without using the trim tabs at all (barring an empty water tank / full holding tank situation or vice-versa). Once you can get it there consistently, start using a single tab to get it all the way level. You'll need to stay close to those tab buttons at all times. Whenever the wind or current changes, or whenever a passenger moves on deck, you will need to make an adjustment. I generally ask my guests to try to stay near the center line of the boat if they feel the need to walk around while we are on plane. They listen, for the most part.

I am VERY used to how my boat handles now. I use a little down on both tabs, and use the drive trim to control how hard the bow presses into the water. It is pretty easy to feel if it comes crashing down as I go over a wave, or if it feels like it wants to float up into the air. The key is to get that balance set for the current conditions, and use minor tab adjustments from there. Just remember not to keep lowering a tab, and then lowering the other one the next time you need the opposite adjustment. If you put one down, and then need the opposite adjustment, retract that same tab instead of dropping the other one to compensate. Otherwise, you end up running with both of them too far down.

Don't worry. Once you get used to her, you'll love it. Final note. Sometimes, a wave or strong wind from the side will make the boat lean way over to one side. Don't fight it (by trying to "correct" for it). Just steer the bow where you want it and let her lean. She'll straighten out. The boat knows how to ride, don't mess her up... :smt001

I forgot to mention. If you keep the fuel tank more than 1/2 full, it adds a little extra stability due to the weight down low...
 
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Thank you for the detailed instructions for the trim. I was beginning to wonder if I made a mistake in selecting this boat but I just couldn't pass it up. I will do as you suggest and go out and work with her to get a better feel. Your comment about trim tabs and only work with one would explain why I couldn't get the boat to level easily because I was working both tabs. I think for the time being that I will focus on drive trim until I get used to how she responds and then eventually use one tab if necessary.
I appreciate hearing from another 2005 owner that has gone through what I'm experiencing. Thank again.
 
Hey... Anytime. Feel free to ask anything. I know mine pretty well. Once you get comfortable with how she handles, you're going to love it.

Where do you boat?
 
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skibum said:
You sound like I did back in 2007, lol... The '05 260DA is a unique animal. If it feels like she wants to veer all over the place, the bow is planted too hard into the water. This would be caused by too much trim tab, or too little drive trim.

Until you get more used to how it handles, try to minimize your use of the trim tabs. You still need to use them, but try to use only one at a time, and go light on them. 90% of it is getting the drive trimmed up to the correct running position. This will take care of 80-90% of the listing. She's got a narrow hull with a high center of gravity, so it has it's own feel to it that takes some getting used to.

After 5 years of driving mine, I can tell you that you simply need to get a feel for her. I can tell when I get her trimmed right by the sound and location of the spray coming out from under the boat when I lean over the window by the throttle. Sooner or later, you'll understand what I mean. Take some time on the water bringing her up on plane using the drive (up) trim in various amounts, and at various rates. I start trimming the drive up as soon as I start gathering speed. I've gotten to the point where I can easily feel when it is trimmed correctly. You should be able to get it mostly level without using the trim tabs at all (barring an empty water tank / full holding tank situation or vice-versa). Once you can get it there consistently, start using a single tab to get it all the way level. You'll need to stay close to those tab buttons at all times. Whenever the wind or current changes, or whenever a passenger moves on deck, you will need to make an adjustment. I generally ask my guests to try to stay near the center line of the boat if they feel the need to walk around while we are on plane. They listen, for the most part.

I am VERY used to how my boat handles now. I use a little down on both tabs, and use the drive trim to control how hard the bow presses into the water. It is pretty easy to feel if it comes crashing down as I go over a wave, or if it feels like it wants to float up into the air. The key is to get that balance set for the current conditions, and use minor tab adjustments from there. Just remember not to keep lowering a tab, and then lowering the other one the next time you need the opposite adjustment. If you put one down, and then need the opposite adjustment, retract that same tab instead of dropping the other one to compensate. Otherwise, you end up running with both of them too far down.

Don't worry. Once you get used to her, you'll love it. Final note. Sometimes, a wave or strong wind from the side will make the boat lean way over to one side. Don't fight it (by trying to "correct" for it). Just steer the bow where you want it and let her lean. She'll straighten out. The boat knows how to ride, don't mess her up... :smt001

I forgot to mention. If you keep the fuel tank more than 1/2 full, it adds a little extra stability due to the weight down low...
Click to expand...

