270 Sundancer Questions

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bigblack

New Member
Jun 9, 2011
4
Chesapeake Bay
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boatless
Engines
boatless
Hello all! I am new to this forum. last year I sold my 20 footer open bow because it is too small for my growing family. Iam looking at a 1992 270 sundancer. It has a 454 with bravo II and 650 hours. He is asking $9800 for the boat and trailer. I am new to sterndrive boats (my last was a twin engine jet drive) and new to cruisers. Any advice/tips/etc on what to look for on this boat? Also, will I able to tow it with a Ford Expedition?

Thanks
 
I would not recommend towing with the Expedition, my setup weighs 9660 lbs. including a tandem axle aluminum trailer. Add in gear, food, ice, people and you'll easily exceed 10,000 lbs.

I love the boat, big enough to sleep on but small enough to trailer. Having the v-berth and aft cabin always available without having to break down the settee is a plus to me. I bought my boat with a rotten transom and the supports under the aft cabin cushions rotten (this is the area where your shower sump, fresh water tank, and fresh water pump are located).
I've replaced my cooling system water pump once, really hard to get to. Otherwise pretty good access to most items.

If you're not familiar with stern drives you may want to have someone check it out. Are you having a survey done?

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/37133-Official-(1990-1993)-270-290-DA-thread

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the boat!
 
Thanks Dick. I will definetly check for rot in those places. I've heard that from a few people know. I'm new to sterndrives (my last was a jet) so I'm going to take a freind who knows his stuff with me. Does the price seem right to you?

I had no idea about about much they wieghed. NADA stated like 5800 lbs dry wieght. My expedition will do 9200, so I though I was ok. guess i'll have to look into having someone tow it for me. I plan to leave it in the water during the season.

I hadn't thought about a survey. How do I go about getting one? How much do they cost?
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bigblack said:
Thanks Dick. I will definetly check for rot in those places. I've heard that from a few people know. I'm new to sterndrives (my last was a jet) so I'm going to take a freind who knows his stuff with me. Does the price seem right to you?

I had no idea about about much they wieghed. NADA stated like 5800 lbs dry wieght. My expedition will do 9200, so I though I was ok. guess i'll have to look into having someone tow it for me. I plan to leave it in the water during the season.

I hadn't thought about a survey. How do I go about getting one? How much do they cost?
​
Click to expand...

My complete survey was near $800 and worth every penny. Find a surveyor on the accreditation sites and through referrals on this site. Make a new post asking for one in your area in the thread title.
Your Expedition will likley work but hane great trailer brakes if you plan to tow much. My listed dry weight is 6400 lbs and weighs 11,000 lbs with trailer. MM
 
I bought a 98 270 DA this year, the boat was at a marina in your area as a matter of fact. I had it surveyed by a Marine Surveyor from Philadelphia, he keeps his boat on the Chesapeake. He was very thorough and professional the total cost was $500 which included a compression test (very important). This may be the best $500 you'll ever spend on a boat, these things can turn into white elephants quickly. If you would like his email/tel# email me. I'd rather not post it here that may be perceived as a little spammy. info@donsshowboards.com
 
We just purchased in June a 1999 Sundancer 270 DA Special Edition our survey was just a little under $500 gives you some piece of mind about the hull and engine. Definitely get some good references from some local boaters a survey is just like a house inspection some are excellent some are a waste of your money with no warranty if he misses something make sure you are present and ask plenty of questions. Use sites like this to find info on problem areas on your boat the more knowledge you have prior to a survey the less likely something will get missed.
 
Its not considered "spammy" to identify by name and provide contact information for vendors you use when ASKED. That is a valuable function of this board as it leaves an answer even when you are not on here. So, post those referrals when asked. MM.
 
Hi guys this is just my second post. I too am looking at a 270 sun dancer . In the philippines we don't have any marine surveyors that i know of. The boat that is being sold to me has as starboard engine that is mixing oil and water. The owner tells me it is just a busted gasket. He tells me that once he gets it fixed, he will take me out on the boat for a sea trial. He is not sure what year it is but says late 90's. Is there a way for me to find out what year it is?

I am not new to boating but this is my first cruiser and first with inboard and stern drives. My previous boats were a 16ft run about with 140 hp out board, an 18 ft run about with 200 hp ob, and at present a 26 ft center console skiff with 2 a 250 etec. Thanks.
 
Another question, how fast does the 270 sun dancer cruise and whats the max speed with twin 4.2's ? Or can you send me a link to performance numbers? thanks again.
 
The 454 270 is a great boat....mine will run 38mph on gps at 4600rpms. The twin 4.3L will run 42mph according to factory info. The only issue I have is my setup (stainless 4 blade Bravo 1) likes to run 3600-3800rpms (26-28mph) and I know I'm into the 4bbl a bit. It runs very smooth but does like gas compared to my CV-23 with a 350mag (a very good factory 4 bbl roller motor). Running 6mph at 1400rpms is a lot better on gas for a relaxing cruise. I was in a twin V6 while shopping but the price was $6,000 more and the trailer was not as nice. I would go twin 5.7L in a 30' Sundancer without any reservations. The only other thing that's a pain with a single IO is steering wander off plane....twins eliminate that I've been told. I tow with a 03 V10 Excursion 4x4 Limited. The Expedition is a bit light for a real 12,000lb load. My trailer is 2000lbs empty and perfect for the boat, Mike.
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We have a 92 270 sundancer that we bought this spring. I pull it with a low mileage 92 F250 351 with automatic transmission.

It doesn't like pulling mountains but handles the weight and controls stopping very well. We just take it to the lake on a back road that eliminates pulling the mountain.

The boat has the 454 and bravo 2 drive. We love the boat.
 
Thanks for the info's guys. So it seems most of you use your boats most of the time in freshwater. Its nice to know that most economical speed is at 6mph. Just right for a little trolling. What is the slowest planing speed of these boats?
 
My 270 has the twin 4.3s and we usually end up with a cruise at about 3100rpm which is 28-30mph on GPS. The top speed on mine so far has been 43mph with half fuel, full water and cooler, 4 people and bottom paint. I can hold plane by using the trim tabs down to 19-21mph but it really isn't happy there and usually takes a bit of throttle management to keep it there. I get on plane pretty quick for a boat this size - drives down, tabs down and it's about 8 seconds till I hit 18mph when I can start throttling back and balancing out things with the tabs and drives. The boat and trailer is heavy and like Mike I tow with an 03 Excursion V10 4x4 and don't have any issues. I towed the boat home from Wrightsville Beach (5 hours) with my 07 Expedition and it actually did very well but the Excursion or at least a 3/4 ton truck will make you feel much more comfortable behind the wheel.
 
Thanks Travis, as per your location, I recon you use your 270 in saltwater. Do you have any issues with the engines in saltwater? What normal wear should you advise that i look at in the engines?
 
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