1992 29' Sundancer VS. 1980's 268

[out-n-aboat]

I sold my 1992 29' Sundancer last Fall and thought I would be OK. Well, I'm not. I see many 268's for sale, look like the same layout with a 8'6 beam. Would I notice a difference in the handling between the two boats? The layout looks the same. The 268 might have a slightly smaller Helm seat. Any thought or commits are appreciated.

 

[CV-23]

If you want a BBC 454....it will come with an alpha. A friend of mine has one and it's held up fine but can't run as fast as my 1990 270 Bravo I. Make sure the swim platform mounting bolts & supports look sealed & tight....a good way to get a wet transom. If it has twins...it will be a tight fit in an 8'6" boat. They are a bit more dated than a 90's boat but were well built and some nice ones out there, Mike.

 

[sr330daguy]

The 268 beam is narrower and has more dead rise than the 270/290 ,which will give you a smoother ride.However this comes with a price,you'll be in the throttle more with the 268 to keep it on plane.The 268's narrow beam can be a handful when people move around the boat when underway,due to the narrow beam and large dead rise.Obviously Sea Ray was aware of this, as most 268's have a warning on the dash panel.

 

[bigblockcutlass]

What is the Deadrise on a 268? My 270 is 20 degrees. Mod. hull?

 

[plumbhappy]

The 268 Sundancer's had a deadrise of 22 deg.

I have a 1986 268 dancer and love it. The cockpit is a little small, but I re-worked the transom seat and that helped. I'm planning a re-work of the dinette and helm seat.

However, it's a lot of boat for the money. Small enough for a trailer, good on fuel, nice size berths

 

[Pachanga Boy]

sort of repeating what others have said but back when I was shopping I looked at both an 87 268 and a 90 270 (same thing as the 92 290 I think) and I know the beam is only 6" shorter on the 268 but for some reason if "felt" smaller in the cabin. during a sea trial of a 268 with twins I did notice a fair amout of roll when my wife was walking around. that said it did have a nice ride but it did have a pretty fast cruising speed to stay on plane. but I didn't get alot of seat time to really play with tabs and it may have been a little extra aft heavy since it had the twins. I think the big advantage of the 268 has always been that with it's smaller beam it's a nice trailerable cruiser on the larger size. the good news is they were popular and you should have alot of examples to choose from.
ironically I went with an 80's 270 with a 10' beam thinking I'd never want to trailer it and here it is winter and all I wish is that I could have it in my backyard so I could work on it!:lol:

 

[keokie]

Pachanga Boy, get a trailer for that 270! It is plenty trailerable.

 

[CV-23]

Pachanga Boy, get a trailer for that 270! It is plenty trailerable.

They key is pulling it! One ton truck would be needed.....my 270/290 9 ft beam is plenty for my '03 Excursion and it's 3/4 ton. As far as 268 vs. 270.....I like having the Bravo for the 454 and the 9ft beam. I would consider a 1989 280 with twin 350's if I was in out-n-about's shoes. I notice some hull roll with a 9ft beam if folks are moving around while underway....but I use the tabs. If I can't tow it...I can't afford it, Mike.

 

[Pachanga Boy]

Pachanga Boy, get a trailer for that 270! It is plenty trailerable.

Haha, actually I have a trailer for it, the real problem is about 50 miles of my trip would be through a very bumpy nasty construction zone with 10' lanes and barrier walls on either side...I don't think I could handle an hour of white knuckle driving a 10' wide boat in a 10' lane with semi's on either side:smt009

 

[CV-23]

Haha, actually I have a trailer for it, the real problem is about 50 miles of my trip would be through a very bumpy nasty construction zone with 10' lanes and barrier walls on either side...I don't think I could handle an hour of white knuckle driving a 10' wide boat in a 10' lane with semi's on either side:smt009

That would be an issue with me too!....Mike.

 

[out-n-aboat]

They key is pulling it! One ton truck would be needed.....my 270/290 9 ft beam is plenty for my '03 Excursion and it's 3/4 ton. As far as 268 vs. 270.....I like having the Bravo for the 454 and the 9ft beam. I would consider a 1989 280 with twin 350's if I was in out-n-about's shoes. I notice some hull roll with a 9ft beam if folks are moving around while underway....but I use the tabs. If I can't tow it...I can't afford it, Mike.

I love the 89 28' with twins.

 

[WahooUSMA]

I pull my 2001 270 with my 2003 2500 HD Duramax w/o any issues. I can cruise up Baker Pass at 60-65 mph at 2k+rpm (for those not familiar with Baker Pass, its a long, steep biaaatch). Truck is a beast and so is the boat, but its worth having it on a trailer. I had the boat at Dana Point harbor since new and last year pulled it out and made it a road warrior boat. Best decision I ever made.