First Trip with New to me Sundancer 270

[Arizona Mike]

Been a while since I had a boat bigger than an inflatable. Years ago I had a Sail Boat and spent a couple years cruising Mexico. I want to back to Baja and decided long ago if I ever did get to go I would do it on a power boat. Was looking for a trailable trawler but they are few and far between here in the west not to mention expensive.

The Sundancer's were a good alternative and locating one with a trailer in AZ was do-able. Bought a 94, 270 a month ago brought it home to Tucson and spent a few weeks and a few hundred $$ on the trailer brakes. The prop shaft seal was leaking and fortunately for me the only shop in town who is a dealer just moved about 4 blocks from my house. For the cost of a seal and a couple hrs labor it pressure tested OK. (It has a 7.4 Mercruiser with a Bravo 3) With everything ship shape we headed for a very small lake just E of Nogales close to the Border.

My wife is a first timer at boating and fortunately launching the 270 went well. Our two Labradors were along for the weekend cruise so getting to shore was a priority. Being a sail boater the prospect of beaching a boat was nerve wracking. The boat in camp site we chose was 40' deep 6' from shore, we coasted in and tied the bow off to a tree inflated the dinghy and got the dogs to shore. Whew! That was easy! Fed the critters and then ourselves and were treated to a beautiful Sunset

Spent Saturday putting around the lake practicing docking & learning which switch does what. The Sundancer was amazing. I have sailed 40' boats from San Diego to Loreto on the Baja I was intimidated by the 27' Sundancer because I had never handled a powerboat before. I lost a bunch of sleep over nothing. It sure was fun getting on plane in spite of the small area that was designated a wake zone. Handeling it at low speed was a breeze - probably because there wasen't one - Putting it back on the trailer went really well and the tow home went OK. Did loose a bearing buddy off one of wheels, have to sort that out but over all I am very impressed with the boat and think it will serve me well for a 4 to 6 month cruise to Baja in a couple years when I retire. My wife loved it and all looks good. I am terrible at taking pictures but someday I will get one and post it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

AZ Mike, welcome to CSR and congrats on getting the 270 and dealing with the "first cruise jitters"! Funny thing about boating on a new boat--the more you use it the better you get and the more confident you become with your ability. Now as a CSR newbie I guess I should tell you that we have one basic rule on here.....if there ain't no photos of your trips/boat/family, it didn't happen. I'm just kidding. Sort of. We all like to see where other people do their boating and have fun.

What lake(s) in AZ do you boat on? We're part time snowbirds to the PHX area and have done our boating on Lake Pleasant in our Boston Whaler.

We're looking for new places to trailer it to and new lakes to play on. Any suggestions? BTW, we'll be in PHX on 10/29. :thumbsup:

 

[CharlieN]

Arizona Mike:
Welcome to the CSR site and SeaRay boating. We also live in Tucson with a 268 and have had fun boating in the Southwest. I agree with Beachcomer on Lake Pleasant. A great weekend getaway this time of year. The crowds dissipate, the lake clears out at night and the stars come out. Some great coves to anchor in, 2 marinas to tie up for lunch, freeways from Tucson, 10 lane launch ramp and reasonable fees. Roosevelt is nice also for the weekend. The drawbacks are no freeway to get there, very few protected coves to hide in but a nice marina to hangout at.
We just got back from a 9 day trip from Kino Bay Mexico to Bay of LA on the baja side. Had a great time fishing and diving. Went through 200 gallons of gas. The price in Mexico is still $3.50/ gallon. With your big 454, you have to get used to expensive stops at the gas pump. A fuel flow meter is really helpful to maximize your fuel dollars.

 

[Arizona Mike]

Charlie,

Thanks for the input I spent 2 years in Mexico 89/90 on a Sail Boat mostly in the Sea of Cortez from Conception South then on the Mainland. We plan on spending time on the Baja. Would love to pick your brain about Kino. I know the San Carlos area but never visited Kino we plan on cruising the Midriff's and up to the Bay of LA from there.
As for Roosevelt I kept my sail boat there at the "old" marina. We are planing to put the boat in the water there in March. The new road in is way better than the old. I have found many nice coves to anchor in. I haven't been there much since the Dam was raised that may have eliminated some of my familiar haunts. And yes after being a Sailor, getting used to buying fuel will be an experience I will have to get used too...
Hopefully we'll meet up somewhere.