260 Sundancer...thoughts?

S

Steve.Lynette

New Member
Sep 9, 2008
193
Eagan, mn
Boat Info
2006 320DA
Engines
T-260
Bravo III
We're considering moving up from a 220 Sundeck to a new (2008) 260 Sundancer. Love to read your comments on the 260. Good boat?

S&L
 
I made the move from a 220 Sundeck to a 260DA then a 300DA. If I had to do it all over again I would have skipped the 260DA. Look for a twin engine boat with a wider beam and all the options that you want. Don't settle for less because that's what makes for 2 foot-"itis" Or in my case 4 foot-"itis" Go slightly used and you will save a whole lot in depreciation too. I wish now that I did that. Good luck! Brian
 
We also went form a 220 to the 260 and now we are on a 370! If I had to do it all again I would go to the 370 and skip the 260. That's not to say the 260 is a bad boat it's just that we started using it so much that it got really small really fast! If you can go bigger I would do it for sure!
 
Steve.Lynette said:
We're considering moving up from a 220 Sundeck to a new (2008) 260 Sundancer. Love to read your comments on the 260. Good boat?

S&L
Click to expand...

If you do decide you really want a 260, I have a friend that has a low hour (+/-100) 2005 that he would sell. Really loaded with Generator, Heat/AC, blue hull, 300hp BIII, trailer, etc. If interested, PM me and I can provide details and pics.
 
if you are considering moving from a 220SD to a new 26t0 Sundancer, i think you consider going to a slighty used 280 DA or bigger. For roughly the same amount of money, you'll save yourself the hassle of wanting to move up again rather quickly. Not saying bad about the 260, but "itis" will strike and you will save yourself money from moving up. Just my 2cents. Good luck and keep us posted on what you choose!
 
All good thoughts. We're going back to the dealer today...we'll explore options for something larger. This will be our first cruiser. What size boat delays the onset of the dreaded "itis"???
 
Steve.Lynette said:
All good thoughts. We're going back to the dealer today...we'll explore options for something larger. This will be our first cruiser. What size boat delays the onset of the dreaded "itis"???
Click to expand...

For me it would be a boat with twin engines and v-drives. In Sea Rays current line up, except for the 290 AJ you have to move up to a 310DA to get that. In the used market, you should let your wallet be your guide. There are many choices you could make depending on age and condition. You just have to look around.
 
Steve.Lynette said:
This will be our first cruiser. What size boat delays the onset of the dreaded "itis"???
Click to expand...

you can see where I went. :smt001 After studying for a year the size kept moving up as I read more and more posts of people that wished they had gone larger. The acceptable age got a bit older too. But I wound up with a great deal on a boat that will suit our needs for many many years.
 
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Steve.Lynette said:
All good thoughts. We're going back to the dealer today...we'll explore options for something larger. This will be our first cruiser. What size boat delays the onset of the dreaded "itis"???
Click to expand...
That's a tough one. Depends on what your family needs. It's just me and my wife so the 300DA is a perfect size for us. I love the performance and better fuel economy I get with the twin stern drives as opposed to V-drives. With sterndrives we can go to all the local hang outs that require a shallow draft. (just trim up) I boat in very low water and pull the boat out for 4-5 months every Winter for storage. We also like the fact that we can water ski and tube off our boat for when we entertain our nieces, nephews and friends. The downside to that is that the sterndrives require alot more money when it comes to maintenance. If these things aren't important to your family needs, or if you intend to leave the boat in the water for 12 months of the year, then I would suggest a slightly used 340DA with V-drives. That boat has good performance and is a very popular model in the Sea Ray line up so it will be easier to sell or trade if you decide you want even bigger. I loved my 2004 260DA but I didn't like the performance and I always wished that I got a generator for it. "Wishing" is not a good thing for the "itis" factor. That's why I said get a boat with EVERYTHING you and your family may want. Good luck. This is the fun part of boating. Brian
 
Well, we did it. MarineMax gave us an exceptional deal on our trade and on the price of a new loaded 260DA. My wife wanted the security of a warranty. I'm sure we'll enjoy this boat and if/when the "itis" rears it's ugly head, the experience gained with this as our first cruiser will serve us well in deciding what to do next.

Thanks for all your input! Now I'm off to update my signature :)

S&L
 
Congratulations Steve and Lynette! The 260DA is a beautiful boat. Good luck with her. I can't wait to see some pictures. Brian
 
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