From a Pontoon...to a Sea Ray Sundancer 290

Prattbratt777

Prattbratt777

Member
Jul 8, 2016
49
Ocala, Fl
Boat Info
2000 Sea Ray Sundancer 290, Garmin 2210, trailer the boat with 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7l dually
Engines
Twin 5.0 EFI with Bravo II outdrives
One of the things that's been on my bucket list for a while is to boat the ICW from Key West as far north as it will take me. Probably not a great idea on our pontoon, so as a step in the right direction to "test the waters" (literally), we bought a 2000 Sea Ray Sundance 290. We've had it for a couple of months and like most "pre-owns", there are a few mechanical things to be addressed, but fortunately nothing major. We trailer the boat with a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 dually and we've already had her in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, the ICW and the St. John's River. Our latest trip was a long weekend from Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach, Fl to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina in St. Augustine, Fl where we stayed a few nights. The next few years will be "practice" for us as we learn to sharpen our boating and navigational skills. The 290 has twin Mercruiser 5.0 EFI's with Bravo II drives and a 5kw Kohler 5E generator. It came with an outdated Garmin 2210, but it works for now. The interior and exterior are in near immaculate condition and the motors look the same. It appears the previous owners took very good care of her. I'm looking forward to this forum. I'm sure I'll need some good advice from those of you who have been Sea Ray owners for a while. Here's a link with a few pictures if you're interested.

http://hogansundancer290.blogspot.com
 

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Nice move up to go from a 'toon to a 290. You're going to fall in love with her, if you haven't already. Nicely done.
 
You most certainly can do everything you are asking about cruising in your 290! There is a wonderful book called Key Largo Express about a boater here in the Chesapeake that took his 30 ft cruiser South from the bay to Key West. I recommend it highly to just see the reality of your dreams and how close you are to them! Best wishes on your adventures!

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
 
Looks like ours, we love it. I'm jealous of those Bravo drives and the monster wheels you can turn on them. Ours has alphas.

Good luck!
 
Thanks Tom. The Chesapeake area is one of our goals. My wife is from Maryland and I grew up in Daytona Beach. All of her family live in the Elkton, MD area and her older brother is an avid boater as well. My wife used to work at Shaefer's Canal House. I will surely get the book, Key Largo Express. We spend lots of time with our friends in the Keys. I'll find it interesting I'm sure.
 
Thanks, Beachcomber. The Sedan Bridge is my target boat for our ultimate trek on the ICW. But for now, this 290 is a dream and we love her. Thanks for the welcome.
 
Yeah, Ryan. She turns on a dime. Sure makes docking in windy conditions a whole lot easier.
 
Since I'm new to this forum, I may make a few mistakes along the way. I don't get my feelings hurt easily, so just let me know when I do. Maybe someone here can help point me in the right direction. The one problem I have with this boat is the Kohler 5E generator. It starts easily and for about 5 minutes she runs perfectly and purrs like a kitten. No misses, no struggling. Then after about 5 min it just shuts itself off...almost like you just hit the kill switch. If I try and restart it immediately, it starts right back up again...for another few minutes...then shutdown. I've changed the plugs, the oil & filter, the anode and antifreeze, flushed and cleaned the heat exchanger, cleaned the raw water filter and installed a new impeller. It draws plenty of water through the seacock. Not sure what else to do. Any ideas? or maybe there's another forum I could check out. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Prattbratt777 said:
Since I'm new to this forum, I may make a few mistakes along the way. I don't get my feelings hurt easily, so just let me know when I do. Maybe someone here can help point me in the right direction. The one problem I have with this boat is the Kohler 5E generator. It starts easily and for about 5 minutes she runs perfectly and purrs like a kitten. No misses, no struggling. Then after about 5 min it just shuts itself off...almost like you just hit the kill switch. If I try and restart it immediately, it starts right back up again...for another few minutes...then shutdown. I've changed the plugs, the oil & filter, the anode and antifreeze, flushed and cleaned the heat exchanger, cleaned the raw water filter and installed a new impeller. It draws plenty of water through the seacock. Not sure what else to do. Any ideas? or maybe there's another forum I could check out. Thanks in advance for your help.
Click to expand...

Does this happen both with and without an AC load on it?
 
Yes. No matter the load she runs fine for around 5 min... Then shuts off.
 
I would start with maybe a fuel issue, although since they run at constant RPM you'd think it would quit almost immediately.

I didn't see you mention the fuel filter, so I'd change that. Next you may have to look at the fuel pump.

What is the fuel level in your tank? I never let it go too low, but have read the genny will not pick up below a certain level to conserve for the mains.
 
Thanks for the info. I have a spare fuel filter but haven't changed it yet. Don't think I've ever run the gen with more than 1/4 tank of fuel onboard so maybe the generator fuel line pickup is above the tank level. That may be it. Gonna fuel her up and give it a try. I'll let you know if that resolves it.
 
Could also be an exhaust or water temp sensor shutting you down.

Since you live in Ocala, I assume you have been to Silver Glen?

Myself and some friends will be there this coming weekend...you and yours are welcome to join!

Jeff
 
Thanks for the information, Jeff. I also read that it could be related to a temp sensor shutting down. Any way to diagnose whether that's happening or not? Have been to Silver Glen many times, just not with this boat. I'm actually dropping it off to my mechanic on Monday to fix an upper input shaft seal on the sterndrive. I think it's bad because I'm getting gear lube in the bilge (monitor resevoir not holding lube). oil in the drive remains full, but spilling into the bilge somewhere between the monitor and the bulkhead. If by chance I have it back by this weekend, we would love to join you. We'll see how long it takes.
 
If you can reach the temp sensor, or exhaust sensor, remove the wire and ohm the post on the sensor to ground.
It should be open depending on your model. Of course try this immediately after it has shut down and before it cools back off.

Jeff
 
Okay, thanks again. At the risk of sounding like a buffoon, any idea where the temp sensor might be on the 5e?
 
I am having the EXACT same problem with my 5E. And have done most of what you have done. The last was a complete rebuild of the heat exhanger.


Water comes out warm which seems right, so it is definitely getting circulated.


I have two more ideas: 1) change the radiator cap, I'm told if that doesn't make a good seal, the pressure won't be built up and the radiator looses efficiency. 2) change the thermostat.


I'm impressed with all of the trailering you are doing! I have a 280.
 
On a different topic, anyone have referrals for the St. Pete/Tampa FL area for: 1) pinstriping, 2) compounding, 3) flooring: new carpet and fake teak. Thanks, Mark
 
Prattbratt777 said:
Okay, thanks again. At the risk of sounding like a buffoon, any idea where the temp sensor might be on the 5e?
Click to expand...
Not real sure on the 5E...you probably have 2 of each sensor.
Water temp sensors should be somewhere close to the thermostat.
Exhaust sensors will probably be on the exhaust manifolds.

You might be able to google a PDF of your genny online.

Jeff
 
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