2004 versus 2006, 240 Sundancer Instability?

[Mark V]

I am currently shopping to upsize from my 180 Sport to a used 240 Sundancer, and I have questions -

a) I read a thread herein on the 2006 240 Sundancers needing excessive trim tab attention, and that even with constant attention, less than satisfying results were obtained. So, are the pre-2006 models significantly more stable that the 2006+ versions ?

b) Are there any common-trend problems, etc to watch out for when looking at the 2003 and 2004 Sundancers?

c) Did Sea Ray build a 2005 model of the 240 Sundancer? If so, did it have the stability issues?

d) Why are there so many used 240's listed in the online classifieds located in Florida and up the East Coast, and almost zero in Texas?

On another note if anyone has questions about the 2004 180 Sport's - ask away - I've had mine for 4 years and its got about 165 hours on the motor.

Thanks,
Mark V.
Bigger Boat Fever sufferer in Texas

 

[fwebster]

The 240DA is a very popular boat along the coast because it is the logical next step up for a bowrider owner who want to start cruising. We see a lot of them change hands quickly because the owners very soon realize that you can't do much cruising in a 24' boat because of comfort and a 24' boat's ability to handle sea conditions. Most trade up to the 260 or 280DA's.

I've run several 240DA's and I don't find them to be unstable, but they are a little quirky until you figure out what is going on with the hiull as it transitions from displacement to planing speeds. It is a smallish hull for all those systems and tends to be stern heavy which means that trim and attitude are really affected by speed.

The solution to determining the stability question is to sea trail , sea trail and sea trial the boat to see if it is something that concerns you. Don't buy a boat that you are not comfortable with running.

 

[GJarrett]

We've got a 230 Sundancer with the same "problem" and I honestly believe that a lot of the attention to the 240 trim tab "issue" and similar concerns is simply a matter of physics. On a vessel such as these, you've got a relatively narrow beam with a cockpit atop full aft cabins below. I've noticed a tendency that when anyone moves around while we've underway, the mere fact that their weight is changing the mass along the fulcrum above the center of gravity has a dramatic impact on list.

In onther words, if you're piloting a low center of gravity bowrider and someone moves around, it doesn't have much impact on the list of the boat. If you had the same person do the exact same movement on the bowrider except they are four feet above you atop the wakeboard arch, you'd notice the change in list in a heartbeat. That's what's happening on a 240 Sundancer.

All vessels have different quirks according to the results of the physical laws governing the design parameters of the compromises made for their particular model. You could remove the need for tab attention on a 240 Sundancer by making its beam another couple of feet wider or by cutting a few feet off of its height but that would defeat its purpose. It is what it is.

 

[Alex F]

I totally concur with Frank. I don't think there's much difference between my 01 and 04, so I can say only one thing that I don't see any stability issues with my boat/tabs. In fact I'm very happy that the boat has them and I've learned to use them for better performance and compensate uneven weight distribution when overloaded. They help a lot and do a good job if you know how to use them.

Of course 07 (if I recall correctly) has been redesigned and may have dofferent reviews. I didn't drive one, so can't say anything about new model

Alex.

 

[Aquarius]

I had a 2006 240 dancer. Even with me and 1 other person on the boat walking around I would need to constantly adjust the tabs. I would recommend going on up to a 260 dancer and skip the 240 if that's feasable for you.

I went from the 240 to the 290. Alot of people don't like the look and layout of the new 290, but I absolutely love mine.

 

[JV II]

Alot of people don't like the look and layout of the new 290, but I absolutely love mine.

I'm with you. I love the 290. There are things that could be improved on, but what boat doesn't have room for improvement? The boat was very stable on the sea trial with 4 adults and a child in the cockpit.

 

[RiverRat]

Well, I owned a 03 240 DA, it was a great boat, for what and how we used it. The only reason we upgraded is that we wanted a gen. and a vacuflush head so we could spend weekends on the water without having to come back to the harbor every evening so we could use the appliances. The only thing IMO that the 240 needs is someone who is willing to learn how to drive it and learn it's quirks and know what to do in certain situations when they pop up. I had mine for 3.5 years and adjusted to it's temperment and found it to be a great boat.

