Inherited 1985 Sundancer 260 Project

[Mr_Stop]

Greetings. My father just passed away and my brother and I have inherited a 1985 28' Sundancer 260. I don't know the total history of the boat, but I believe it has spent most of its time on freshwater lakes in the midwest with a season or two down in Florida. To my knowledge, it has been sitting for several years. It supposedly has a bad lower unit, but I think he had a replacement. Exterior upholstery and wood is in poor condition as it has been exposed to the elements for some time.

I'm trying to figure out if the boat is worth saving or not. Any idea of a realistic price range of these boats? Besides operational tests and cosmetics what should I look for when inspecting the boat?

 

[Golfman25]

Sorry for your loss. As to whether the boat is worth saving, I think it depends on your skill level, desire, and time to put in the sweat equity. Probably not worth spending a lot on a mechanic as his bill will end up more than the value of the boat pretty quick. Sitting out in the open likely means a lot of work if the structures aren't rotten. If they are rotten, then forget it as the work will tripple. If it's reasonably sound, and you're reasonably handy you could probably make it serviceable. Good luck.

 

[KevinC]

Again, our sympathy for the loss of your Dad.

As to your question if this is all DIY repairs and you want to put a lot of time and some money in then maybe only for the sentimental value because it was your dads boat. If you're paying for the work then the costs will quickly outstrip any residual value.

-Kevin

 

[Mr_Stop]

Thanks for the replies and sympathy. I'm more of a sailboat than a power boat guy and the boat doesn't have a lot of sentimental value to me. However, it would be fun to make a couple of final trips before selling the boat. My biggest objective would be to save the boat from the dump so someone else can enjoy it if economically feasible.

I can handle most work myself. That said, I have my own business and projects so I don't want to spend a ton of time and money to get it to a salable condition unless I can get a return on my investment. I guess I'm trying to figure out if "the juice is worth the squeeze." It looks boats of similar spec and vintage range everywhere from $1000 to $15,000 depending on condition and location. Boats of running and fair to good condition being around $4,000 - $8,000. Is that a fair assumption?

I'm heading up to my Dad's lake property this weekend to start cleaning it out (he was a bit of a hoarder). If I get some time, I want to take a closer look at the boat. The motor was supposedly rebuilt shortly before it was set out to sit. It seems like the biggest concern on these boats would be any rot to the transom and stringers. What/how should I look for any damage? Anything else I should look at to determine if the boat is salvage or rebuildable?

 

[techmitch]

Thanks for the replies and sympathy. I'm more of a sailboat than a power boat guy and the boat doesn't have a lot of sentimental value to me. However, it would be fun to make a couple of final trips before selling the boat. My biggest objective would be to save the boat from the dump so someone else can enjoy it if economically feasible.

I can handle most work myself. That said, I have my own business and projects so I don't want to spend a ton of time and money to get it to a salable condition unless I can get a return on my investment. I guess I'm trying to figure out if "the juice is worth the squeeze." It looks boats of similar spec and vintage range everywhere from $1000 to $15,000 depending on condition and location. Boats of running and fair to good condition being around $4,000 - $8,000. Is that a fair assumption?

I'm heading up to my Dad's lake property this weekend to start cleaning it out (he was a bit of a hoarder). If I get some time, I want to take a closer look at the boat. The motor was supposedly rebuilt shortly before it was set out to sit. It seems like the biggest concern on these boats would be any rot to the transom and stringers. What/how should I look for any damage? Anything else I should look at to determine if the boat is salvage or rebuildable?

Welcome aboard CSR. Take lots of pics. Inside, outside and bilge/engine. Post them here and this will help us, help you, with your assessment. As others have said, sorry for your loss.

 

[Little Ducky]

Post up some over all pictures of the boat so we may get a good view of what you have to work with.

Unless you are into boating having a project boat as your first is not a good way to start.

Maybe someone on here from OH with DIY'ing in their blood can swing by and give you an opinion either to keep or to cut loose.

 

[Mr_Stop]

Thanks everyone. I'll get some detailed pics. And yes, not really looking for a project boat. The boat is located in NE Indiana near Angola.

 

[Pirate Lady]

you are looking at a lot of work doing it yourself. And a lot of expense having someone else do it.
Once they get to wood rot, upholstery ($$$), the boat may not recoup the cost.
Your prices on other boats are accurate. With minor repairs needed.
Your words “not looking for project boat’” tells me you really don’t want to get into this.
Put on Craiglist for the winter, see what happens. Fact is this boat hasn’t cost you a dime, you may have to settle for “free to a good home”.

 

[Mr_Stop]

Here are some pics I found on my Dad's phone. Hopefully I'll have some time to do a bit more digging this weekend in person.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Without seeing interior; the boat isnt scrap (though the hanging dash gives pause). Upholstery is faded, not totally bad, little restoration stuff might help for someone not particular.
Any canvas? Tried starting it?

 

[nelson Gay]

Thanks for the replies and sympathy. I'm more of a sailboat than a power boat guy and the boat doesn't have a lot of sentimental value to me. However, it would be fun to make a couple of final trips before selling the boat. My biggest objective would be to save the boat from the dump so someone else can enjoy it if economically feasible.

I can handle most work myself. That said, I have my own business and projects so I don't want to spend a ton of time and money to get it to a salable condition unless I can get a return on my investment. I guess I'm trying to figure out if "the juice is worth the squeeze." It looks boats of similar spec and vintage range everywhere from $1000 to $15,000 depending on condition and location. Boats of running and fair to good condition being around $4,000 - $8,000. Is that a fair assumption?

