You may be able to get some help over on the Boat US message boards. They have a pretty active organization that will probably take your case to the manufacturer and the govt if they can be convinced there is a problem. The US Dept of Transportation usually doesn't get involved until there is some kind of loss - but we don't know that there hasn't been. There could be a parallel discussion on Boat US. Check it out.
2006 240 INSTABILITY
- Thread starter capnjohn
- Start date
- Status
islandhopper00
Active Member
Dave I'd like to hear that feed back also. I'm sure the 260 is having the same issues at a similar level.
I'd like to explain my level of fustration due to the many issues I am having with my boat. As so many others are also.
Hull stability issues.
A/c cond. drain pan spills over to the aft cabin soaking the mattress, a/c drain to shower sump not routed properly.
Shower drain sump leaking? filling the forward bilge. Or shower drain or liner leaking?
check valve for shower sump pump installed incorrectly allowing the line to drain back to sump and causing the pump to have to reprime each time.
a/c ac cooling pump burned up and broken base, required two seperate pump change outs.
a/c thermister needed to be moved so the thermostat would sence the proper temp and allow the a/c to work properly(cycle on/off) and display the actual inside temps.
Water tank leaking filling stbd under seat storage cavity.
Vee berth table filler doesn't fit correctly, required moving galley for proper fit.
Tv flip down screen hinge broken.(still)
Entry way hatch not adjusted correctly, hard to open and close. I adjusted it to save having dealer do it.
Engine hatch gas struts not strong enough to prop open the hatch. I have made a prop rod to hold.
Alternator orange wire recall.
Windshield center section doesn't fit right. (fit and finish)
cockpit sink doesn't drain till it is very full due to drain hose routing.
Anchor roller(authorized unit) will not allow the storage of the anchor on the roller. There is also no provision for securing the anchor line when using the roller.
My hull is scratched and scared by the forks of the yard fork trucks. Found this after the sale.
There is a patch (glass and gel?) on the hull bow center line that was not disclosed to me at the time of sale.
So, I'll stop there. Maybe some can now see why I am a little fustrated. Thanks for letting me vent.
Is anyone or everyone else seeing these issues or is it only me/mine?
Is it unreasonable to expect less junk?
I'll say my dealer is great to deal with and they are embarassed and appologetic and shouldn't have to be. Sea Ray should live up to a better standard. My opinion. Sorry if I offend anyone.
I'd like to explain my level of fustration due to the many issues I am having with my boat. As so many others are also.
Hull stability issues.
A/c cond. drain pan spills over to the aft cabin soaking the mattress, a/c drain to shower sump not routed properly.
Shower drain sump leaking? filling the forward bilge. Or shower drain or liner leaking?
check valve for shower sump pump installed incorrectly allowing the line to drain back to sump and causing the pump to have to reprime each time.
a/c ac cooling pump burned up and broken base, required two seperate pump change outs.
a/c thermister needed to be moved so the thermostat would sence the proper temp and allow the a/c to work properly(cycle on/off) and display the actual inside temps.
Water tank leaking filling stbd under seat storage cavity.
Vee berth table filler doesn't fit correctly, required moving galley for proper fit.
Tv flip down screen hinge broken.(still)
Entry way hatch not adjusted correctly, hard to open and close. I adjusted it to save having dealer do it.
Engine hatch gas struts not strong enough to prop open the hatch. I have made a prop rod to hold.
Alternator orange wire recall.
Windshield center section doesn't fit right. (fit and finish)
cockpit sink doesn't drain till it is very full due to drain hose routing.
Anchor roller(authorized unit) will not allow the storage of the anchor on the roller. There is also no provision for securing the anchor line when using the roller.
My hull is scratched and scared by the forks of the yard fork trucks. Found this after the sale.
There is a patch (glass and gel?) on the hull bow center line that was not disclosed to me at the time of sale.
So, I'll stop there. Maybe some can now see why I am a little fustrated. Thanks for letting me vent.
Is anyone or everyone else seeing these issues or is it only me/mine?
Is it unreasonable to expect less junk?
I'll say my dealer is great to deal with and they are embarassed and appologetic and shouldn't have to be. Sea Ray should live up to a better standard. My opinion. Sorry if I offend anyone.
