Anything to look out for on a 95-98 250 Sundancer?

alwhite00

alwhite00

Active Member
May 31, 2010
1,809
Michigan
Boat Info
1997 250 Sundancer
Engines
5.7 EFI/ BIII
Putting the feelers out for a 95-98 Sundancer 250 and they are a little harder to find than I thought. I definately want a trailer & camper canvas but other than that I am not sure.

Would like the Bravo III but not sure if it's necessarry or if I just like them. A 5.7 / BIII would be great but open to options.

Anything to look out for on these years?

Thanks for any and all info. I am in Michigan BTW

LK
 
I have a 1997 250 with the 7.4l BIII, runs and looks great! It is very manageable with a double axle trailer.

Only design complaint I have is that the head is a bit shorter then I would like. If you are tall, you may not like it... I am 5' 6" and I have to bend just to get in there...

Good luck.
 
A couple of thoughts LK:

Many people (myself included) comment on leaks on the 250. I would go over any prospective boat with a hose and then look under the interior steps for water. If you need to fix exterior leaks you will want to factor that into your offer.

Don't limit yourself too much geographically in your search. Shipping a boat isn't that expensive.
 
We love our 250 ('96). Very adequate power w/ 5.7 BIII. Haven't noticed any obvious design problems or leaks. I think the cockpit is extremely comfortable for 5 or even 6 people. However, the cabin (especially the head) is kind of small and will be uncomfortable, maybe even unacceptable, for anyone much taller than I (5'6").
 
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Well right now I have a 21' Seville aft cabin. I really like the boat and the cabin is not huge but works great for our needs but the cockpit really does not. I am looking for the rear facing helm seat and the stearn seating with the table up top. I have a table up top on mine but no stern seat.

Our thinking is that when we stay at the marina with the camper up we could do all of our "family" activities up top and just use the cabin for meal prep & sleep.

I love my boat, Not a single issue with it but just too tight up top. Time to move up.

LK
 
Phlorida said:
A couple of thoughts LK:

Many people (myself included) comment on leaks on the 250. I would go over any prospective boat with a hose and then look under the interior steps for water. If you need to fix exterior leaks you will want to factor that into your offer.

Don't limit yourself too much geographically in your search. Shipping a boat isn't that expensive.
Click to expand...

Could you elaborate on the water under the steps? I have a 95 250 I just picked up a couple weeks ago and just pulled up the garbage can yesterday and noticed some water down there.

Also, is there an official 250 thread anywhere?
 
I have a 98 250 so I will post a couple of thoughts. Keep in mind some of this is just my opinion..

1. I have no leaks but unless the boat has been dry stored for an extended period, a surveyor with the skills to use and correctly interpret a moisture meter should help in this area.
2. The 7.4 is PLENTY of power for me. I can't speak of the 5.7 but I would bet that unless you need high speed or want to tow skiers while loaded to the gills, it would do just fine.
3. The B3 can be an expensive component. However, properly surveyed & maintained seems to be a great drive. Pay close attention to the anodes to avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs. I have never had anything else, but from all I hear & read, the dual props make handling much easier.
4. The head is far too small to shower in but without too many details, a man can stand next to it & pee comfortably. Women say its tight but they love having it. It serves its intended purpose very well. If you want a tile walled spa or a bathroom to relax in, buy a 40'+ boat.
5. While not specific to the 250, the sliding door to the cabin is the worst designed feature on the boat. It has built in steps up to the fore deck which are great, but let the tracks & rollers get dirty or damaged(bent) and you have problems as the dash must be removed to repair them. Keep the track clean & don't use the steps without the door fully closed.
6. The mid cabin berth is the best place for adults to sleep. Its a little tight getting in & out of but the large size is well worth the effort.
7. My boat has a swim step, (about 14" wide), not a swim platform. If I planned on keeping the boat I would add one. Still might.
8. You are right about a full camper canvas package. On this size boat it is critical. It can be expensive to add so keep in in mind.
9. Along the same lines as the head, don't expect for two people to be able to dance around in the cabin itself. Get in & sit down, after that one person stands/moves at a time.
10. Never thought I'd make it to 10 so I'll shut up. Hope 1 thru 9 helps.
 
