Fast help about a Sundancer 260DA

B

bossaz

New Member
Oct 3, 2010
5
Arizona
Boat Info
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Engines
Boatless
Hi all,

I posted in the official tread, but since I am new I though I would post here also.

My apologies for a long post but here it is. I am new to the forum and I am about to pull the trigger on a 99 260DA. This whole process came up very fast and a decision will be made on Tuesday. I have done some quick searches and read the official thread but I am in need of some quick opinions please. This is a consignment deal through local dealer for $19.5K but needs about $3500 in repairs for boat and trailer to be in "tip top shape" (dealer quote). Repairs include:

- Replace leaking transom seal - includes R&R of engine and transom
- Stress cracks at stbd aft deck, fiberglass repairs
- 3 new batteries
- Repack wheel bearings, tandem axle
- New master cylinder for brakes
- 10" backing plates (not sure what this is yet)
I have been around and run boats for quite some time, but they have all been about 19' runabouts. I am looking for questions to ask the dealer or myself. Critical areas to look at; ie common issues.

Fogot to add that it has the 7.4L Bravo III

Also will a Yukon XL 1500 4x4 handle tow duties.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to exploring the site in better detail
 
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First things first, you should never fell pressured and judging by your post you are being pressured to make this purchase. Realestate agents, telmarketers, infomercial persons and yes even boat sales-persons can and will act like "used car salelsmen" to get you to buy something. The most important thing you can do is get a survey from a qualified professional marine surveyor. Weigh the cons against the cost to repair against the purchase price. I looked at a boat over the weekend and I asked about a survey and the "broker" said that I could have it done but he "doesn't trust anything those people have to say anyway." He went on to say that he does his own inspections and guarentees the boat is good but offers no warrantee all the while ensuring me there was plenty of interest on a boat I have been looking at even though the add has been listed since mid-august.

On the other hand it sounds like a godd price for a previously enjoyed boat that needs a little tlc. If you can get it for a steal go for it, but I would treat it as buying a house; give a deposit and finalize a sale contingent upon an acceptable inspection.
 
Bought a 99 260 in June.. Paid a lot more. I was told water in the bilge was normal. I did not think I needed a survey. it needed new manifolds, and bellows and other discovered repairs.

I would have tried to negotiate the repairs in the purchase price had I known what I do now. A survey is a must in my opinion. At least you can walk away.
 
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Leaking transom seal? What does that mean, and how are they fixing it? A leaking boat is a HUGE red flag.

If it is the I/O bellows seals. . then . . ok. That is several hundred dollars of items you might want to replace in a '99 boat. I just did the bellows and all the rubber goods in my '97 - and none of it was leaking.

If this is a salt water boat slipped in the water. . enquire about exhaust manifold, risers, elbows. These are wear items. $1.5-$3K job. It would not be unreasonable to be seeing the boats second or third set being installed at the end of the 2010 season. If they say "They are original and PERFECT", then it is time to replace!

So. . .what does engine R&R mean? Does it mean new impeller in the pump, risers/bellows, or does it mean a valve job?

Batteries don't count. Thats what. . $400 in disposable items?

The 260, I hear, is a bit finicky in the handling. Be sure you drive the boat before buying.
 
I agree, don't be in a rush. Also, definitely get a survey and moisture testing near the area of the leak. This could be the reason for the lower than market price. Either way, best of luck but be prudent and don't get emotionally attached until you have all the facts and you're comfortable with the answers. Winter's coming and there are tons of boats for sale...
 
Thanks for all of the quick replies, I do appreciate the feedback.

A little more history: The wife found this listing at a local Sea Ray dealer right before I left town for the weekend. It is what we have been looking for so she made a deposit contingent upon my approval. Knowing that this is a great price we suspected issues. The items listed in the OP is what the dealer printed out for my wife with estimated repair costs. I have many of the same questions presented here which I should have addressed by the dealer later today.

I got the answer I was looking for with the OP and that is to get a survey as suggested. That way I can evaluate and address all of the issues.

I understand what a survey is, but i am unfamiliar with how to obtain one. I will research myself, but if someone could offer some tips that would be great as well. I am in the Phoenix area if that helps.

Thanks again for the help and I will let all of you know how I make out.
 
That does sound like great price. Again be careful like all the other Posters have said. You need a good Marine Mechanic along with the Survey. I bought a 98 250SD. 21k ( 2 years ago) with a Survey but they did not do all the Engine items. John G
 
Try this site:

http://www.navsurvey.com/ussa_roster.htm

Select your state then look through and find the closest one. Sometimes you can google their names and find out a little more than what is on this site.

A small suggestion if I may. If you tell the dealer you want a survey and they suggest one, do not use them or any other "surveyor" that is on the dealer's "payroll". You're looking for a good honest third party evaluation.
 
Just thought I would update. I decided to exercise my option and get my deposit money back. I went to look at it today and lucky for me we had a big rain storm. Found a leak at the bow vent and every cabin window had leaked also. The list of issues was growing and I felt like I was going to buy a boat with non stop problems.

The feedback everyone gave me will be of great help moving forward as the quest for my cruiser continues.

Thanks again to everyone for their input.
 
bossaz said:
Just thought I would update. I decided to exercise my option and get my deposit money back. I went to look at it today and lucky for me we had a big rain storm. Found a leak at the bow vent and every cabin window had leaked also. The list of issues was growing and I felt like I was going to buy a boat with non stop problems.

The feedback everyone gave me will be of great help moving forward as the quest for my cruiser continues.

Thanks again to everyone for their input.
Click to expand...

Explain what bow vent do you mean? Was it the anchor locker drain? If so that's normal. Also, there are adjusting screws on the portholes' window dogs that tighten it to the seal. Mine did that when I bought mine. Cleaned and adjusted all is well.
 
Redundant, but water in the bilge being normal. Not true period. there's a leak some where. Find it!
 
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