I'm not offended at all though I'm sure some here will be. I've encountered many of the same sloppy assembly issues and I've documented some of them here. My solution has been to document the issue with the dealer and rectify whatever problems I can on my own, ie: the sticky door, ac condensate drain etc...I'm not the type to run back to the dealer with every little issue.
By the way Mike, I see on your list a fresh water leak from the fill tube. Someone else with this boat mentioned that also. Did you remove the vberth assembly to access that tank? I have some fresh water collecting in the forward bilge and suspect it is coming from the tank.
By the way Mike, I see on your list a fresh water leak from the fill tube. Someone else with this boat mentioned that also. Did you remove the vberth assembly to access that tank? I have some fresh water collecting in the forward bilge and suspect it is coming from the tank.
islandhopper00
Active Member
I also try not to run back to my dealer for every nit picking thing. My dealer is very helpful and insists they "want" to fix my issues. They have earned my respect because of this.
My problem is with the factory.
To answer your question, my dealer fixed the tank for me, so I don't know what it would take to correct it.
My problem is with the factory.
To answer your question, my dealer fixed the tank for me, so I don't know what it would take to correct it.
eddie
Member
papogator24
New Member
- Feb 20, 2007
- 639
- Boat Info
- 2007 240DA - Stolen
5.0L Bravo III
3Kw Westerbeke
- Engines
- 5.0L Bravo III
I havent had any problems but I will look out for it if it does happen.
capnjohn
New Member
240 DA Instability
Just a note to all who are participating-
I contacted Sea Ray this Afternoon. I am waiting on a call back from The man who handled the design of the 2006 240 DA. I will relay the results of that conversation in this post.
Thanks for all the responses to my original post- It makes me feel like I am not alone in this problem/fight.
Capnjohn
Just a note to all who are participating-
I contacted Sea Ray this Afternoon. I am waiting on a call back from The man who handled the design of the 2006 240 DA. I will relay the results of that conversation in this post.
Thanks for all the responses to my original post- It makes me feel like I am not alone in this problem/fight.
Capnjohn
- Oct 3, 2006
- 4,404
- Boat Info
- 280 Sundancer, Westerbeke MPV generator
- Engines
- twin 5.0's w/BIII drives
This may be an unpopular post,…but here goes.
I’d like to point out that this may not be a design flaw but may be a characteristic of a boat that is lower in length, width, deeper in dead rise and has a full stand-up cabin and mid-birth.
I recommend you find others in the marina with similar sized cruisers with mid births and short length and beam and ask them to take your boat for a spin and vice versa. Don’t bother if it’s a cuddy or bow rider or has a wider beam or lacks a mid birth or is longer.
You would need to compare this to other similar models from Rinker or Four Winns or another brand that offers this combination or compare to a model of different vintage.
Our 1998 240 Sundancer did require me to develop a skill of balancing the boat. In time it became second nature.
If I still had the boat I could go from it to a new one and be able to tell you if the new ones are more or less tipsy. Not being able to do this I am unable to tell you if you have an ‘issue’ or a characteristic of this style of boat.
Just FWIW, so you know you are not on your own or special, the 280 Suncancer does not have an balancing issue HOWEVER I am learning other aspects of this boat and it has handling issues of its own.
The 280 does not handle better, it does not handle worse. It’s simply different.
What did the snail say when it went for a ride on the back of the turtle? “Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!â€
It’s all relative. To some degree, all boats roll to a side. Without stabilizers the Queen Mary II rolls to a side. It may be as simple as what you are use to and developing a feel for the boat and its handling.
I’d like to point out that this may not be a design flaw but may be a characteristic of a boat that is lower in length, width, deeper in dead rise and has a full stand-up cabin and mid-birth.
I recommend you find others in the marina with similar sized cruisers with mid births and short length and beam and ask them to take your boat for a spin and vice versa. Don’t bother if it’s a cuddy or bow rider or has a wider beam or lacks a mid birth or is longer.
You would need to compare this to other similar models from Rinker or Four Winns or another brand that offers this combination or compare to a model of different vintage.
Our 1998 240 Sundancer did require me to develop a skill of balancing the boat. In time it became second nature.
