260 Sundancer Thread.........Comments questions and answers

Sliderspal said:
I have heard that the 260DA in the year range same as this one I am looking at had a problem with either the hull design or something of that nature.
I heard that there is a problem with these dancers getting up on plane or being stable while on plane.
Can anybody shed so light on this, or is this just a bunch of hoowy?
Thanks
Click to expand...

I have been on several late model 260 Sundancers and I can tell you the "problem" you are speaking of does exist. Personally, I think it is more the matter of having a radar arch on a boat with an 8'6" beam creating a top-heavy condition than a hull design issue. With that being said, I know a handful of 260 owners that are very happy with their boats and this so called "problem" can be easily controlled with proper use of the trim tabs (from what I have been told). Personally I would not be scared away by it. You are doing what you shoud be doing and asking about it. This has been discussed ALOT here at CSR and I believe in the very thread. There is even a thread somewhere that discusses the proper way to use the trim tabs to help with the handling of the boat. I am sure someone will comment who actually has one of these boats but your best bet would be to take one on a seatrial to see for yourself.
 
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Sliderspal said:
I did a search and really didn't find answer to my question so here it goes.
I am looking at a 2007 260DA this dancer has the Mercrusier 6.2L with a bravo 3 drive.
I have heard that the 260DA in the year range same as this one I am looking at had a problem with either the hull design or something of that nature.
I heard that there is a problem with these dancers getting up on plane or being stable while on plane.
Can anybody shed so light on this, or is this just a bunch of hoowy?
Thanks
Click to expand...

As you can see, I own a 2005 260 Sundancer. Yes, it is an issue, but once you learn how to operate the trim tabs it is not a problem. There will be a short learning curve, actually the model you are looking at has a larger engine therefore it may not be as bad. Don't let it deter you from buying the boat. But, if you are really serious about overnighting I would go after a 280 instead. I wish I would have bought one for the extra room down below. Otherwise, I am very happy with my boat.
thanks
Tracy
 
my 06 took a few runs to get used to the feel.
using the trim tabs is the key to making a comfortable and stable ride.
 
Sliderspal said:
I did a search and really didn't find answer to my question so here it goes.
I am looking at a 2007 260DA this dancer has the Mercrusier 6.2L with a bravo 3 drive.
I have heard that the 260DA in the year range same as this one I am looking at had a problem with either the hull design or something of that nature.
I heard that there is a problem with these dancers getting up on plane or being stable while on plane.
Can anybody shed so light on this, or is this just a bunch of hoowy?
Thanks
Click to expand...

So funny how everyone has the same issue and at some point, makes their way here asking the same question. I had a 97 250 and had no problem ever driving the boat or it leaning. I then bought an 07 260 last year....first time out on Memorial Day Weekend, lets just say it was an interesting trip to Zachs Bay. Once I got her up to a certain speed/RPM, the boat would severely lean where I had to pull back on the throttle to get her back level as the gf was screaming and crying we're going to tip (You have no idea):smt021
Posted the same as you on here and got the solution (search my name). You start with the trim fully down and then as your nose starts heading down and hunting, you start trimming it up. Each boat will be different though. I've read some guys have to trim to the max, mine falls bwtwn 5-7 deoending on weight and ppl on the boat. I have the 300HP and a Gene so mine is a lil diff than what your looking at.
It's not the end of the world if your cruising because once you get up and go, you're fine. I find it to be a bit of a pain when I hit 5mph zones or I'm driving through crowded channels where I really need to play with the trim.
Personally, for what I use the boat for, i wish I went with at least the 280. Headed to Zachs for this weekend and was searching for 320s :smt101 The 8'6 beam is pretty narrow and you def can tell when someone walks around the boat and your driving. There's a huge difference just at the dock from the 260 and 280. If I could do it again, I would have gone with the 280. 260 is a great boat but I would have been happier with a larger and wider beam.
 
My last boat was an 05 260DA and as far as I am concerned the boat handled fine as long as you learned a few basics which others have covered in their postings.

