Advice Looking at a Sundancer 230 soon

Toolbox91

New Member
Jul 31, 2020
9
Boat Info
Stuck on land but looking
Engines
Na
So let me start off by saying this will be my first boat. I've done jet skis for years and I'm generally pretty mechanically inclined. I'm looking for a starter boat and I want something that could be easily trailered for the day/weekend. With that in mind I narrowed my search to small cabin cruisers. I found a sundancer 230 and going to go look at it in a few days. I know it wont have all the comforts of a larger vessel but being smaller for trailering I'm willing to take the tradeoff for a starter boat. I know these aren't the fastest but honestly just looking for something to relax on for the weekend not a speed demon.

Any comments or suggestions before I pull the trigger? The boat is a 93 and has a 4.3l engine. Anything in particular that I need to check on beforehand? Common things to look for or any red flag repair items? With thus age of boat I know maintenance is everything just wanting some more insight. Thank you!!!
 
I have a '93 270 Sundancer and absoulutly love it. Only thing I can think is a 23' might be a bit underpowered with a 4.3
 
I had a 95 Bayliner 2355 with a 5.0. Base engine was a 4.3. It did ok with a 5.0 but with a 4.3 would have been pathetic. The other few 2355 owners I knew at the time all agreed that the 5.0 should have been the base engine. And I wouldnt be surprised if the 230 Sundancer was slightly heavier.
 
Transom, Transom, Transom. Pay close attention to the transom. If you have/or can procure a moisture meter, bring it to check the Transom. Bring something to tap on the Transom. You're looking for wetness, rot, and delamination. If the transom is toast, it's a big bill to fix -- probably more than the boat is worth.
 
I skied behind that boat. Worked fine on two skiis - struggled when I was on one ski. But generally speaking, for "normal" use, the V6 actually does quite well. It's mostly subjective - but what I mentioned is real life experience.

Other than normal things to look for with an older boat, there's nothing really "specific" about that model to watch out for.
 
Thanks for the heads up. I think I'm going to try and talk down the price a bit and be ready to walk away if not based on engine. My main concern is trailing too large of a boat for the weekend. I'm using a 2015 F250 long bed crew cab so I have no concerns there. Just concerned dealing with too large if a boat when just putting in for 2 days at a time. This boat is 23' but I'm seeing a few other options around 27' in the same price range. Is the 4' going to make a difference to me?
 
Is the 4' going to make a difference to me?
It will probably "feel" like a boat twice as big on the inside. Trailering/launching - pretty much the same, though. But, really, only you can answer the question of whether it's worth it, or not. Best thing is to look at them in person.
 
Whichever you choose, a good long test ride is a must.
Going in a circle for 2 minutes may not reveal mechanical issues.

20 minutes or so of cruising on plane and a brief run at WOT should give you a better indication of the mechanicals.
 
I'm going to go look at both boats. 2nd is a 27' bayliner 1986 but it has a fresh rebuilt Volvo 350 engine. Asking price on the bayliner is 8K - 400 less than the Sea Ray. Going to look at both and Lake test the one I like better
 
I appreciate all the input. We ended up with the SeaRay. We were more than happy with the size and I think the power will be enough to get our feet wet as our first boat.
 

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