If I still had the boat I could go from it to a new one and be able to tell you if the new ones are more or less tipsy. Not being able to do this I am unable to tell you if you have an ‘issue’ or a characteristic of this style of boat.
Just FWIW, so you know you are not on your own or special, the 280 Suncancer does not have an balancing issue HOWEVER I am learning other aspects of this boat and it has handling issues of its own.
The 280 does not handle better, it does not handle worse. It’s simply different.
What did the snail say when it went for a ride on the back of the turtle? “Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!â€
It’s all relative. To some degree, all boats roll to a side. Without stabilizers the Queen Mary II rolls to a side. It may be as simple as what you are use to and developing a feel for the boat and its handling.
capnjohn
New Member
240 DA Instability
To Doug from Oshkosh...
I feel after 31 years of boat ownership that I am well qualified to know the difference between a hull/design flaw, and a user learning curve.
I have owned the 215, the 270DA, the 370 DA, the 225 Weekender, and now a 240 Dancer- all but the 225 I purchased new and all in the past ten years. I feel that I know the Sea Ray boat line pretty well- how the different sizes handle and perform, and what is normal and what is not.
The 240 DA in 2006 received a new hull. It would not have been anything like your older model 240.
In reading the posts here, it is easy to conclude that I am not alone in my assessment that there is indeed an issue that Sea Ray must resolve.
Capnjohn
To Doug from Oshkosh...
I feel after 31 years of boat ownership that I am well qualified to know the difference between a hull/design flaw, and a user learning curve.
I have owned the 215, the 270DA, the 370 DA, the 225 Weekender, and now a 240 Dancer- all but the 225 I purchased new and all in the past ten years. I feel that I know the Sea Ray boat line pretty well- how the different sizes handle and perform, and what is normal and what is not.
The 240 DA in 2006 received a new hull. It would not have been anything like your older model 240.
In reading the posts here, it is easy to conclude that I am not alone in my assessment that there is indeed an issue that Sea Ray must resolve.
Capnjohn
thunderbird1
New Member
Presentation said:
I agree with Presentation. At first I was bothered by the bow steering and "tipping" characteristics of the 260. Now that I've learned to use my trim tabs and outdrive trim correctly, however, I no longer encounter the stability issues.
- Oct 3, 2006
- 4,404
- Boat Info
- 280 Sundancer, Westerbeke MPV generator
- Engines
- twin 5.0's w/BIII drives
Hi Capnjohn,
Glad to hear you are strong to the Sea Ray brand.
I agree, I have not skippered a current 240 Sundancer. To be honest, since I have spent so many hours over the past two months driving the 280 Sundancer I likely could not make a good comparison between what I had, a 1998 240 Sundancer and the current 240 if I could hop on a current 240 and go right now. I’d need to drive the 1998 240 again and re-develop the feel for the boat. It’s been two months since I drove the 240.
I would like to offer that the former hull was tipsy and I believe this was a characteristic of this style and size of boat. I would adjust the trim tabs every time a person moved their seating location and every time I made a course change. This averaged several adjustment per minute for me. :smt101
I hope this helps in your desire to gather information. :thumbsup:
The current 240 Sundancer may have an increased tendency to list over the previous one.
I suggest trying a comparison as stated above. It would be best if you could drive and 240 Suncancer from a few years ago. Then you would be able to make the best possible comparison. It may help your case to Sea Ray or its possible you may find the issue is consistent and retroactive.
Again, I hope this is helpful to a fellow boater.
:smt024
Glad to hear you are strong to the Sea Ray brand.
I agree, I have not skippered a current 240 Sundancer. To be honest, since I have spent so many hours over the past two months driving the 280 Sundancer I likely could not make a good comparison between what I had, a 1998 240 Sundancer and the current 240 if I could hop on a current 240 and go right now. I’d need to drive the 1998 240 again and re-develop the feel for the boat. It’s been two months since I drove the 240.
I would like to offer that the former hull was tipsy and I believe this was a characteristic of this style and size of boat. I would adjust the trim tabs every time a person moved their seating location and every time I made a course change. This averaged several adjustment per minute for me. :smt101
I hope this helps in your desire to gather information. :thumbsup:
The current 240 Sundancer may have an increased tendency to list over the previous one.
