2006 Sundancer 240

scoutiebear

New Member
Aug 16, 2010
7
St. Croix River
Boat Info
2006 24 Sea Ray Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser Bravo III 5.7 liter
I am having trouble getting the boat to plane out with people in it. Any advice? Is it possible to put a hydrofoil on it to help out? Anything above 8 mph and it just pushes the water. New to Sea Ray.
 
You'll need to describe what you're doing a little more in detail.
 
Re: 2006 Sundancer 240 Boat does not plane out

We are trying to cruise on the river with 6 people on the boat and it plows water it will not plane out. Any suggestions? Using the trip tabs helps a little but they are a bit too sensitive to use.
 
First off... Welcome to CSR.

I'm sure Todd & others can help but they will need at least some basic details.

Start with stuff like...
Will the boat plane with you alone?
Is the engine running properly?
What rpms?
Is the bottom crusted over with growth?
Any prop damage?

These guys are good and are willing to help, but, in general, specific questions get specific answers.
 
Todd and MWPH hit the nail on the head - need more detail.

But, to answer your original question... a hydrofoil will have extremely little to no effect on your boat (possibly even a negative effect). Don't waste your money. They are best suited for lighter boats.

Unless those 6 people are 300lbs a piece, you should have no problems. Trim all the way down and, if needed, put the tabs all the way down then smoothly advance the throttle fully open.

You may feel the tabs are too sensitive for you right now, but it's more likely that the hull is a more efficient and better responding hull than you are used to. Bennett tabs are Bennett tabs - they all work the same. Don't be afraid to use the tabs fully - that's what they are there for!
 
Will the boat plane with you alone? Yes, in about 10 seconds.
Is the engine running properly? Yes, it runs excellent.
What rpms? 4200 - 4300 RPM at full throttle with 6 adults it does not plane out.
Is the bottom crusted over with growth? Yes, there is some scum but it is not too bad.
Any prop damage? No, Bravo 3 both props are in great shape.
Do you have any opinion on hydrofoils?
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
 
If that's an honest 10 seconds, then that is way too slow. That boat will absolutely plane faster than that. There's either a problem (either mechanical or something similar to the list above) or you are not trimming correctly.

You might be quite surprised how much a little scum/growth can do to affect performance. I'd highly suggest you get that cleaned and try everything again before you spend too much time worrying about other stuff. Besides, for us to be of more assistance (especially since we are not there with you), you need to eliminate as many variable as you can for us. Cleaning the bottom is a must-do first step. Then, if there is still an issue, we can be of more assistance.
 
Thank you for the information. We have been told not to use the trip tabs b/c they are so sensitive. When you say smoothly advance do you mean do not put the throttle all the way down at first?

Thanks,
Chad


Todd and MWPH hit the nail on the head - need more detail.

But, to answer your original question... a hydrofoil will have extremely little to no effect on your boat (possibly even a negative effect). Don't waste your money. They are best suited for lighter boats.

Unless those 6 people are 300lbs a piece, you should have no problems. Trim all the way down and, if needed, put the tabs all the way down then smoothly advance the throttle fully open.

You may feel the tabs are too sensitive for you right now, but it's more likely that the hull is a more efficient and better responding hull than you are used to. Bennett tabs are Bennett tabs - they all work the same. Don't be afraid to use the tabs fully - that's what they are there for!
 
Thank you for the information. We have been told not to use the trip tabs b/c they are so sensitive. When you say smoothly advance do you mean do not put the throttle all the way down at first?

Thanks,
Chad

Whoever told you to not use tabs should not have gave you that advice. I'm not trying to be crass - just straight. Tabs a very useful tool. If you keep the tool in your tool box and never take it out, it doesn't help you with your work.

"Smoothly"... don't mash the throttle - instead, take a good 3 seconds (one-one thousand, etc) to go from idling along to full throttle (wide open).

Are you starting out with the trim (drive) all the way down?
 
I am by no means an expert but I believe you may just need to do three things.
1. Clean the bottom. (my boat needs it now)
2. Insure the drive trim & tabs are working properly.
3. Get more seat time.

Since the boat performs to your satisfaction while you are alone, you need to look at weight & its distribution. Along with how you will adjust for that weight. 10 seconds does sound a little long.

My boat may be slightly heavier & may need a tad longer than your boat (& I don't want 6 people on my boat), but either way, your boat should plane with 6 people.

That being said, estimate the weight of 6 people, everything they bring on board, water, fuel & waste levels. It all adds up. Distribute the weight (forward) as best you can.

Trim tabs are your friend. They are not some "oversensitive monster" that is to be feared. I think you got some weak advice on that front. Take the boat out by yourself & learn how they affect the boat.
 
