260 Sundancer - Looking for pre purchase advise

[KevinC]

We have an accepted offer on 2003 260 Sundancer - Pending Inspection, Survey and Sea Trial.
I just finished personally inspecting the boat and like most things about it but there are a couple of concerns:

1. There is water pooled in the front v-berth storage area. It looks like it ran down from the anchor locker based on water tracks running down the front crease at the bow. There was no water found in the front storage areas to port or starboard.

2. The sump under the cabin step was full and there was water surrounding the sump - looks like it might have possibly overflowed.

Otherwise a general inspection of the engine compartment looked okay - just dirty. It is a 5.0 MPI and the manifolds looked clean with no rust weeping and look to be the dry-joint style. Steering and shift cables seemed to move freely and the Bravo III was in good shape visually inspecting for corrosion. Of course the zincs were all shot and seem to be working but need replacement as they are probably at 50%+ worn.

There are some other very minor items at this point but all are easily correctable.

Of course we are scheduling the survey and engine inspection but wondered if these water issues should be a major concern at this point. I have searched the forums and seems that it appears somewhat common and I have seen it on a couple other boats I looked at.

Thanks in advance for your input!
I really like the boat but what some honest unbiased input before hiring the surveyor.

 

[HUMPH]

It seems like the water up front would be of some concern but is repairable. It may be from the locker, rail stanchon, deck hardware, etc. The sump is either a clogged filter screen, a blown fuse for the bilge pump (mine each have a fuse adjacent to the sump) or just a bad pump. If the engine and drive test good and you get the boat for the right number.....buy it!

 

[northern]

Look for water stains on the wall liner fabric. The seal between the upper and lower half of the boat could have failed in areas. If there are water stains on the ceiling it could be faied deck fitting seal. If you take a lot of pictures next time you are on the boat then look at them at home you may see other things you need to address.

 

[KevinC]

Ceiling and wall liners looked clean and without stains. I specifically was looking for leaks from the hatch area and port lights. Once I noticed the water I closely inspected all storage areas and only the ones noted had water. The front definitely showed water stains coming down the bow from in front - So I am guessing the anchor locker. As far as the sump pump area I will inspect further during the survey. Unfortunately the boat was still wrapped and batteries were disconnected and not charged yet.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Check the anchor locker out. Looks for cracks in the gel and likely a clogged drain hole. The locker "should" drain out as fast as water gets in it.

Could just be a stuck float switch in the sump, as well.

Or, since the batteries are disconnected, if the head portlight is open (or was), the water would drain into that sump but would not be pumped out. Batteries could have been disconnected and then the boat waited (outside) for shrink wrap. Just guessing on this, though - there's a couple reasons for why that sump is full.

 

[Rohan]

I'm assuming in your area the boat is used in salt water. Did you test to see if it was fresh or salt water in the forward locker? I agree with previous post and would check for blockage in the anchor locker drains. My boat has 2 drain holes, one either side of centre and assume the boat you are looking at will be the same.

As for the shower sump, yes, check the pumps work etc. also I have noted fresh water seeps in here (not into the sump box but the bilge in this area) when I fill the fresh water tank. I think it is to do with the filler neck. We now fill the tank with the engine hatch open and turn off the water supply when the tank is 1/2 inch from the top. Problem solved. Good luck

 

[KevinC]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I am trying to schedule the Marine Survey, Engine Survey and Sea Trial for later next week. I discussed this issue with the surveyor and the general consensus seems to be that it would need to be addressed but should be correctable and not a major structural issue based on the description. The survey of the hull would reveal any issues or moisture intrusion that would be a concern.

Once completed I will let everyone know the outcome.

-Kevin

 

[Nehalennia]

Do you have any pictures? What condition is the outdrive in? will you moor it in the water? Bottom paint? Best of luck on your survey and Seatrial and hopefully you are a 260DA owner soon enough.

 

[KevinC]

We plan on wet slipping the boat over the summer here on Long Island and storing on trailer off months.

The stern drive looked pretty good. It was not on the boat when I saw it, it was in the mechanics store room where it was serviced and stored over the winter. I was told it was all checked out and in good condition and had a clean coat of paint. The props were not on giving a good look all around the prop shaft and overall it looked like there were no corrosion issues.