+1! I almost never ever use my tabs. To bring her up on plane, I go 3/4+ on the throttle until around 35-3700rpms and the bow is wanting to come up. At that point I hit the trim bringing it up to 6 or 7 on the digital Smartcraft which is about 2/3s on the 4 in 1 gauge. She runs perfect between 38-3900rpms, 27mph, and burns 12.5-13gph. This is with my wife and I and full water and gas. The only time I ever use my tabs is when I have more people in the boat. I have also reversed the celery stick in my OD and it does make a little difference getting on plane faster.

Drive it and you will get the feel for it. When you can do a fairly sharp 180* turn and stay on plane, you are there.

You should take your time and read the entire "260 Sundancer" thread-well worth your time.

Have fun...

Bennett
 
the 05 and newer 240 and 260 sundancer are the most tippy boats i have ever seen. you have to be 100 % concentrated every second when on plane . its not a boat where you can relax just holding the steering whel and let her run.

i have installed atc and being a great product at all it fails at least on a 240.

the boat may lean over such suddenly and quickly that the system is too slow in response - and like you surely discovered - it leans over in such a severity you are ready to jump because it feels like the boat may capsize next moment.

the good news : you will learn to handle it with time. since i have never read a report somebody really capsized a 240 or 260 i see the handling as a discomfort and not a danger and with time you will learn to have a sense of knowing what the boat will do next second and react with trim and tabs before it happens.

yes the hull designer was a mooron in hydrodynamics , but he created such nice cockpit layouts that we nevertheless love our small sundancers !
 
aerobat77 said:
the 05 and newer 240 and 260 sundancer are the most tippy boats i have ever seen. you have to be 100 % concentrated every second when on plane . its not a boat where you can relax just holding the steering whel and let her run.

i have installed atc and being a great product at all it fails at least on a 240.

the boat may lean over such suddenly and quickly that the system is too slow in response - and like you surely discovered - it leans over in such a severity you are ready to jump because it feels like the boat may capsize next moment.

the good news : you will learn to handle it with time. since i have never read a report somebody really capsized a 240 or 260 i see the handling as a discomfort and not a danger and with time you will learn to have a sense of knowing what the boat will do next second and react with trim and tabs before it happens.

yes the hull designer was a mooron in hydrodynamics , but he created such nice cockpit layouts that we nevertheless love our small sundancers !
Click to expand...


Really have to disagree with this opinion.

I boat in some choppy water and sometimes angry water on the bay - lots of current / tides/ short wave period. Took me maybe 1-2 weeks practice using the tabs when the boat was new to feel comfortable.
its a great ride while on plane and only need short / quick adjustments to the tabs to keep it riding smoothly.

I've never had to jump from the boat because it was leaning over too severely !
 
IslandTime said:
Really have to disagree with this opinion.

I boat in some choppy water and sometimes angry water on the bay - lots of current / tides/ short wave period. Took me maybe 1-2 weeks practice using the tabs when the boat was new to feel comfortable.
its a great ride while on plane and only need short / quick adjustments to the tabs to keep it riding smoothly.
Click to expand...

I agree with the tippy part. It is that. However, your statement about the ride on plane is spot on. I regularly run alongside of a 94 270DA, and it's owner always comments about how nice my boat "slices through the water". I've ridden on his boat, and it seems to ride pretty darn nice to me.

You have to be a captain in an '05 260DA, not a driver. Pay attention. Make her ride like you want her to. She'll fight ya a little, but she'll listen to a firm hand. This is not to say that you can't relax while driving her, because you can. You just need to be aware of the conditions ahead and understand what to do to handle them properly.
 
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Every time I read these threads where people are having issues with the '05-'08 260DAs, I reminds me of my PO. He never did learn how to handle it. We were on the sea trial and the surveyor told him to take it up to full throttle. He questioned/balked at the idea a little and then put the proverbial hammer down. He never trimmed the bow up. It was not long before the boat decided to take a hard left and nearly unseated all of us. Already having read Dave's threads, I knew what had happened. Mine never gave me any issues from day 1. As stated above, you must let her know who the boss is....

Bennett
 
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of course - when you are a pro in balancing her with drive and tabs you can eliminate the downsides of tippyness and benefit from the very deep vee hull design when it comes to cutting through waves , thats fully correct !
 
I second or third tabs and trim. My 240 behaves this way if there is to much tab in the water
 
We are in Erie, PA and boat in our bay on on the lake. We were out yesterday and I played around with your suggestions and what a difference. I didn't have any issues at all even crossing different wake conditions. Moving from a 22' we are in love with the smoother ride along with all of the other comfort items she has. I can't thank you enough for your suggestions.
 
Glad trim/tab suggestions and advice for practice, practice, practice helped here. I would also +1 on the full fuel / H2O tanks...extra weight where it needs it has made a huge difference while underway and when docking in less than ideal conditions. Good luck and enjoy her!
 
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