I suggest trying a comparison as stated above. It would be best if you could drive and 240 Suncancer from a few years ago. Then you would be able to make the best possible comparison. It may help your case to Sea Ray or its possible you may find the issue is consistent and retroactive.
Again, I hope this is helpful to a fellow boater.
:smt024
capnjohn
New Member
240 Instability
I am alarmed to hear that there are instability problems with the 260DA as well, but at this point, I am looking for answers to the problem with the 2006 and newer 240DA
The older styles can not be compared with the new. The new for 2006 Hull is the problem..........
I am alarmed to hear that there are instability problems with the 260DA as well, but at this point, I am looking for answers to the problem with the 2006 and newer 240DA
The older styles can not be compared with the new. The new for 2006 Hull is the problem..........
Here are some stats from Sea Rays web site comparing the old design with new design on the 240DA:
2004 240DA
Beam 8'6"
Overall length 26'
Draft-Drive down 40"
Weight 5550 pounds
Deadrise 19 degrees
2006 240DA
Beam 8'6"
Overall length 24'6"
Draft-Drive down 37"
Weight 5593
Deadrise 18 degrees
2004 240DA
Beam 8'6"
Overall length 26'
Draft-Drive down 40"
Weight 5550 pounds
Deadrise 19 degrees
2006 240DA
Beam 8'6"
Overall length 24'6"
Draft-Drive down 37"
Weight 5593
Deadrise 18 degrees
Carpe Mundun
New Member
Just to confirm - are you running with a full- to half-full water tank?
I have two different boats depending on how much water I have on board. The heavier nose keeps this boat stable, the lack of water makes this boat a bear to get up on plane.
I do not use the tabs at all (I keep them retracted) unless I need to make a slight level adjustment, and I am rarely over 1/4 up on stern drive trim.
I am in an inland shallow lake - no consistent waves, but a lot of runabout chop.
I have two different boats depending on how much water I have on board. The heavier nose keeps this boat stable, the lack of water makes this boat a bear to get up on plane.
I do not use the tabs at all (I keep them retracted) unless I need to make a slight level adjustment, and I am rarely over 1/4 up on stern drive trim.
I am in an inland shallow lake - no consistent waves, but a lot of runabout chop.
islandhopper00
Active Member
capnjohn,
I don't think some people really comprehend what they read. You can try to make them understand but, in the long run they will hold on to what they think , even if it's wrong. Don't beat yourself. I've already been down the road your going. It's hard to explain to someone who has limited knowledge and a need to be right. I really try to believe that they are trying to be helpful but........
Most people do not expose their boats to a condition that may challange their boat or personal skills. These are the boats that are tied up to the dock every weekend with their owners aboard, saying look at the crazy nuts going out in this weather. It's also the people anchored up at Peanut Island in West Palm waiting for a "weather" window for a crossing to the islands, and never seem to get one. When I return every year there are still the same boats anchored there waiting. Generally when I read that people have a tough time docking their boats in perfect weather I try to tell my self inexperience, be nice, listen to what they have to say but cull it out. But some won't drop the insanity.
I'm waiting to see what Sea Ray tells you as apposed to what I recieved.
Really all, if you haven't skippered a 2006 or newer 240da or apparantly a 260da then you should be a little more open minded and listen to what is being said. Heck you might learn something. I've learned a bucket load from some on this forum and I guarantee you I have a pretty good working knowledge of boats.
Once again don't mean to offend, but don't want to be walked on either.
Thanks Dave for the info. It seems odd the dead rise was lowered and the length was shortened. Seems the designers were taking something into account but maybe not enough. They should have kept the length.?????
What about the 260? They went up in dead rise, how about length? Weight?
I don't think some people really comprehend what they read. You can try to make them understand but, in the long run they will hold on to what they think , even if it's wrong. Don't beat yourself. I've already been down the road your going. It's hard to explain to someone who has limited knowledge and a need to be right. I really try to believe that they are trying to be helpful but........
Most people do not expose their boats to a condition that may challange their boat or personal skills. These are the boats that are tied up to the dock every weekend with their owners aboard, saying look at the crazy nuts going out in this weather. It's also the people anchored up at Peanut Island in West Palm waiting for a "weather" window for a crossing to the islands, and never seem to get one. When I return every year there are still the same boats anchored there waiting. Generally when I read that people have a tough time docking their boats in perfect weather I try to tell my self inexperience, be nice, listen to what they have to say but cull it out. But some won't drop the insanity.
