Bow roller

W

wmattk

Member
Dec 9, 2015
34
N.W. Ohio
Boat Info
1988 454 ci, sundancer 268
Engines
454 mercruiser, with bravo 1
I have a 1987 268 sundancer. I'm installing a Lewmar v700 windlass on it. It has the wood pulpit on it, I need to put a bow roller on it. What's my best way to go? I have a Danforth (fluke) anchor. I'm going to pull the pulpit off to refinish it, and I would like to make whatever changes then.
 
Thanks for all the help!!!!!! I guess that if I don't have the $100,000 boat, I'm ignored.
 
wmattk,

Please believe me that the lack of responses has ZERO to do with the cost or size of your boat. It has to do with people not having anything of substance to offer, so they don't.
 
Gofirstclass said:
wmattk,

Please believe me that the lack of responses has ZERO to do with the cost or size of your boat. It has to do with people not having anything of substance to offer, so they don't.
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And also... that not everyone is available immediately on someone's else's schedule. I know that some people (especially the younger ones) are used to getting things/information immediately, but just because you don't get the answers you want on your timeline, it doesn't mean that the answers aren't out there nor that the people (who are many on this site) who can answer your question aren't out there. Maybe they just weren't online recently - maybe they didn't see the post. Besides, it's not like you're paying someone for the information - it's free.

That being said, check out Windline's website - they make many different rollers for different purposes. I think they have one called a "universal" that should work. Lewmar is another quality manufacturer that will have some good options. Another option - sort of "medium quality" - is Sea Dog. Compare the specs of your anchor to the various models. Typically, the models are spec'd based on a particular size range of fluke anchors. Often times, a pivoting roller will help with deployment of a fluke anchor.
 
Here on the West Coast yesterday was the weekend. Monday presented a host of projects, that kept me from checking the CSR web site, and I think I cruise it more often than most. Recently I had a project on my 380DA and if you check on the electrical section I answered my own post. Got some really excellent help from several people on this sight(thank you, you know who you are) but it took a couple of weeks. Most of us here are SeaRay fans and avid boaters. I have never seen anything on this sight to indicate the value of a boat has any bearing on help you can receive. On your problem, I simply have no idea how to advise you. Well I have a better idea now thanks to gofirstclass, JohnGordon, and lasydays. The project does sound interesting and I would encourage you to take pictures and post your solution.
 
Pictures always help others come up with a solution. I have no idea what the bow pulpit to 268 Sundancer looks like so hard for me to imagine what the best advice to give.
 
Those that replied, thank you a bunch. I still don't know what to use, but at least people have replied. This is probably the 5th, or 6th problem that I've tried to find an answer for. None of the others got a response at all. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intentions. I'm on the western end of Lake Erie. The boating industry is dieing here. I belong to a local yacht club. And constantly I'm hearing how we need to introduce young people to the fun. My last boat, a 27ft SR, I bought new (years ago), got out of boating for a long time. I wanted to get back to enjoying the lake again. I went to look at a larger new Searay boat. I almost passed out at the price. How do we expect a young newly married couple to purchase a new boat, for more than they are paying for a house. You make the decision, 80- 100,000 for a boat, or the same amount for a house that they can live in ALL year long, raise a family in, and take your kids to school in the morning. This business has put the middle class, right out of the fun. I'm trying to show young people that you do not need to spend 3 years wages on a boat. Find an older boat, and bring it back to new again. I bought a 1987 268 DA (in great shape) to show people that you can enjoy this hobby, without losing your house, or spending your kids college education money. I'm sorry if I sound like a jerk, I'm just trying to redo this boat before spring, to show people that it is possible.
 
wmattk said:
Those that replied, thank you a bunch. I still don't know what to use, but at least people have replied. This is probably the 5th, or 6th problem that I've tried to find an answer for. None of the others got a response at all. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intentions. I'm on the western end of Lake Erie. The boating industry is dieing here. I belong to a local yacht club. And constantly I'm hearing how we need to introduce young people to the fun. My last boat, a 27ft SR, I bought new (years ago), got out of boating for a long time. I wanted to get back to enjoying the lake again. I went to look at a larger new Searay boat. I almost passed out at the price. How do we expect a young newly married couple to purchase a new boat, for more than they are paying for a house. You make the decision, 80- 100,000 for a boat, or the same amount for a house that they can live in ALL year long, raise a family in, and take your kids to school in the morning. This business has put the middle class, right out of the fun. I'm trying to show young people that you do not need to spend 3 years wages on a boat. Find an older boat, and bring it back to new again. I bought a 1987 268 DA (in great shape) to show people that you can enjoy this hobby, without losing your house, or spending your kids college education money. I'm sorry if I sound like a jerk, I'm just trying to redo this boat before spring, to show people that it is possible.
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A good question was asked above about the style pulpit you have (picture). Answering that question can help as there are different styles, such as an undermount. You mentioned you're still confused at which roller to use - did you take a look at the manufacturer's websites I mentioned? Which ones caught your eye - or which ones are you trying to decide between? I'm glad to help you figure things out, but I'm not going to do all of the legwork for you :smt001 Research it, look at styles, compare it to your anchor and then post some specific questions (along with more info about your setup - pulpit style, anchor size (is it a REAL Danforth?), etc.

Remember, the more information you can provide the better others can help you. Here's another way to think of it (and I'm admittedly exaggerating for effect here): I make a post on a mathematical forum and ask "I have a math problem that I'm trying to figure out, but can't. Can someone solve it for me?" Kinda hard to help without knowing what the specific problem is, you know? Research it and get us some specifics.