If you don't mind me asking... Why are you wanting to go from a bowrider to a cruiser? It's 2 different styles of boating. I'm just asking because without knowing what type of boating you do or want to do it's a bit tough to recommend or not recommend a certain type and size of boat to someone.

P.S. Welcome to the board!

 

[Presentation]

I’m one of those that went from a 240 Sundancer to a 280 Sundancer.

Just my opinion, the advice you have received above is right on.

Each boat is a trade off. The 240 Sundancer is a trailerable boat that does not break the bank. It’s less of a gas hog. It’s very easy to trailer relative to a 280 that needs a permit and stronger tow rig. It’s less area to clean and wax.

Given its relative total length and width it’s pretty good on room. You get a cabin, a separate head; a galley + you pick up that bonus area, the mid-birth under the helm.

The physics dictate that the boat will be more ‘tipsy’ then a wider boat or one that is not so high on the sides for the reasons explained above.

On our 240 Sundancer I used the trim tabs often however it was manageable. You learn how to do it and it becomes second nature. This will apply to all years and all brands of this style and size of boat. Some more, some less, but it’s the nature of this size and style of boat.

 

[spurofthemoment]

I am currently shopping to upsize from my 180 Sport to a used 240 Sundancer, and I have questions -

a) I read a thread herein on the 2006 240 Sundancers needing excessive trim tab attention, and that even with constant attention, less than satisfying results were obtained. So, are the pre-2006 models significantly more stable that the 2006+ versions ?

b) Are there any common-trend problems, etc to watch out for when looking at the 2003 and 2004 Sundancers?

c) Did Sea Ray build a 2005 model of the 240 Sundancer? If so, did it have the stability issues?

d) Why are there so many used 240's listed in the online classifieds located in Florida and up the East Coast, and almost zero in Texas?

On another note if anyone has questions about the 2004 180 Sport's - ask away - I've had mine for 4 years and its got about 165 hours on the motor.

Thanks,
Mark V.
Bigger Boat Fever sufferer in Texas

The CINC and I moved up to a 2004 240 this Summer (got a great deal, but that is a different story). Do your homework when looking between the pre '06 240 and the current model. There is about +2' LOA on the pre '06 240's. We mostly use the 240 as a lake boat with an occasional stint in the intercostals. The boat weighs ~6,000 lbs. When weight shifts (ie somebody gets up and moves) you will need to adjust the trim tabs. It really isn't that difficult if you make small adjustments at speed. I have not experienced "instability" with this hull.

We love this boat. All we need is some damn water.

 

[lorenbennett]

IMHO you should check out the the 260 as the minimum. When we looked to upgrade to a cruiser the MM getaway schedules is what caused us to look beyond the 240. The 260 turned out to be the minimum that MM would let go on the San Diego to ensenada trips, plus we needed the gen set and vacuflush as we are in the desert and you could never be downstairs in the summer in 120+ temps. :thumbsup:

 

[rbihn2]

I felt I had to trim my 260 regularily as well - everytime someone moved about - but was not unstable - being a little of a perfectionist, it was something that bothered me. This was usually more of an issues when we had guests (either extra kids and or extra adults). Since we entertained often - I trimmed often. If you are sensitive to this trimming, or find people like to move often while underway - make managing it a prioroty in your search. Good Luck!

 

[Alex F]

If getaways with MM with required 260 is the primary concern, then I agree that you should look for 260. Otherwise, 240 can have all the features described (genset, vacuflush, a/c-heat). When I was choosing 240 one if my primary concerns was the weight, since we planned to pull it with Cadi Escallade. 260 was heavier boat and we didn't want to go over the limits.

Alex.

 

[Gunn]

I am currently shopping to upsize from my 180 Sport to a used 240 Sundancer, and I have questions -
Thanks,
Mark V.
Bigger Boat Fever sufferer in Texas

Hey, join the club! We too are looking to upgrade from our 175 to a 240DA. Unfortunately, the time that'll happen seems to keep moving away from us. Priorities, priorities....sheesh.

 

[papogator24]

I've not had a problem with stability issues. Normally, before we get underway at cruising speed, I let the crew know that I'm about to get underway and that we should limit movement in the cockpit unless it's an emergency. However, i did use the trim tab oftenly to level the boat. It becomes 2nd nature to you.

Good Luck in your search.