Red Stripe
Member
Anyone know the total length of chain & rope stocked on the 2005+ 260DA with windlass?
260 Sundancer Thread.........Comments questions and answers
- Thread starter Dave S
- Start date
Re: Success
Due to an ongoing unresolved issue I have had with my Northstar (with the Smartcraft interface), I would appreciate it if you could tell me if the Total Mileage or Trip Mileage holds OK in your unit or if you find them being reset to zero periodically after power downs and then power ups.
Red Stripe said:
Due to an ongoing unresolved issue I have had with my Northstar (with the Smartcraft interface), I would appreciate it if you could tell me if the Total Mileage or Trip Mileage holds OK in your unit or if you find them being reset to zero periodically after power downs and then power ups.
estebanj
New Member
Dave... I know I owe you this info. I haven't sent it b/c there are 2 gateways and I bought the wrong one, so my interface is not up yet. The correct one should arrive this week and I will then test.
Esteban
Esteban
ctjon
New Member
Picked up my new 2007 260 SD
Last week. Upscaled from a 245 WE. What a beautiful boat (I know pictures)!. It handles very differently from the 245 which is a bit of a surprise but between the 2 additional feet and increased hight it seems much more sensitive to wind and current. I did have some difficulties but didn't really embaress myself. I've only been boating for 4 years and in CT we don't have a long season. As the sales guy pointed out it is very sensitive to trim and trim tabs. When it start to lean over it takes a delicate hand on trim and wheel to straighten up.
I'm sure it will take more than 2 days to get it all and I'm looking forward to great times on it.
The only things "wrong" is 1 missing screw and neither I nor Sirius can get the Sirius to produce any sound or take the activation.
When I first was docked I almost paniced when I saw the water pouring out of one of the outlets - I forgot air conditioning has water flowing through it.
Last week. Upscaled from a 245 WE. What a beautiful boat (I know pictures)!. It handles very differently from the 245 which is a bit of a surprise but between the 2 additional feet and increased hight it seems much more sensitive to wind and current. I did have some difficulties but didn't really embaress myself. I've only been boating for 4 years and in CT we don't have a long season. As the sales guy pointed out it is very sensitive to trim and trim tabs. When it start to lean over it takes a delicate hand on trim and wheel to straighten up.
I'm sure it will take more than 2 days to get it all and I'm looking forward to great times on it.
The only things "wrong" is 1 missing screw and neither I nor Sirius can get the Sirius to produce any sound or take the activation.
When I first was docked I almost paniced when I saw the water pouring out of one of the outlets - I forgot air conditioning has water flowing through it.
RjVA
New Member
Shake down cruise TOMORROW!!!!!
I've been lurking for a while so I figured it was time to post. If all goes well, I'll be the proud owner of a 2005 260. I am very excited. I have to navigate down the Potomac, about 30 miles to get to my home port. I've got more course plotted and ready to rock and roll, I'll be sure to post results.
I do have a question for those 260 Mag 350 owners out there. The engine is past breakin, 85 hours and wanted to know the recommended cruising RPM. Not just for fuel economy but also for engine preservation over the long hull. She is a little heavy for the 350, but, I am in no hurry... I have not been able to find any performance reviews, stats or graphs to show how she is going to handle at different RPM's. Have by chance any of you done the leg work? It will take mae some to generate GPH at different RPM's, but when I do, I'll be glad to post my findings. Hopefully someone has some data to get me started....
Thanks
I've been lurking for a while so I figured it was time to post. If all goes well, I'll be the proud owner of a 2005 260. I am very excited. I have to navigate down the Potomac, about 30 miles to get to my home port. I've got more course plotted and ready to rock and roll, I'll be sure to post results.
I do have a question for those 260 Mag 350 owners out there. The engine is past breakin, 85 hours and wanted to know the recommended cruising RPM. Not just for fuel economy but also for engine preservation over the long hull. She is a little heavy for the 350, but, I am in no hurry... I have not been able to find any performance reviews, stats or graphs to show how she is going to handle at different RPM's. Have by chance any of you done the leg work? It will take mae some to generate GPH at different RPM's, but when I do, I'll be glad to post my findings. Hopefully someone has some data to get me started....
Thanks
I have a fuel computer on my 260DA (works in conjunction with my Smartcraft Interface on my Chartplotter) so I can watch both fuel flow in GPH and MPG. I actually get the best MPG at around 3900 RPM. The fuel flow in GPH is about 13 as I recall at that RPM and you will be going about 26 or 27 mph which is a nice comfortable cruising speed on the 260DA. If you go any slower than this, your MPG takes a real hit even though you may see a lower GPH.
One of these days I will map out and post the comparisons at various speeds so everyone can at least see what my results are with my 350 powered 260.
For general cruising, I feel that 3900 RPM is a good choice both in terms of fuel economy and engine life.
One of these days I will map out and post the comparisons at various speeds so everyone can at least see what my results are with my 350 powered 260.