EDIT:
For the other question, regarding pricing... I'm not really sure that anyone EXPECTS a newly married couple (or anyone, for that matter) to purchase a boat -- whether new or used. A boat purchase, for most, is not a necessity - it's a want. Nor is boat ownership a "right" or something that someone "deserves" and therefore the pricing should fall inline with their budget. It's the other way around. For those that want to own (whether it's an outright purchase or financing) a boat, they should be doing it within their means. If it's not within the budget to buy a certain boat, then either look at less expensive ones or put the purchase off till you save some more money.

Let me add... Don't take offense to anything I've written. I obviously don't know you personally and can only respond to what you have written here in black and white. The way "I" read through your pricing comment is that it centered around the notion that people "deserve" to own a boat. Again, that's only the way that I read it based on your words alone. You may well have had a different thought in your mind.
 
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wmattk said:
Those that replied, thank you a bunch. I still don't know what to use, but at least people have replied. This is probably the 5th, or 6th problem that I've tried to find an answer for. None of the others got a response at all. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intentions. I'm on the western end of Lake Erie. The boating industry is dieing here. I belong to a local yacht club. And constantly I'm hearing how we need to introduce young people to the fun. My last boat, a 27ft SR, I bought new (years ago), got out of boating for a long time. I wanted to get back to enjoying the lake again. I went to look at a larger new Searay boat. I almost passed out at the price. How do we expect a young newly married couple to purchase a new boat, for more than they are paying for a house. You make the decision, 80- 100,000 for a boat, or the same amount for a house that they can live in ALL year long, raise a family in, and take your kids to school in the morning. This business has put the middle class, right out of the fun. I'm trying to show young people that you do not need to spend 3 years wages on a boat. Find an older boat, and bring it back to new again. I bought a 1987 268 DA (in great shape) to show people that you can enjoy this hobby, without losing your house, or spending your kids college education money. I'm sorry if I sound like a jerk, I'm just trying to redo this boat before spring, to show people that it is possible.
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My first boat 10 years ago was a 1985 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer that I cruised Lake Ontario with a 6 month old and a 4 year old with my wife for 10 days and a few other weekends. We loved it and we slowly upgraded. I think almost everyone on here has the same starting story as you. Very few start off buying a 100k boat. This (ClubSeaRay.com) has been an INVALUABLE tool for me and wish I found it sooner. Everyone here wants to help. The experienced guys have been here 40 years with 10+ boats. Nobody is judging. Welcome and enjoy the 1+ foot a year club. Won't be long till we hear you talking about a 300 Weekender or a 320 Sundancer.

EDIT: Not many guy left here with classics like what you have have. Have you you posted on the Classic Sea Ray page?
 
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Don't have pictures right now, but the pulpit on the boat is made of teak. It is probably 1 1/2" thick. It is probably 16-18" long. It has slots in it running front to back approx. 1/2"wide X 6" long. I have research bow rollers for the last 2 months. I would like to find out what to use with the help of Searay people. I hate to go to a boat supply store (West marine) get the info I need, then buy it on the internet. I'm on a shoestring budget. I would love to spend my money locally, but most things are around half the price. I feel bad going to West, getting the people there to tell me what I need, then going elsewhere to buy it. And, the reason for no pictures,,,, it's butt sucking cold here now. And the boat is shrink wrapped. I just want to be ready when the weather breaks. It's a lot easier to work on in my back yard, than it is at the club, floating in water.
Thanks everybody
 
Sorry but you don't give enough, or proper information to help you. There are many options to choose from. Surface mount, thru mount. You have to decide what works for you depending on your pulpit. Ask folks for an opinion on the windlass, or a certain bow roller so you can make up your mind based upon feedback. That works. But to ask people to tell you what to do, doesn't work. Nobody wants to hear how their idea doesn't work because they are guessing for you.
 
Did you look at the link I posted? I had the same boat as you and added the same windlass. A Lewmar roller will fit. I made a new pulpit so it would be stronger.

I would suggest reading through the entire 268 Sundancer/Weekender thread in the classic forum.

Let me know if you have any questions.
 
Your boat looks a lot newer. Mine has the teak pulpit. I will get whatever I need. I'm just not sure what to get
 
I rebuilt the pulpit back in the fall. I pulled it off sanded it down, refinished it. It looks brand new. And I feel that it is really strong. I will pull it back off, and alter it if needed. I just keep looking at the bow rollers that pivot. And that seems like it will make my boat look funny. If I need to alter the pulpit, I will.
Thanks for helping.
 
Also, I don't see what site that you said that I should look at. Sorry, I'm not the greatest at this tech stuff.
And as far as my 268 DA. I will thank you in advance for anything that you might help me with. If your in the western lake Erie area, I will come visit you.
 
wmattk said:
Your boat looks a lot newer. Mine has the teak pulpit. I will get whatever I need. I'm just not sure what to get
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He used to have one like yours.

wmattk said:
Also, I don't see what site that you said that I should look at. Sorry, I'm not the greatest at this tech stuff.
And as far as my 268 DA. I will thank you in advance for anything that you might help me with. If your in the western lake Erie area, I will come visit you.
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I think this is where he's telling you to go.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/24866-268DA-and-Weekenders
 
It is sometimes difficult to open a posted link that has over 500 posts and try to find a specific conversation. Maybe if along with the link, a post number range could help? I like the idea of adding the windless and would think that a through pulpit solution would be the best for the integrity of the actual pulpit. Take pictures to post as is and when completed.
 
If I knew the "proper information" I would need this site to help me.
 
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