Difference between sundancer vs. weekender

[Fordiesel69]

Folks,

What is the difference between a sundancer and weekender?

Also specifiacally a 1981 245 Sundancer. How fast for cruise speed @ 3200-3500 rpm, and of course the max speed. It is a 350 merc 260HP.

 

[JVM225]

I know the difference between my 87 300 Sundancer and the same sized Weekender that year was that the Weekender didn't have the aft berth which gave it a much roomier cockpit, and it was powered by inboards as opposed to I/O's.
I wouldn't venture to guess what your cruising speed is with that boat because there are several variables including, prop, amount of stuff on your boat, and condition of the motor.
I can tell you that my 300 Sundancer equipped with two of those motors typically cruises at an average of 25 knots, or 30 MPH (depending on conditions), at about 3100 RPM. I would imagine that your boat should cruise at at least that speed.

 

[wvsundancer]

good curuse will be about 30 MPH max should be around 42/44 MPH.. check to see the head type.. plus a good deal more headroom

 

[300 Ray]

I agree with the cruise speed of roughly 30mph at that rpm. the difference between we and sundancer models smaller than 30ft was the exception of an aft. bed on weekender models. The 300 series boats were considerably different animals with the Sundancer having the aft bedding and also outdrives. The cockpit area ended up being much different between these two boat. I have an 86 weekender and often wish they would have offered this boat with v-drives and the aft. berth. That would have been the best. Dan

 

[malajoy]

The others have already addressed the cabin configurations...dancer has aft-mid cabin. My 230 weekender will stay on plane with 4 adults, and 4 kids, at 2600 RPM at about 19mph. I usually cruise at 2800, which is around 22-23mph. Top speed on my 230 WE with 4 adults and 4 kids and 1/4 tank of gas was measured on my Garmin handheld GPS at 41mph in rough water with a 17pitch 3 blade prop. I was only turning 4300 RPM at wide open, so I might be able to drop to a 15pitch, which would raise my WOT RPM to 4600, and I should gain top speed and also gain hole shot. Even with the 17pitch, it has a very good holeshot.
Matt