Another 260DA handling question

One last comment for the record.

What I just posted about trim tabs applies only to the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 260DA's. I don't pretend to know what works best for other Sea Ray models. I do know my previous 240SD worked entirely different when deploying trim tabs and I wouldn't even consider following these methods with that boat. I also think the 2004 and earlier 260DAs are not nearly as "touchy" as the new ones bcause their deadrise is different and they are lighter than the newer ones too.

So if you own a different boat than one of these particular 260's then what I reported here may not be necessarily true of those models where deploying trim tabs is done entirely differently. Conversely, advise on what works best for you may not work well on these particular 260's either if you have a different model Sea Ray.
 
luvmysearay said:
You guys are awsome...thanks for the responses. Dave...the Searay "expert" that took me out on the boat said the same thing you did about not using the tabs until I get on plane and get the engine trimmed where I want it. The Bennett manual says just the opposite! I think the idea of using only one tab will be very helpful from a handling issue. I'll have to get more time on the water to really try all of this out. Probably not going to try the auto tabs until I give myslef some time trying my own adjustments then I'll make a decision.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Like Dave mentioned don't make drastic adjustments and You'll figure it out
 
Once again, take my advice and do not buy the auto tabs for the 260. They may work great on bigger, wider boats that don't tend to shift just because a Pepsi was passed from one side to the other. Well, its not that bad but irregardless, they don't work on the 260 or at least the 05 up ones. I have talked with another 260 owner that had the dealer install the auto tabs and was not happy either. I thought maybe mine weren't working right but apparently they were. The little light flashes on the indicator to let you know what their doing also. BTW, I don't mind the handling issues with the 260 one bit. I figured out Dave's advice on my own before I knew of CSR and he's correct, just follow his advice. My original Q was about the wandering which is easily controlled but annoying, I was just wondering if there may have been a problem in my steering or with the out-drive. Keep the 400 and enjoy another tank and a half of fuel while you learn to adjust your tabs:thumbsup: SB
 
230, 250 and now 280.... i thought the bow wander was normal but not to your degree. My 280DA wanders considerably less than the previous boats but thats because I now have the BIII. the counter ratation of the props reduces the effect of "prop wash" dramatically. At least thats been my experience. I've always just learned to steer ahead. since I do 99% of the driving it's amazing to me to watch how poorly my boat behaves for others..
 
Thanks to all on this thread. I look forward to putting these ideas into practice at the weekend on my newly acquired 260DA (marked as 275 here in Australia). I was more than a little concerned regarding the leaning tendancy of this boat after coming from a small bow rider. I hope I now won't scare the admiral on the next venture.
 
luvmysearay said:
You guys are awsome...thanks for the responses. Dave...the Searay "expert" that took me out on the boat said the same thing you did about not using the tabs until I get on plane and get the engine trimmed where I want it. The Bennett manual says just the opposite! I think the idea of using only one tab will be very helpful from a handling issue. I'll have to get more time on the water to really try all of this out. Probably not going to try the auto tabs until I give myslef some time trying my own adjustments then I'll make a decision.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is a wise idea. I have an '05 260 and was having a dickens of a time trying to control the lean. Dave's method has worked wonders for me. I feel much more confident in my ability to captain a smooth ride now.
 
I took the boat out again this morning, put into practice the advice from this thread, especially that from Dave S with his detailed descriptions - and I thought I was on a different boat! I began trimming out just before I began planing and then as I throttled back to cruise at 3800 RPM, I was able to play with the outdrive trim and began to recognise the critical point where it goes from sure and steady to wanting to lean over. It is truly amazing that the outdrive trim makes such a world of difference. Didn't even have to use trim tabs despite winding up through Berowra Creek where I had to make several wide 90 degree turns, it bounced over chop from other boats without a hint of losing footing - unlike my earlier efforts before reading this thread. It's scary to think how long it would have taken me (if ever) to work this out all by myself, but thanks to my new found friends on CSR, my faith in my seamanship has been restored and the Admiral is keen to come back onboard. To anyone considering not buying a 260DA for this reason - believe me, the solution is simple. I love my boat...
 
Rohan

As you have found out, the 260DA handles just fine if you follow a few simple points. Glad we could be of help.


Dave
 
FYI - I am picking the 4 x 4 props up next week. Just for the record, my 270 wanders somewhat as well at low speeds. I will use the slow time to plane and annoying wandering as a benchmark for the new set up and keep you guys posted.
 
FYI on the props - Don't waste your money. Got a slight increase in RPM's and time to plane was about the same. Still freaking wanders...big boat, single drive - guess that's something I'll have to live with. Thank god I only tested the props and did not purchase them.

On another note. Changing my fuel filter, dumping the old fuel and changing the plugs by far was the best hp upgrade...lol.
 