In my opinion the main reason the 05 thru 08's felt a little "skittish" was the 21 degree deadrise the hull had. The previous generation 260DA had a 19 degree deadrise and in fact when Sea Ray introduced the 2009 270DA which was the replacement for the 08 260DA they went back to a 19 degree deadrise. Less deadrise almost always gives you a more stable boat. I don't think it had anything to do with the weight of the arch because the older 260DA's (2004) offered the arch as well.

As far as the 280DA goes, make sure you understand that you have less cockpit storage (no underseat storage) and a smaller V-berth than you have with 260DA. Plus if you go with twin engines your maintenance costs are doubled.
 
Just picked up my 2007 260 Sundancer last weekend!

I want to thank everyone for all of the info that has been shared on this thread. I have read through the all of the postings and learned a great deal about the boat. In fact, it was all your postings which helped me make the decision to buy the 260 and know what I was getting into. I also looked at the 280 and 290, but the overall deck seating options and storage along with the economy of the single engine helped to make my decision.

I am still in the learning curve, and yes - it can feel tippy. I've already been working on refining my outdrive trimming getting on plane and do find I have to use the trim tabs to compensate for occasional pitch to port or starboard. I also understand why everyone stated that you need to make minor trim tab adjustments and wait... We plan on over-nighting with just the two of us and think this boat fits our needs perfectly!

I do have one (probably stupid) question. I'm heading back to the boat for the holiday weekend and am trying to understand how to set the trim tabs back to a 'neutral' position. Do you retract them? If so, does that mean pushing the lower part of the toggles?

Thanks in advance!!
 
rpm said:
Just picked up my 2007 260 Sundancer last weekend!

I want to thank everyone for all of the info that has been shared on this thread. I have read through the all of the postings and learned a great deal about the boat. In fact, it was all your postings which helped me make the decision to buy the 260 and know what I was getting into. I also looked at the 280 and 290, but the overall deck seating options and storage along with the economy of the single engine helped to make my decision.

I am still in the learning curve, and yes - it can feel tippy. I've already been working on refining my outdrive trimming getting on plane and do find I have to use the trim tabs to compensate for occasional pitch to port or starboard. I also understand why everyone stated that you need to make minor trim tab adjustments and wait... We plan on over-nighting with just the two of us and think this boat fits our needs perfectly!

I do have one (probably stupid) question. I'm heading back to the boat for the holiday weekend and am trying to understand how to set the trim tabs back to a 'neutral' position. Do you retract them? If so, does that mean pushing the lower part of the toggles?

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

Yes, you push " the lower part of the toggles" :grin: Pushing them up will retract them up which is exactly what you want to do to start. Once you start going and trim the engine where your cruising on plane nicely, you can play with the trim tabs. Enjoy the boat!
 
Add the Bennett auto trim tab unit. You will love it on this boat.
 
Any of you 05+ 260 owners mount a new TV to the radar arch? If so, how did you run the coax from the glomex amp in the storage closet over to the port side arch location?

Also, i'm having some issues trying to get my ipod to work. I understand how to hook it up(rear red rca cables) however sound only comes thruogh the cabin speakers. Another weird part is the aux inputs will play on all sources, so even if i have the head unit set to tuner i will get tuner sound out of the arch speakers and aux sound out of the cabin speakers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Justin
 
Go behind the head, behind mid berth where the AC is, into the bilge, up into the starboard side of arch and loop over. I mounted mine on the starboard side.
 
just traded my 04 srv260....bought in 2006 with 35 hrs..traded in april 2011 with 202 hrs..Yes arch adds to topheavyfeeleing ..within 5 hours of use you will know trim tab adjustments to ENJOY this great looking boat......wife wanted more beam for 4 new grandkids....i avg. 12.5 gals.per hr with 300hp mag/cruise 22-24mph..all day...feel free to pm any ?'s...
 
About $300.00 plus a few electrical connectors...
 
Hellman, do you have any pics of your TV mounted to the arch?
 
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