I'm waiting to see what Sea Ray tells you as apposed to what I recieved.
Really all, if you haven't skippered a 2006 or newer 240da or apparantly a 260da then you should be a little more open minded and listen to what is being said. Heck you might learn something. I've learned a bucket load from some on this forum and I guarantee you I have a pretty good working knowledge of boats.
Once again don't mean to offend, but don't want to be walked on either.
Thanks Dave for the info. It seems odd the dead rise was lowered and the length was shortened. Seems the designers were taking something into account but maybe not enough. They should have kept the length.?????
What about the 260? They went up in dead rise, how about length? Weight?
islandhopper00
Active Member
CM, I have learned also to keep the fresh water tank full as much as possible. It helps but does not remedy.
A question I have is as you use water from the water tank and it is deposited into the black water tank, how does that affect balance?
I never use the vacuflush because I'm not ready for that variable yet.
Your 2007 had some design changes to it, I'm not sure but things like the helm seat is a double seat now and the bulkhead between the aft cabin and the cabin is not solid and has a pole stair set up for entry. I wonder if any hull config has changed to provide better balance.
1/4 up on the stern drive trim would bow steer like crazy in chop for me. I have to run as much trim as possible to help.
A question I have is as you use water from the water tank and it is deposited into the black water tank, how does that affect balance?
I never use the vacuflush because I'm not ready for that variable yet.
Your 2007 had some design changes to it, I'm not sure but things like the helm seat is a double seat now and the bulkhead between the aft cabin and the cabin is not solid and has a pole stair set up for entry. I wonder if any hull config has changed to provide better balance.
1/4 up on the stern drive trim would bow steer like crazy in chop for me. I have to run as much trim as possible to help.
RiverRat
New Member
- Apr 1, 2007
- 1,137
- Boat Info
- 03 280 Sundancer
Kohler 5 KW Gen.
95 13' Boston Whaler Dauntless
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 MPI
Alpha 1 Gen 2
Dave S said:
Dave,
I don't know if you noticed when checking the stats on these boats but in 04 the 240 DA was in the sport boat catagory not the cruiser catagory. Not until 06 with the new design did they re-classify this boat.
I also keep the water tank full whenever possible to help keep the bow down while planning. I also noticed the trim tab size is the same as the ones on my 300DA which to me sounds disproportional to hull length/width. The fact that the boat is most stable with the tabs retracted, with more aft hull in set into the water seems to bear that assumption out for me.
Alex D
Active Member
Presentation said:
As I mentioned earlier. We had a Four Winns 248 Vista for three seasons and that boat with an 8'6" beam and 24' hull length is rock solid. Don't even need the trim tabs at all, just push the bow down in choppy seas. That FW was a super stable boat. This issue is specifically related to Sea Ray's 240/260 center of gravity and/or hull vee design.
capnjohn
New Member
240 Instability
To all reading this post
Please re-read the Initial Post that I created-
The problem is with a 240 DA 2006 Model, not a 260DA, or any other make or year.
I am only interested in hearing from people with this particular model of boat. If there is a common problem with this model, there is a much better chance of getting a proper fix from Sea Ray- for everyone if we stick together.
Thank you for you comments about all the other types of boats and your problems with them- filling a water tank and what not is not going to resolve this particular problem.
Please limit this discussion thread to those who currently own a 2006 model or newer 240 DA made by Sea Ray Boats.
Capnjohn [/u]
To all reading this post
Please re-read the Initial Post that I created-
The problem is with a 240 DA 2006 Model, not a 260DA, or any other make or year.
I am only interested in hearing from people with this particular model of boat. If there is a common problem with this model, there is a much better chance of getting a proper fix from Sea Ray- for everyone if we stick together.
Thank you for you comments about all the other types of boats and your problems with them- filling a water tank and what not is not going to resolve this particular problem.
Please limit this discussion thread to those who currently own a 2006 model or newer 240 DA made by Sea Ray Boats.
Capnjohn [/u]
- Status