All
I posted a question/concern on general forum regarding handling of a Sundancer 260 (2001 w/5.7) I was looking to buy. Really liked the boat, but drove one just like it and felt out of control at speed and could not trim. It was between the dancer and another boat (Maxum 250 w/mag 300hp). After being directed to this thread and reading the advice on trimming, I took the actual 260 I was interested in for a sea trial. Trimming as described, the boat handled great. I am happy to say, after mechanical survey, I finalized the deal today. Hope to get more great advice from fellow 260 owners (and maybe even someday be able to give some).
Thanks all.
Al
 
MC1600 said:
I get the same thing. Much like Mike said, I keep my drive down, but my tabs up, and she still wanders a little. I also do the same thing he does with steering a little ahead of the boat. It took me some getting used to, but I'm getting better. I've certainly learned that on this size boat, ya have to keep on top of the difference between what she wants to do and what you want her to do.

On another note, I'm interested in the bow thruster...did you add that aftermarket?
Click to expand...

I'm actually relieved to read these posts
New 2011 260DA purchased this year and I've had quite the learning curve adjusting to the wandering ! Was wondering if I had lost all piloting skills at low speed .
 
araxton said:
All
I posted a question/concern on general forum regarding handling of a Sundancer 260 (2001 w/5.7) I was looking to buy. Really liked the boat, but drove one just like it and felt out of control at speed and could not trim. It was between the dancer and another boat (Maxum 250 w/mag 300hp). After being directed to this thread and reading the advice on trimming, I took the actual 260 I was interested in for a sea trial. Trimming as described, the boat handled great. I am happy to say, after mechanical survey, I finalized the deal today. Hope to get more great advice from fellow 260 owners (and maybe even someday be able to give some).
Thanks all.
Al
Click to expand...

IslandTime said:
I'm actually relieved to read these posts
New 2011 260DA purchased this year and I've had quite the learning curve adjusting to the wandering ! Was wondering if I had lost all piloting skills at low speed .
Click to expand...



As an FYI MC1600 has not been on here since 11-12-2008.

Welcome aboard to both of you.

MM
 
I had a 260 DA with same issue, just seemed to be too narrow a beam for the length and height of the boat. I chalked it up to just a design flaw. But, I did get used to it and found if you would center people appropriately on board it would minimize the effect. Great boat otherwise, very fast and good on gas.
 
I’m sorry guys I read all your comments and I have to say I’m happy to understand that my searay 260 2005 behaves exactly like yours. That been said the only question I have is, as a new boater is that after I go on plane and as usual my boat tend to lean to port always ( and btw why always to port?) I adjust the trim tabs to put the boat straight, why it doesn’t turn? Or turn crazy? Is cause the trim tabs are not allign right? It’s so crazy that you can go on plane with this boat only on flat water pretty much and in a condition we’re you didn’t suppose to change course anytime soon or you have to slow down put the trim tabs back up and do all over again , cause if I try to change course when I’m on plane and woth the trim tabes adjust it looks like the boat will flip going nuts!
Any help on that? I mean turning when on plane what should I do please help thanks guys!
 
Rohan said:
I took the boat out again this morning, put into practice the advice from this thread, especially that from Dave S with his detailed descriptions - and I thought I was on a different boat! I began trimming out just before I began planing and then as I throttled back to cruise at 3800 RPM, I was able to play with the outdrive trim and began to recognise the critical point where it goes from sure and steady to wanting to lean over. It is truly amazing that the outdrive trim makes such a world of difference. Didn't even have to use trim tabs despite winding up through Berowra Creek where I had to make several wide 90 degree turns, it bounced over chop from other boats without a hint of losing footing - unlike my earlier efforts before reading this thread. It's scary to think how long it would have taken me (if ever) to work this out all by myself, but thanks to my new found friends on CSR, my faith in my seamanship has been restored and the Admiral is keen to come back onboard. To anyone considering not buying a 260DA for this reason - believe me, the solution is simple. I love my boat...
Click to expand...
Yes but what about trying to make a turn when you are on plane? And with the trim tabs adjust little bit? My searay go nuts! To turn I have to slow down put all back to normal it’s weird
 
What you are experiencing is all in learning how to handle the boat. It is somewhat different. Do not slam the throttle to the "floor." Ease the throttle down and as it it starts to plane, start bumping the outdrive up with the trim button. Optimize your RPMs with your speed and stop trimming. This will vary by boat, but I would trim somewhere between 25-50% up. The only time I ever touched the tabs was when the boat had 4 or more people in it. Then I would deploy them all the way down to get out of the water. Then raise them up out of the way. If the boat feels like it is leaning to the right, try turning the steering wheel to the left until you feel it level off. Leave the tabs alone.

Once on plane, and no tabs, you can turn the wheel as hard as you want and the boat is not going to turn over....it will lean, but make the turn and level right out....

These are just my experiences with a 2006 260DA.

Bennett
 
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