Considering purchase of 240 Sundancer - Recommendations?

[gosharp]

I am looking to return to power boating after being out for several years. Currently looking at the 240 Sundancer; about a 2006 - 2007 vintage with low hours.

I want something in a small cruiser class that can be trailored some distance to fresh water destinations with minimal complications. I'll tow with a '14 2500 Ram Cummins. Desire something that can sleep 2 in reasonable comfort. A/C. Use for ski and tubing on occasion.

Any thoughts?

 

[Lazy Daze]

You've got plenty of power for towing... Jump up to the 260DA (not past 2009... meaning not NEWER than 2009 as the newer ones are smaller... in that case look at the 2010+ 280DA). There's much more of a difference between it and the 240DA than what it looks like on paper. Lot's more 'hip and elbow' room. It still works amazingly well for skiing. A 350MAG Bravo 3 is more than adequate - no problems pulling a skier with a few adults onboard. But, of course, given approximately equal money, a bigger engine never hurts.

 

[bbwhitejr]

A year ago, we were looking at 240s. There is much more room in the 260 for someone 6'4". Plus got the gen as well.

Bennett

 

[Chris Nowell]

I think you get other really neat stuff with the 260's that you don't get with the 240's too, like anchor roller, a/c, and I think ya might get a wet bar in the cockpit area too.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Better yet, jump right to the 280 .

I started out with a 240, sold it after a couple of month to get a 280, after almost got into contract for a 260.

After two seasons I'm now drooling the 310.

Well I'm crazy about boating in general. But I think at least check out all three before you buy: 240/260/280.

Just saying!

Happy boat hunting. Good luck on your search.

 

[Chris Nowell]

Yeah, but he needs to trailer it too, and ski or tube behind it. Are the larger vessels easily trailered? If so they'd make a great boaterhome too, :grin::thumbsup::smt038.

And you're right, if you get the largest craft that will meet all your criteria, then you avoid the first few stages of the dreaded "onefootitis" syndrome that has cost many of us tens of thousands of dollars.

 

[Richie89]

also, to add, the 240 isn't a very stable boat. constant trimming. i didn't realize how bad it was until i moved up. the 260 or 280 is still easily trailered. i trailered a 290 for about a year, but it was a bear.

 

[Little Bit]

The 240’s are great for what you are describing… mine is for sale… buy mine!!
LOL… Seriously tho, the 240-260’s are great for what you want to do. We our bought `08 240 new and it works great for hopping around to the different KC area lakes and the annual trip to the Lake of the Ozarks for a week. The 240-260’s have the 8’6” beam so no “wideload” permits to trailer. Anything over 8’6” (280’s and up) will require permits to trailer… legally.
Our 240 weighs in around 8,500 pounds fully loaded with gear and gas on the trailer. I have an `05 Chevy Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1L that pulls it like dream.
The 240’s of this era did not have an option for a generator but you could get a Vacu-flush system, it was one or the other due to engine room size and Sea Ray chose Vacu-flush as an option.

We have slept 4 (2 adults - 2 teenagers) on ours comfortably, and pulled the occasional skier and done lots of tubing. I’m 6’ tall and prefer the mid-berth but have slept in the v-berth with no issues. No generator has not really been an issue for us. All the marinas we stay at have shore power and there has been plenty of power in the batteries for a night out on the hook. If it’s very hot then we’ll stay in the slip and run the AC. So, given the option of a generator or vacu-flush I would go for the vacu-flush... guess Sea Ray got it right.

As for the way the 240’s handle some will say they are “unstable”, this has not been my experience… IMO this just means that the Captain is unfamiliar with the vessel or the environment where the vessel primarily operates. Sea Ray installed trim tabs to help with leaning due to the wind or uneven weight distribution (mostly passengers). With the tabs, "a little goes and long way" and once I figured out how to use them it was smooth sailing. I typically cruse around 28-30 mph and have topped out about 42.

We are selling our 240 because we are finished with skiing, tubing and lake hopping. We have lake front property at Lake of the Ozarks and are planning to install a dock and eventually build a house; so, we’re looking at 320-340s. If you’re curious about mine it can be seen on craig list Kansas City.
Hope my experience helps, good luck with your search.
Denny