Okay, I'll toss in my thoughts. They weigh over 300 pounds each, don't they? Are you just not telling us? Maybe they aren't telling you. Americans are getting bigger. Rather than saying 6 people, give us an estimate of human payload. 1,000 pounds of human payload should be no problem for that boat. 2,000 pounds and it will not plane.
They aren't these guys, are they?

fat_people.jpg
 
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Thought I would chime in since I have the same boat, a 2006 240DA with 5.7L and Bravo III. When alone, my 240 jumps on plane in 2-3 seconds without using tabs. Although it takes longer when the boat is loaded (5-6 people), I have no problems planing with or without tabs (although tabs help to plane faster).

Hope you follow the advice of others here so you can start enjoying the true capabilities of the 240 with upgraded engine. In my mind, this is truly a hybrid boat that I can ski behind, throttle to 46+ MPH once in while, and sleep comfortably on for a weekend in air conditioning!

Regarding the tabs, like you, I was reluctant to use them at first; however, practicing in various conditions and loads has made me much more comfortable. That said, I really do not need them most of the time, just minor roll adjustments when loaded. Good luck.
 
Re: 2006 Sundancer 240 Porpoising

The problem we are having is that the boat is porpoising. We start out with the trim down and the tabs all the way down. Any ideas how to correct this problem
 
Have you ever had trouble with porpoising? I think that is the problem.

Thanks,
Chad


Thought I would chime in since I have the same boat, a 2006 240DA with 5.7L and Bravo III. When alone, my 240 jumps on plane in 2-3 seconds without using tabs. Although it takes longer when the boat is loaded (5-6 people), I have no problems planing with or without tabs (although tabs help to plane faster).

Hope you follow the advice of others here so you can start enjoying the true capabilities of the 240 with upgraded engine. In my mind, this is truly a hybrid boat that I can ski behind, throttle to 46+ MPH once in while, and sleep comfortably on for a weekend in air conditioning!

Regarding the tabs, like you, I was reluctant to use them at first; however, practicing in various conditions and loads has made me much more comfortable. That said, I really do not need them most of the time, just minor roll adjustments when loaded. Good luck.
 
Re: 2006 Sundancer 240 Porpoising

The problem we are having is that the boat is porpoising. We start out with the trim down and the tabs all the way down. Any ideas how to correct this problem

Wait a minute. You said you don't use the tabs and you can't get on plane.

Thank you for the information. We have been told not to use the trip tabs b/c they are so sensitive.

Porpoising is when the bow jumps up and down while you are on plane.

Are you sure it is not these guys? What else are you hauling on that boat? Do you have a dingy?

fat_people.jpg

 
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I had similar problems with my 260DA when I had a bunch of people on Board. I solved it by moving the "celery stick" on the outdrive. The celery stick is a spacer that fits in the elongated hole where your rams mount on the outdrive as shown in this picture.
DSC02908-1.jpg


If you remove the bolt that runs thru the rams and outdrive, the hydraulic trim rams will drop down and you will see the elongated hole I am talking about. Typically, the 240DA and 260DA were shipped with the celery stick spacer in the rear part of the hole. If you pull it out and mount it in the forward section (closest to the transom) it allows the outdrive to tuck under even further. Having the outdrive tucked under just a tad further will make a world of difference. Quite a few 240DA and 260DA on CSR have had to do this to overcome the planing issue that you describe. The reason Mercury makes this "adjustable" to begin with is that depending on boat manufacturers, transom angles may be different allowing the boat manufacturer to make the adjustment in their factories.

Dave
 
There's a lot of talk about using Trim Tabs on this post, and often when someone says that the Trim Tabs are too sensitive they are not using them correctly.

The key to getting the best out of Trim Tabs is experimenting with them since all boats are different. Use them in short bursts and let the boat settle down between corrections (often when people fail to do this they think the Tabs are over sensitive!).

Below you will find a little "Trim Tabs 101" that I wrote for a magazine article a while back, I hope it helps.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Getting and Staying Trimmed

All boats assume different fore to aft attitudes at different throttle settings and vary in sensitivity to lateral weight distribution.

A boat’s optimum running attitude is determined by the operator. While some people may define optimum running attitude as the highest possible speed for a given amount of engine RPMs, others desire the best possible fuel economy, yet others may be trimming the boat to get just the right mix of speed and wake (such as for waterskiing.)

