1987 Sea Ray 268 Sundancer

G

garyc61

New Member
Feb 21, 2011
25
Illinois
Boat Info
1987 Sea Ray 268 Sundancer
Engines
Single 454 Merc Cruiser
Hello Everyone.I am New to sight and love boating and have for years.I just purchased a 1987 Sea Ray 268 Sundancer one owner with radar arch and powered by 454.Was wondering who may have one and how well do you like it.This is my first cruiser and the cabin as well as the berth area is a perfect set up for our family.Needs a little tlc but nothing major.I received extensive maintenance records that shows it was taken care of.If any thing I may look into a higher camper canvas as the canvas snaps to the windsheild and no stand up room.I feel I made a good choice have been happy with Sea Ray for years but looking to stay on the water this summer.Always had bow riders and off the water when weather changes and night falls.Look Forward to hearing from Sea Ray Owners.Take Care,Gary...:huh:
 
Welcome aboard Gary!! You'll probably need to check with local canvas shop for changing you enclosure. I've tried forever to find camper top for my 250DA and there's not manufactures that carry pre-made for those years. Post some pics when you can. Those were very popular boats and are well made. Plenty of parts and accessories floating around on eBay and CL. Good luck with your new baby!!
 
It was a very popular boat, I love mine, but I like it because of the trailerability. If I was going to keep my boat in one place and slip it, I would want a wider beam, but for me, the 268 is an awesome cruiser.

FYI: Sea Ray was far from perfect when they constructed the classics, depending on how is was cared for, anything below the waterline that comes through the hull probably leaked. My boat is a trailer queen and has been cared for immaculately, and still has water intrusion issues.

Search the site, there is a lot of info on these boats! :thumbsup: Welcome aboard!
 
I have bought the same boat last year. The size of it was a little scary to me at first but you get used to it. By the end of the year I was able to take her out by myself and bring it back and dock it alone.
This was also my first cabin cruiser and overall I really like it. I had leaky windows in the cabin look out for those. They were easy to fix just needed some butle tape and press the windows back in place.
The other problem I had was with the fold out transom seat. Mine was rotted badly. I had to remove the entire bench and build a new part that bolts to the floor. Its still not a 100% but at least now it can be used.
I think its a nice solid boat but you may find that the seating on deck could be better and I wouldnt bring more then 5 people as it will get really cramped. If you have a family of 4 I would probally recommend 2 good boater chairs to use instead of the fold out transom bench seat and just leave them out.
Im not a hugely experienced boater but my bigest gripe of all is that it will rock the hell out of you when you are at drift or anchored. Like I said I dont have a ton of experience so maybe there are tricks to make it not rock so hard but it gets pretty bad at time :(
But it cruises real nice and is a good looking boat,Good Luck!
 
Get a few sea anchors ,That will slow the rock some.I use 60 inchers ,i also use them to slow my troll speed while fishing for walley.Welcome to csr
 
Thank You to all who replied.As soon as I get it home I will post pics.From what I can tell going over everything there were no leaks [knock on teak].I have inspected the carpet,engine housing and everything looks great and no water stains on headliner or even around windows.Gary
 
Congrats Gary...and good luck with it. I bought the same boat as well last Aug and was only able to put on about 4 hours last year before pulling it. So I'm also a nubee who still has a fair bit to learn about it and get used to it. Looking forward to this season.

I suspect you may have already...but just in case you haven't...get into the Classic SeaRays Forum....there's lots of reading there about these 268's for us "new" 268 owners and lots of sharing of good info.
 
Good Morning Old Vet.Thank You I was not aware of the Classic Sea Ray section and will definitly look it up.Take Care,Gary
 
Good Evening Old Vet.It has 770 hours on it and it is a one owner and always serviced at the dealer it was purchased at.They gave me all the service records and the owner even called to let me know how much he enjoyed it.After going over it at the dealer the only thing that it needs is some reteaking and the some pinstriping.The dealer is going to get it ready and take me out for a sea trial around first of April.I can not wait to get it home and get out on lake Michigan with it.I have been on the big lake many times but that was in my bowrider.Gary
 
Hello Again Old Vet.I posted a picture of the boat in my profile.It is the one from the dealer and I will post more as I get there to take some.Gary
 
Except for the arch...it looks exactly like mine. I was just curious how mine compared hours wise to other '87's. Mine had a 1000 hours on it when I bought it last year. A bit more than I might have preferred but.....

But judging by the condition of mine...it appears they were a pretty easy...wellcared for and well maintained 1000 hours. So I have my fingers crossed.
 
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