For general cruising, I feel that 3900 RPM is a good choice both in terms of fuel economy and engine life.
RjVA
New Member
Thanks...
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll take your advise on my maiden cruise. I believe my boat will have the GPS/Smartcraft tie in, but not sure. I am not going to worry about that stuff on her first cruise....
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll take your advise on my maiden cruise. I believe my boat will have the GPS/Smartcraft tie in, but not sure. I am not going to worry about that stuff on her first cruise....
Re: Thanks...
Unless you have one of the newer Navman or Northstar chartplotters, it will not have Smartcraft capability. The Navman 5500, which was Sea Ray's factory installed chartplotter for 2005 and 2006, does not have this tie in capability. I have a Northstar 550 on my boat.
RjVA said:
Unless you have one of the newer Navman or Northstar chartplotters, it will not have Smartcraft capability. The Navman 5500, which was Sea Ray's factory installed chartplotter for 2005 and 2006, does not have this tie in capability. I have a Northstar 550 on my boat.
RjVA
New Member
Yup
Its a Navman 5500. Thanks, the manual I downloaded mentioned it but, I am sure you are correct.
While I have your attention, is there anything you would recommend me taking a close inspection on 05 260, before I sign away? I will be checking for lower unit corrosion on the bravo III. The boat only has 85 hours and looks new. I have many years on a 350mpi of which I do all the maintanance, so I think I know what to look for on this engine. It has koeler 5w, and I have no clue what to look for on that thing.
You feedback is greatly appreciated...
Its a Navman 5500. Thanks, the manual I downloaded mentioned it but, I am sure you are correct.
While I have your attention, is there anything you would recommend me taking a close inspection on 05 260, before I sign away? I will be checking for lower unit corrosion on the bravo III. The boat only has 85 hours and looks new. I have many years on a 350mpi of which I do all the maintanance, so I think I know what to look for on this engine. It has koeler 5w, and I have no clue what to look for on that thing.
You feedback is greatly appreciated...
There are no particular weaknesses or recurring issues I am aware of. Just check it over thoroughly and you might also consider a Survey for total peace of mind. I can't help you with the Genny since I don't have one.
Best of luck with the purchase and enjoy the boat. :thumbsup:
Best of luck with the purchase and enjoy the boat. :thumbsup:
skolbe
Well-Known Member
- Oct 3, 2006
- 3,549
- Boat Info
- 320 Sundancer, Zodiac 290 Wave Inflatable Tohatsu 6HP, Boston Whaler 130 Sport
- Engines
- 350 Mag V-Drive - Kohler 5ecd
Have the drive pulled and the engine alignment checked and the drive serviced.
skolbe said:
That's all part of the 100 hour service. I would just wait until it's time to get that done since there are many other things that should be done at the same time. Either that or negotiate the 100 hour service cost as part of the deal. :grin:
skolbe
Well-Known Member
- Oct 3, 2006
- 3,549
- Boat Info
- 320 Sundancer, Zodiac 290 Wave Inflatable Tohatsu 6HP, Boston Whaler 130 Sport
- Engines
- 350 Mag V-Drive - Kohler 5ecd
I would negotiate or have it done early - since you don't know the history of the boat. That is how I did it on my 260. Since the boat is already most likely out of the water - then you don't have to have it pulled.
wastinaweigh
Member
- Oct 4, 2006
- 219
- Boat Info
- 260 Sundancer 2004
Kohler 5E Generator
- Engines
- 350 MAG Bravo III
RjVA,
With the 350, I think that you want to cruise at between 3600-3900 RPM's. The max RPM's on this engine are 5200, so that range will put you at 69-75% of WOT, which is where you want to be.
Also, this engine has a nice, flat torque curve up through about 4000 RPM's, so the above cruising speeds stay in the maximum torque range for the engine. See the link below - the torque curve is on page 3.
http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/specialized/marine/2006_5700_marine.pdf
I run mine at 3650 and 25 MPH. I am a little lighter than you, so Dave's 3800-3900 makes sense.
I run my generator for at least 30 minutes each time I am out on the boat. When you run it, turn all of your 110 stuff on. That will give you about a 75 % load, and generators are meant to be run under load. I change the oil/filter when I change the oil on the main, just to keep it simple. Also, periodically inspect the exhaust run for leaks - CO in the bilge is a bad thing. I also change the plugs annually, although I have not had a problem with them fouling.
Checking the oil is easy - just check it at the same time that you check your main engine fluids (before you start the engine for the weekend)
With the 350, I think that you want to cruise at between 3600-3900 RPM's. The max RPM's on this engine are 5200, so that range will put you at 69-75% of WOT, which is where you want to be.
Also, this engine has a nice, flat torque curve up through about 4000 RPM's, so the above cruising speeds stay in the maximum torque range for the engine. See the link below - the torque curve is on page 3.
http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/specialized/marine/2006_5700_marine.pdf
I run mine at 3650 and 25 MPH. I am a little lighter than you, so Dave's 3800-3900 makes sense.