I'm heading up to my Dad's lake property this weekend to start cleaning it out (he was a bit of a hoarder). If I get some time, I want to take a closer look at the boat. The motor was supposedly rebuilt shortly before it was set out to sit. It seems like the biggest concern on these boats would be any rot to the transom and stringers. What/how should I look for any damage? Anything else I should look at to determine if the boat is salvage or rebuildable?

knock lightly on the hull several places to find weak spots if you find many of them the boat may not be worth restoring ps sorry for your loss

 

[Mr_Stop]

@Pirate Lady I haven't tried starting it yet. It's been sitting for awhile, so I want to take my time before I start it especially with winter approaching. Supposedly the lower unit is bad. Will I do damage to the engine or other parts if I start the engine with a bad lower unit?

At one point, he had a canvas top and cover. I'm not sure if those are still around. He was a bit of a hoarder, so I'm hoping I find them when I clean out his barn this weekend. Any ideas what new canvas and upholstery would run? Are covers available aftermarket, or is everything custom?

@nelson Gay Thanks for the tip. I have watched a couple of youtube videos describing what you suggest. The hull/stringers/transom is my biggest concern. I'm hoping it's just light mechanical and cosmetic work, but I'm fearful!

Unfortunately, this is just one piece of his mess. However, if the hull is sound it's the nicest (relatively). There's also a Rinker V190 Cuddy Cabin that has been sitting even longer as well as a 31' Class A motor home in disrepair. Not to mention a ton of stuff to go through. What a wake up call to get my affairs in order so my kid's don't inherit my problems!!!

 

[Creekwood]

Honestly, by the time you get that boat semi-fixed up you will be into it for far more $ than it is worth when finished. If you are looking to flip it to make a bit of money, sell it now for whatever you can get for it and take the "bird in hand". The risk of spending more than you increase value is very high. If you really want to get into boating, make your first boat a positive experience, and sell this one and buy one that is closer to turn-key state.

I would guess that new canvas (and framing assuming you need that) will be about $4,000 or more for basic stuff. Camper top would add a couple grand easily. New upholstery if it needs new bases and foam could be a few thousand for the outside seating alone.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Agree with Creek. You cannot imagine how crazy expensive canvas is. And if no poles, sell your daughter into whatever.
Cheaper to replace engine. Upholstery- fugefaboutit!
Seriously, some guys on here are project guys. Give it to them.
Saw a guy on here did his own full cockpit upholstery. Freakin amazing, i wanted to adopt him.

 

[Mr_Stop]

Now that winter is over, I think I'm going to try and get it put back together and started. Any resources for how to operate this thing?

I did learn that it is a Sundancer 250 (25') and not a 260.

 

[mrsrobinson]

You are braver than I am. YouTube is probably your best friend for this.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Well, last time I saw this thread was October. Took another look.
Most of cockpit wood is rotten, all vinyl is shot. God only knows the interior, and whatnot. (That’s a Pennsylvania word. I ain’t from there.)
You really might want to rethink this. I can sell you my fully restored boat with all new interior and canvas for less than you will sink into that. Oh wait, it’s not for sale, just making a point of reference.

 

[Mr_Stop]

I'm not sure if I'm brave, or just a glutton for punishment.

The boats up for sale. So that would probably be my first and preferred course. The original owner PM'd me. She was deeply saddened by the state of the boat as she had a lot of good memories. It was heavily optioned with some owner installed upgrades and well cared for until my father purchased it in 2002 I believe.

I don't think it will take much to get the motor at least running. The interior actually appears to be in good condition. I'm going to pull out the canvas on my next visit and see what condition its in.

I have tapped along the hull that I could reach, and haven't found any obvious dead spots. If the mechanical's and canvas check out, I might have a surveyor come out to inspect the hull.

Question: How comfortable is the 250 for cruising size wise? Is it more a day-tripper/overnight boat or could you do an extended trip for 2 people?

 

[Creekwood]

I'm not sure if I'm brave, or just a glutton for punishment.

The boats up for sale. So that would probably be my first and preferred course. The original owner PM'd me. She was deeply saddened by the state of the boat as she had a lot of good memories. It was heavily optioned with some owner installed upgrades and well cared for until my father purchased it in 2002 I believe.

I don't think it will take much to get the motor at least running. The interior actually appears to be in good condition. I'm going to pull out the canvas on my next visit and see what condition its in.

I have tapped along the hull that I could reach, and haven't found any obvious dead spots. If the mechanical's and canvas check out, I might have a surveyor come out to inspect the hull.

Question: How comfortable is the 250 for cruising size wise? Is it more a day-tripper/overnight boat or could you do an extended trip for 2 people?

I had a 25ft pocket cruiser before my 330. Our family of 4 with younger kids it was "Ok" for a weekend (keep in mind we tend to go and anchor in coves on Georgian Bay, not at a marina). Gets really small for any longer than that. So "extended trip" would be tough IMO, although people do it up here all the time, generally not with a large crowd though.

 

[Pirate Lady]

As creek said. We have a 250. Kids grown and gone. When we had kids. 268 or 270 fit our needs better. Separate dinette. Now just wife and me, the v bunk table is fine. Lighter boat, don’t burn a lot fuel, works for 2 of us. Takes any weather the Chesapeake can throw at it. Was really not my first choice, wanted larger, but in this market, everything we looked at in spring 2020 was junk. This was nice for the price, so we took it.
In review of your bold text… the wife and I can easily do a 7 day trip on it, alone, no kids, no guests.
Hope that helps.