Optimum running attitude is when the boat is running to the operator’s satisfaction for the given operating conditions. There are as many optimum running attitudes as there are boats and boat owners

A good way to determine a boats optimum running angle (see side bar Optimum Running Attitude) is to run the boat lightly loaded at full speed in calm water. During this test observe the boat’s bow in relation to the horizon. Most boats run at or near their optimum attitude under these conditions. This should give you a feel for the appearance of the wake and bow spray when running at an efficient attitude. Note that not all boats will achieve their optimum running attitude under these conditions. Some boats will benefit from extra lift even when running at their maximum throttle settings. If you feel the boat will benefit from added bow down trim when running at speed start with the trim tabs fully up and deflect the trim tabs in short bursts. Be alert to changes in the boats handling, as you bring the bow down. Observe any changes in RPMs and/or speed. Adjust power trim if applicable.

Indications of Running Untrimmed
When a boat is running untrimmed the bow spray will exit the sides of the boat far aft. The stern wave (wake) is high and curling like a breaker on the beach. The rooster tail is high and close to the stern. The engine is laboring and the ride tends to be less smooth.

Indications of Running Trimmed
The bow spray moves forward and is flung not as far from the boat. The wake diminishes in height, as the rooster tail flattens out and moves away from the boat. The engine is operating under less load as evidenced by the tachometer and speed as well as sounding less strained.

One Step at a Time
The key to obtaining optimal results from trim tabs is to operate them in short bursts and let the boat react before making another adjustment. The amount of time between corrections is influenced by the size of the trim tabs and the boat’s speed. This will help avoid overtrimming or ending up with one tab too far down when correcting lateral trim. You will quickly become acquainted with a boat’s particular traits.

Take Off
Properly sized trim tabs can significantly reduce the time needed to get up on plane. They also allow a boat to keep its bow down and stay on plane at lower speeds.

As the throttle is advanced the stern of the boat begins to squat, lifting the bow. As the boat accelerates, push the bow down position of the helm control in short bursts. The boat reacts by the stern lifting, the bow coming down, speed increasing, and reduced engine laboring. If you over do it and deflect the tabs too far the boat will end up overtrimmed. When over trimmed, the steering becomes over sensitive and wants to pull off course to port or starboard. If this occurs, operate the control bow up until the desired attitude is established.

Getting the Most from Power Trim
Adjust the trim tabs to achieve the desired running attitude. Then use the power trim to position the propeller thrust parallel to the water flow. If necessary, re-adjust the trim tabs to fine tune the attitude. By observing the boat’s speed and engine RPMs the best combination of trim tabs and power trim will be apparent. Trim tab angle indicators and a power trim angle indicator are particularly useful in duplicating effective settings.

Trimming to Sea Conditions
When running into a head sea you want to trim the bow down so the sharp forward sections of the boat do their work cleaving the waves. This provides the most comfortable ride and minimizes stress on the boat (and passengers). In a following sea the tabs should be fully retracted for maximum steering response.

Correction of a List
The normal control setup for trim tabs operates in relation to the desired changes in trim and not the actual movement of the tabs. Therefore, do not think about what the tabs are doing, but rather on the control and what you want the boat to do. As above, make the corrections in bursts and allow the boat to settle to the new settings. You may find it easier to correct the boat’s fore and aft attitude before you correct the athwartship trim.

Correction of Porpoising
Operate the tabs in very short bursts of about half a second. Continue until porpoising subsides. The objective is to have only a very slight amount of tab deflection, just the amount needed to cure the up and down motion of the bow.
 
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Tom

No disrespect becasue we all know you are a very knowledgeable person when it comes to trim tabs (and also are first rate in assisting customers with problems which we all appreciate as well :thumbsup:) but the 2005 and up 240DA and 260DA do not respond well to the use of trim tabs in what I will call a "conventional" way. These boats can become very unstable unless you are careful and both boats can be pretty adversely affected by bow steer as well. We have had numerous threads on this subject here on CSR and have even had people wanting to get rid of their boats because they were frightened after trying to use trim tabs in the conventional way.

On both of these particular model Sea Rays you don't want to use trim tabs to come on plane no matter what your load is. You also need to start trimming your outdrive up as you are coming on plane or the boat has a tendency to lean to one side or another before it is fully on plane. Once on plane, you correct side to side balance with the tabs. My experience has also taught me to use only one tab to correct the lean and avoid using both tabs simultaneously if at all possible.

A number of folks who own these boats have purchased your automatic tab adjusters because of this situation. I considered that also when the boat was new.

Dave
 
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I think you need to make sure the hull bottom is clean before doing anything else. Get in the water and reach way under the hull (with gloves on) and check for growth/barnacles.

You could have quite a few barnacles all over the deeper areas of the hull.

You may think the bottom is pretty clean --- but if that boat has been in the water for awhile and not cleaned, I bet its a lot dirtier than you think.
 

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