270 Sundancer 1998 2001

M

msd58

Member
Oct 3, 2007
90
Delaware
Boat Info
17' whaler for one
Engines
90hp yamaha
Hello I am new to the forum but not new to boating. I am looking for owners experiences with 270 Sundancers years 1998-2001. 9'2" beam only. Any info would be appreciated. My particular area of interests are in overall durability, ride, performance and any personal experiences you feel important. Likes and dislikes are important too. My area of use will be inland water ways. Chesapeake, Delaware Bays and back bays of OC MD. Overnites about 15 weekends per year.

Much thanks
 
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I've had my 2000 for two seasons and have few complaints. For one, I'd like to have twin screws. In calm water it rides like a dream but gets a little sloppy in 3-4 footers. Top end could be better. Should get 39mph. I've never topped 36. As far as durability, I've had to replace the water heater due to corroded heat exchanger ports (common problem). The caulking in the head had to be redone. Not sure if this is a design flaw or maybe I used the wrong products to clean it. I've also had to replace the shower sump due to poor maintenance on my part. You might want to have a look at the engine hatch. Mine is starting to come loose at the hinge but I'm in and out of the bilge a lot. Overall it's a solid boat and I'll definitely stick with Sea Ray in the future. Good luck.
 
I have had mine for three years and love it. I too had to replace the water heater. Basically, the boat handles great imo. I can cruise at 28 and around 1.8 to 1.9 mpg. Top speed has been 38/39 mph.

I sleep on the boat about 10 nights/yr.

I personally highly recommend this boat, but then again, I am prejudice.........
 
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How were your findings compared the first poster in terms of handling in different water conditions? How does it handle four or more people?
 
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I usually travel with 2-4 people but many occasions we have had 6 people for longer cruises with no problems. We went to the Statue of Liberty last year with 6 people and toured New York Harbor comfortably.

My last experience with 4 footers was with my wife on Long Island Sound. The winds picked up steady at 15-25 and no, my boat did not cut thru it like butter. It was nerve racking and when I got back to the dock, a 31 ft Sundancer pulled in and he said he felt the same.

I have not been on other 27 boats to compare, but I can say last week I went home in 3 footers at about 24-26 mph no problem.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

Mark

ps - SeaHarley had a 2000 so he may also chime in.
 
The responses have been great so far. I hope more owners respond.

Thanks :smt038
 
Hi, msd58, i have a 1998 270 Sundancer. I've had her for 3 years now. Its a great boat, handles well in a moderate chop. I agree with boatrboy, about heavier seas being a little tough. I also boat in Long Island sound, also Block Island sound quite a bit, and it can get kind of snotty on occasion. I never feel unsafe, normally just beat up a little. I'm glad i went with the wider beam, it adds more interior and cockpit room. I wouldn't buy it without the bravo III, either. I feel it handles better, underway, docking, and backing down with the B-III. They pack alot amenities into a boat of this size, and i think its great for the average sized family. We sleep over 5-10 times a year and love it. If you haven't purchased yours yet, get a good surveyer to check it out, because they do have some common issues, such as; B-3 electrolosis, companionway door problems, gimball pin issues, water heaters, to name a few. That being said , i think any brand of boat is going to have a few problems, and i'm pretty happy with mine. Good luck with yours. Jon
 
How did do you find the the sleeping accomodations? Does your boat have A/C?
 
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No i don't have a/c but i really don't need it here, a couple of times sitting in a tight marina during the day it was hot. At night its never been that hot, where it was unbearable. Maybe farther south where you are, it would be advisable to have it. As far as sleeping accomodations, the forward berth is a little short for me,(6' tall),my feet hang over. I've never slept in the mid cabin, because the kids always sleep there, but its probably a little more comfortable. It may be tough if 2 people sleep there and the inside person has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. All in all its not that bad. Take care. Jon
 
Catching up here - I do not have A/C either. This year was the first year I wish I did during a weekend to Montauk and Block Island, but really I don't think I needed it other than that trip. I did not have any trouble at night when it cools down. I just purchased (used) one of those carry-on A/C units you put over the hatch in case next year at block it is that hot again. (It was unusually hot this year during the trip)

Anyway - I typically don't use the plastic windshields so if the wind is blowing at me during 3-4 footers, I will get spray in the boat. Normally, it is a very dry ride. I can honestly say that I only remember stuffing the bow once/twice during my 300 hours and many cruises. I am going to have my plastic windows re-made this year to fit better and then I guess I would never get wet!

Any other questions just ask.....

Mark
 
These are great responses BTW. A/C is must where I am.

Anyone else want to add to the comments on overall performance with 454? I know that it comes in with twin V6's but if I were to go with twins, I would just go with the 290 of the same years. The 270 is a just a tiny bit more boat than I am use to but still keeps me in the single engine grouping.

Thanks a million to eveyone! :thumbsup:
 
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