My boat is a 97 250 with the 7.4 and Bravo 1. The power is great and the B1 has been good so far as well. Not sure how well a 5.7 would get up on plane if you had more than 3 or 4 people on board as that means a lot of weight is in the stern.

My boat had a mysterious water leak that turned out to come from the cockpit heat line that wasn't properly winterized one year. It leaked all over my aft (mid) cabin which I also think is the best place for adults to sleep at the V berth just isn't long enough (and I'm only 5'6").

We put the extended swim platform on last year and love it and would do it again. However it also adds weight to the stern so with the smaller engine combo could be a problem.

I agree with all of the points in the post above mine.

All in all, I think it's a good compromise all around boat. Small enough to trailer, and to do watersports behind; and also big enough to bring a few people out and be reasonably comfortable. Overnighting on it is not like being in a large boat, more like boat camping, especially without a generator if you're on the hook.

Mike
 
I have the 5.7 and have no issue getting on plane quick with people on board. I was out on the 4th with 5 women and 1 guy. Granted the girls were no more than 130 lbs each, but I'm a big guy and it had no issue what so ever.
 
LK - As you know, I have the 5.7L engine with the Bravo 2 drive. It does great with 2 people and isn't terrible with 4 people. The boat would not be overpowered with the big block although I suspect that the fuel economy drops significantly. If you routinely have lots of family and guests on your boat you might lean towards the 7.4L. Good luck with your search.
 
Phlorida said:
LK - As you know, I have the 5.7L engine with the Bravo 2 drive. It does great with 2 people and isn't terrible with 4 people. The boat would not be overpowered with the big block although I suspect that the fuel economy drops significantly. If you routinely have lots of family and guests on your boat you might lean towards the 7.4L. Good luck with your search.
Click to expand...


Anyone have the 5.7 / BIII - Just curious what it acts like with 6 or so people on board.

LK
 
ChrisD11663 said:
Could you elaborate on the water under the steps? I have a 95 250 I just picked up a couple weeks ago and just pulled up the garbage can yesterday and noticed some water down there.

Also, is there an official 250 thread anywhere?
Click to expand...

Water under the steps: A number of people with this boat (and others) have experienced stanchion and window leaks. Water that leaks into the cabin area typically shows up under the cabin steps. If a window or hatch was left open during weather the water would show up there too.

The official 250 thread is here; http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/438-OFFICIAL-250-DANCER-THREAD?highlight=official
 
ChrisD11663 said:
I have the 5.7 and have no issue getting on plane quick with people on board. I was out on the 4th with 5 women and 1 guy. Granted the girls were no more than 130 lbs each, but I'm a big guy and it had no issue what so ever.
Click to expand...

5 Ladies and yourself?.......I would have been happy with a 6hpEvinrude......:thumbsup:
 
I have had my 250 for 5 seasons and very much enjoy the boat. I'm 6' 1" and while not perfect the cabin/head work for me. My boat has the 7.4/BI, very happy with this package, however the 7.4 likes to drink gas. I do wish the rear seat folded down to have better access to the engine room. I have replaced almost all of the major parts on the boat (outdrive, transom assembly, fuel pump, water pump, ac converter, gimbal, etc.). I do see several 250's online listed below what I paid.
 
With 6 people (about 150# average), half tank of gas, full fresh water and quite a bit of gear our 250 struggles but will plane. Helps if a couple of folks get up front. Once on top it runs well. Stays on plane fine at 33-3400 rpm. We dont do this very often but is workable in a pinch. As for water under the step the only time Ive had any was when the float switch went bad in shower sump. Extended swim platform is a must if kids who arent VERY aware of where the drive is are swimming. Ive had no problems with my cabin door. 5.7 BIII
 
This will be my 3rd season with the '98 250, 5.7L Bravo II, I have no problems getting on plane and the B II is very easy to work on and the props cost about half as much as a new B III prop. I am having a problem with the sliding door that has come loose from the top nylon slide. the dealer quoted me $105 per hour for aprox 20 hours. (I'll fix it my self). The head is a bit small but useable (I close the cabin door and leave the head door open)

I love the boat and will probably keep this one for a while.
 
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I personally like when old threads are dug up. It reminds me that this has all been done before and to not always try reinventing the wheel.
 
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