I run my generator for at least 30 minutes each time I am out on the boat. When you run it, turn all of your 110 stuff on. That will give you about a 75 % load, and generators are meant to be run under load. I change the oil/filter when I change the oil on the main, just to keep it simple. Also, periodically inspect the exhaust run for leaks - CO in the bilge is a bad thing. I also change the plugs annually, although I have not had a problem with them fouling.
Checking the oil is easy - just check it at the same time that you check your main engine fluids (before you start the engine for the weekend)
RjVA
New Member
Thank you very much wastinaweigh. The generator info was very much needed!
RjVA
New Member
Maiden Voyage and this weekend....
Well, I burnt close to 50 gallons of fuel this weekend. Maiden voyage was without incident. All systems seem to be AOK. :smt001 . Everything, is tight, sturdy and well built. I can only say I am very impressed with the design and quality of the vessle.
The day after the maiden voyage, we had 15 knot winds, I took her out anyway. She handled the rough water very nicely.
Docking went very well for my first stern drive boat. I am used to an inboard, so being able to actually control the stern in reverse only helps. I do need some more practice. Docking in the winds was a challenge. I tried to control the bow, but it really does what it wants to. Any tips would be appreciated. I am in a floating dock, so there is no pylons to swivel off of. It is just going to take some practice controlling that big bow in the winds.
I do have a couple of questions if anyone has the time to answer...
How do you turn on the starboard and port cockpit lights? I have a arch switch on the helm which does work, but does not active these lights. Should it?
My dealer told me it was AOK to opporate the generator while under way. All my dock mates looked at me like I was crazy. They recommended only running the generator while going very slow. The generator was pumping plenty of water and seem to work fine while on plane. Thoughts?
Thanks for your help and taking the time to read this post.
Well, I burnt close to 50 gallons of fuel this weekend. Maiden voyage was without incident. All systems seem to be AOK. :smt001 . Everything, is tight, sturdy and well built. I can only say I am very impressed with the design and quality of the vessle.
The day after the maiden voyage, we had 15 knot winds, I took her out anyway. She handled the rough water very nicely.
Docking went very well for my first stern drive boat. I am used to an inboard, so being able to actually control the stern in reverse only helps. I do need some more practice. Docking in the winds was a challenge. I tried to control the bow, but it really does what it wants to. Any tips would be appreciated. I am in a floating dock, so there is no pylons to swivel off of. It is just going to take some practice controlling that big bow in the winds.
I do have a couple of questions if anyone has the time to answer...
How do you turn on the starboard and port cockpit lights? I have a arch switch on the helm which does work, but does not active these lights. Should it?
My dealer told me it was AOK to opporate the generator while under way. All my dock mates looked at me like I was crazy. They recommended only running the generator while going very slow. The generator was pumping plenty of water and seem to work fine while on plane. Thoughts?
Thanks for your help and taking the time to read this post.
Glad to hear all went well and you like the boat.
Your cockpit lights are controlled by the switch labeled Cockpit/Bilge. When you switch that on it will also turn on the light in the Lazarette as well.
As far as docking in the wind goes, that can be challenging. I also have a floating dock so I have a similar situation. I find that I need to start with my bow pointed towards the wind. Then (hopefully) as the wind catches the bow I can get far enough into the dock itself so it's reasonably straight by then. It doesn't always work without multiple tries but there isn't much else you can do with a single outdrive. :smt021
Your cockpit lights are controlled by the switch labeled Cockpit/Bilge. When you switch that on it will also turn on the light in the Lazarette as well.
As far as docking in the wind goes, that can be challenging. I also have a floating dock so I have a similar situation. I find that I need to start with my bow pointed towards the wind. Then (hopefully) as the wind catches the bow I can get far enough into the dock itself so it's reasonably straight by then. It doesn't always work without multiple tries but there isn't much else you can do with a single outdrive. :smt021
wastinaweigh
Member
- Oct 4, 2006
- 219
- Boat Info
- 260 Sundancer 2004
Kohler 5E Generator
- Engines
- 350 MAG Bravo III
Not sure why your dockmates think running a generator is a problem. It is not unusual for larger boats to run theirs from the time they disconnect shorepower until they return.
The water pickup is located pretty far back , so it does not come out of the water. Perhaps your dockmates have never had an inboard - they use they same type of thru hull for the raw water intake.
The water pickup is located pretty far back , so it does not come out of the water. Perhaps your dockmates have never had an inboard - they use they same type of thru hull for the raw water intake.
estebanj
New Member
As long as you get good water flow to the gen, running it while underway is OK.
I have also talked to people who don't like running it underway b/c they feel water flow may be interrupted with the boat movement at speed.
On my 260, with the boat running, I get good flow to the gen and A/C, so I can run both if desired.
Esteban
I have also talked to people who don't like running it underway b/c they feel water flow may be interrupted with the boat movement at speed.
On my 260, with the boat running, I get good flow to the gen and A/C, so I can run both if desired.
Esteban
