245 Weekender v 240 Sundancer

[Sheppy]

I’m struggling a little to better understand the upper superstructure layout between 245 weekender and the 240 sundancer, circa 2000 to 2004. I currently have a 215EC and love the low slung floor, being quite tall and all, and while the 240da might seem the natural step up, someone on the facebook forum suggested the 245 as the longer version of the 215. However, it seems that’s not quite the case, and the 245we and 240da are based on the same hull and also appear to share the same cockpit floor level too, which is notably higher than he 215EC. The main differences between the two are fairly obvious, seating layout, berth under the floor v storage, but what I can’t seem to gather is whether one has a higher freeboard (sides) and a taller screen. The helms are the same, cabin layout seems pretty much similar, but the 240da appears to have a taller top superstructure over the 245we giving space for upper portholes for example but this could be an illusion.... I wondered if anyone knows the two boats well enough to offer an opinion or whether anyone enjoys a challenge and wants to gauge the difference from imagery such as I have tried. The 240da is an easier find in the UK and northern Europe while the 245we is harder to find, but is probably my preference as it’s about 200kg (450lbs) lighter. Neither are easily available near my local to view. Would anyone have either boats in the Torbay area, South Devon UK, that I could take a look at?

 

[Little Ducky]

Did you have a look at the brochures for both boats?

Might have some additional info and dimensions along with what equipment might have come on both vessels.

They can be downloaded here: http://www.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/162289/Owners-Resources.aspx

 

[Grosen]

I had the 245 and my buddy had the 240 I like the 245 much more as far as deck space there is deff more deck space bathroom was a little smaller on my 245 and it didn’t have the little storage under the steps but overall my boat was much roomier I felt.

 

[Sheppy]

Thanks guys. Yes I have all the brochures. I've even been analysing all the pics on google too - a bit sad I know. I'm looking at 240da on Saturday morning and have some measurements for the 245we too so I should be able to run a comparison. I think there's no doubt the 245 looks more like a long sleek sports boat while the 240 looks more like a cruiser. But the floor height is the same for both which is a real shame in my humble opinion. I have the chance to buy a 245 on spec without seeing it, quite risky I know but it all seems very genuine...

 

[EricW]

Does the 245 Weekender have a motor box, like the 215EC? Or a flat floor over the motor like the 240 Sundancer? That's the key. The motor box design on the 215EC provides the lower floor and high freeboard that you like.

 

[Sheppy]

That's a good point Eric. It does have a similar motor box but I think that's mainly for aesthetics as the motor is still under the floor. But it's worth investigating more. The 240 motor seems much lower than the 245 so you might be onto something, but I'm still convinced they share the same hull and floor level. Trouble is I can't view a 245 as they're quite rare in the UK...