Bottom paint was so-so and will need a touch up. The rest of the boat just needs an extremely good cleaning. I have a bunch of pictures but most are cramped as the boat was still wrapped. I will see if I can find some of the better ones to post.

Thanks for the good wishes we have been looking for the right boat at the right price for a year now.
The surveys and sea trial will make the final decision and we are ready to close and take home a "new to us" boat.

-Kevin

 

[wastinaweigh]

Unless the owner can show you that the elbows/manifolds/risers have been replaced, figure on doing that before you use the boat. A 2003 will have the dry joint manifolds, which means that there not a good way to inspect them without cracking them open. Manifold replacement is driven by age rather than hours. It is a significant expense, even if you do it yourself, so make sure that you account for it in your offer. Ideally, it should have been done no later than 2010 and you will get 5-6 more years out of them.

 

[KevinC]

Thanks for everyones input. We had the marine survey, engine survey and sea trial today. All the major items (structure, engine and sterndrive) checked out. Just a punch list of repairable items that we need to address (ie VHF, stuck thermostat, etc.). It was a long day and I am happy there are not potential deal breakers at this time. I need to review the punch list of item to discuss with the seller. I may be back looking for input based on any questions related to these things.

Thanks again.
Kevin

 

[Nehalennia]

Thanks for everyones input. We had the marine survey, engine survey and sea trial today. All the major items (structure, engine and sterndrive) checked out. Just a punch list of repairable items that we need to address (ie VHF, stuck thermostat, etc.). It was a long day and I am happy there are not potential deal breakers at this time. I need to review the punch list of item to discuss with the seller. I may be back looking for input based on any questions related to these things.

Thanks again.
Kevin

Sounds good.

 

[KevinC]

Well all that will be left is some final post survey negotiations.
So, here is my punch-list of items I consider needing immediate attention:

Alternator - Not consistent in voltage - recommended replace/rebuild
VHF - Not working
CO Detector - Not Working
Engine Thermostat - Stuck Open/Replace
Fuel Gauge or Sender - not working
Rear Anchor Lamp - not working (front nav lights good)
Water Pump Impeller - consider mandatory to change without known condition.
Mercathode - May not be properly functioning - should test/repair/upgrade
Cabin Refrigerator - compressor comes on both AC/DC unit is not getting cold.
(I know this is a potentially costly replacement)

There are numerous other items that are simple enough not to ask about - plus a lot of cleaning.

However, I would be interested in comments regarding anyone's experience in handling the repair of these items.
Most look relatively easy fixes but I am looking to get a handle on costs and time.

This is all on a 2003 260 Sundancer with a Merc 5.0MPI with a Bravo III
If you have any recommendations for sourcing parts for any above I would appreciate hearing.

I was also able to find a Loadmaster 9800lb (about 8400 net) trailer for it locally to bring her home on once we close.
Hopefully only a couple more weeks now.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Nehalennia]

All of those things add up for sure. I would be a little leary on the 5.0L but knowing it's the MPI will help. I would be happy to talk to you if you have any questions or want to bounce the price off of someone?

 

[KevinC]

Thanks for everyone's input. All the post survey negotiations are now over. We submitted our final conditional acceptance and it is in and accepted. Now we wait for closing and getting her home. Once we get her the real fun begins - lots of cleaning, maintenance and prep. I will certainly be back here looking for input on any questions. Thanks again!

 

[rcmafgny]

Good Luck with the new boat.
Where to you plan on boating? There are a lot of south shore LI guys on the site.
We are out of Seaford.
Ron

 

[KevinC]

We live in Nassau (near 135) and currently do not have a slip. My current boat (and previous ones) were trailered and this will our first time in a seasonal slip. Normally we have stayed on the south shore launching out of John Burns in Massapequa and usually winding up with the family at Tobay. I was hoping for the Wantagh Park Marina but the lottery did not go my way, so now we will start our search. I was waiting to make sure we had a boat first. Since you are in Seaford any input would be appreciated. We do plan on spending weekends at Tobay and probably will not look far east or west.