240DA Sundancer Question

bnydish

bnydish

New Member
Jul 28, 2007
41
Hello All,

I am looking to purchase a 2006 Sundancer 240DA. I have a few questions:

The boat has a 5.0L Bravo III...is this enough power for waterskiing?

There is only 38 hours on the engine,...are there any forseeable issue with this engine I should look for?

Bottom Paint,....how long does it typically last?

A few "spider" cracks near the anchor well,....what could this be?

Thanks again.
 
Another Question

What is the average cost per/year on maintenance on the 240DA? Thanks.
 
i have an '03 240DA with the 5.0MPI and the B3 outdrive. If you are going to be water skiing with it, its going to depend how many people you have on board on whether or not its enough power to pull a skiier. A driver, spotter, and the skiier will be fine. 5 or 6 people on board and the skiier and you'll wish you had a much bigger engine. If you are buying the 240 for water skiing specifically, look for one with a bigger engine.

The engine has been trouble-free for the 170 hours ive put on it (320 total). I do all my own maintenance and the engine is easy to work on and routine maintenace is very inexpensive. Its a rock solid performer that is very fuel efficient (in boating terms anyway).

Yearly maintenance should be less than $150 if you do it yourself. I change my own oil and outdrive fluid, replaced the water impeller, touched up bottom paint (which should last about 2 or 3 years with touch ups as needed in the off season), sanded and painted the outdrive, and replaced my zincs for that cost.

Its a great boat thats for sure. Good luck.

Mike
 
I have the same boat MAKC does with the same outdrive and engine set up. I agree with everything that he said except for needing a bigger engine. I think the boat would pull skiers just fine with the right prop configuration. The factory 22 pitch are a bit much for a good holeshot. If you repitch the props to 20 degree possibly a little less it would do just fine. You will however loose a bit of top end speed and may have to keep an eye on RPM's to keep from over reving the engine at WOT.
 
Ok I'm gonna bite, here goes. I have a 2006 240DA with the 5.0, 260 hp with bravo III. Depending on the skier you are going to pull, if they can hold their breath, you can pull a skier. I have the 20 in pitch (cupped) propellers, and they will work. I also have a set of custom pitched 18 1/2in from Murphys. I'm sure they will pull, however as river rat said you must watch the rpm's and not overrev the motor, and top end speed will also be slower. Mike
 
I've never owned a B3, and we are considering a 240 as our next boat. I've seen them with B2 and B3 options (maybe also an Alpha, not sure). We're looking at 1995-1999 models to keep the price in the $25k range.

What's the cost/effort to remove and replace or re-pitch the B3 props? If you carry multiple props, is it reasonable to change them out in the water if you have to or want to? Any other comments on the B2 vs. B3 we should consider?
 
SwampNut,

Please take a minute and add your location to the viewable section of your profile. We have found that location gives those who are trying to help you needed information on temperatures, winter haul out needs, salt vs. freshwater, etc. In this case, B-III's tend to be corrosion prone and they may not be the best choice if you are a saltwater boater.
 
Good point, I've updated the profile.

Our use is mostly fresh water. We keep our boat in dry storage at Lake Pleasant, AZ. We trailer out to the coast 1-2 times/year and keep it in the water for maybe a week at most, then flush and trailer home. The boat is rarely in the water for more than three days at a time, in fresh water.
 
Thanks to all who commented

Thansk again for the advice. This is my first cruiser and I believe that the wife & kids will love this boat.

The previous owner had taked maticulous care of her and has been wonderful to deal with. Karma is on my side. Cheers.
 
Hello swamp,
Bravo III's are good and bad. They do great things for performace and handling. They are expensive to repair and upkeep if you don't get the corrison thing under control. You say you'll keep it in dry storage most of the time so that will not be a big issue.
Changing out BIII props in the water is possible if it is calm or shallow. Would be hard, but doable. You'd need to purchase a "propper wrench" (that's the name of the prop tool.) to make it easier. The tool has both size nut heads on it. Just pull each prop and don't drop the nuts or bearings/spacers. You'll also need to keep the splines well lubed so that the props don't get corrison bound onto the shafts. And don't over tighten the nuts.
Replacement props are EXPENSIVE! Thousand bucks a set, that's if you find a deal. I deal with Murphys in Virginia. They are the only shop I could find to customize a set. They charged me about $120.00 per prop to repitch and polish. In other words $1250.00 bucks for a spare set before shipping.
 
I have an '06 240DA with a 300 hp merc kept in fresh water. It is plenty of hp to be able to tow wakeboarders, etc. We love everything about the boat except for the tight access to the midberth.
For an all around family boat I would whole-heartedly recommend it. Good power, reasonable economy. wonderful cockpit space......overall a winner.

:thumbsup:
 
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