Looking to Buy - 2001 260 Sundancer - Advice, Thoughts?

M

mnperrys

New Member
May 12, 2016
12
Minneapolis
Boat Info
260 Sundancer
Engines
5.7L Mercruiser Bravo III
Hello all -

I'm brand new to this forum and will be brand new to Sea Ray... although been admiring them for years my past current vessels have been Supra, Mariah and Sea Doo (quite a mix, huh?).

With 3 children now, it's time to move into a little larger family friendly boat.

We found this 260 for sale here in MN: https://www.popyachts.com/boats-for-sale/sea-ray-260-sundancer-100310 and will be looking at it this weekend for the first time.

5.7L with Bravo III, triple axle trailer, "good" shape (upholstery needs some work), windlass, radar arch/spoiler, etc etc. Seems like a decent buy at ~22k.

A few questions for those well versed:

1) Anything specific to look for during the showing? This will be our first real boat with a cabin (actual galley, head vs porta potti, windlass, etc)

2) Does anyone know the measurement of this boat from waterline to top of the spoiler? I have limited room under the canopy in my slip that I've rented for the season... had no idea my other boat would sell so fast! I believe I have about 8 feet of room at the current water level and canopy setup!!!

3) Aside from aesthetics and running the motor and a typical water test, what test exercises would you recommend to make sure everything works properly? Eg: Should I save up my morning bowel movement and make sure the toilet works??? :smt001 Seriously though, not sure exactly what all to test.

Thanks in advance! My hope is that there are some good responses in time for the showing... wish me luck!

Adam
 
Check the steering pin on the B3. Google it and you will see how to check.
 
Two things...1) hire a good surveyor-he will be your best friend. 2) check your height...my '06 is quite a bit more than 8' from the waterline to the top of the arch. The '01 may be different, but I would put a tape measure on it.

Bennett
 
I do not believe the 2001 had a "spoiler" option from the factory. I think the arch was introduced in 2003 so it may be aftermarket. Waterline to top of windshield was 5'3" unless you are talking about the Bimini top.

Check everything and most important hire a marine surveyor to go over the boat and possible get a mechanical survey to report on the engine.

Some common things to look at would be:
Age of the manifolds and risers.
Corrosion issues on the Bravo 3 stern drive.
General condition of the engine compartment.
Condition of the vacuflush - does it hold a vacuum?
Look at the cockpit vinyl - does it have cracks by the stitching or feel hard/brittle
Look at the interior fabric for signs of an mold, etc
Does the refrigerator work?
Does the water heat work?
Does the stove leak with a butane can in?

And much more but that is what the survey is for.
Your inspection will only tell you if you want to proceed.

The survey is not an expense you should skip as if deficiencies are found the can be negotiated before purchase and you will probably need it for insurance anyway.

BTW, I have had a 2003 for over 4years now and love the boat.

One last note; not knowing how old your three children are; if you are planning on staying out on the boat for weekends you may run out of room real quick. As my kids have grown considerably we are planning on moving up again.

-Kevin
 
Well - this has all been very useful... I had called a surveyor and left a message to better understand that process, but good to hear echoed thoughts on not overlooking a survey. I also read that the arch started in 03, but I've seen a few 01 and 02 with it too... likely aftermarket then? I may have to skip the arch anyway with the height restriction.

On another note - I guess a Saturday showing is not fast enough... that sucker sold tonight!!! :smt013

SO - anyone know of a good 260 in the midwest in that price range??? 20-25k? ...back to the search.

Adam
 
KevinC said:
One last note; not knowing how old your three children are; if you are planning on staying out on the boat for weekends you may run out of room real quick. As my kids have grown considerably we are planning on moving up again.

-Kevin
Click to expand...


Kevin - agreed... my kids are 1, 4 and 7 right now... and I'm not too rickety yet so I was thinking this was a 4-5 year boat for this crew then re-assess the needs to move on. I'm planning to build a decent wrap sheet of vessels before I'm laid up in a nursing home.
 
I’ve seen a handful of 260’s and 270’s up here on the west side of Michigan. More than I would have expected, actually (my brother is in the market).

When I started last summer my dock neighbors on either side had a 270 and 290. All of us were first time cruiser owners. The 270 captain was single, no kids. He never complained. The 290 owner had a wife and three kids. He didn’t last much past July 4[SUP]th[/SUP] before he sold the 290 and moved to a slightly older, but far more massive 33/34 Silverton.

I’ve got kids 6, 4 and 1 and we use our boat like a cottage….and the cottage is already feeling cramped. My suggestion to you would be to evaluate how you’re going to use the boat and then adjust the age of the boat accordingly (assuming budget is fixed). If you’re going to spend nights and weekends on the boat I think you’d be far happier going older and bigger. If this is only a day boat and you need a spot for the 1 year old to nap, a 260 might be extra perfect.

Don’t be afraid of age if you invest in the survey being referenced above. You can get a whole lot out of an early 90’s boat for sub $30k.

That said…maybe you also need to consider negotiating something different for your slip? You’ll definitely be limited in your cruiser shopping if 8’ is your max height.
 
You may also want to look at the 98-2001 270 wide version. The v-berth is a bit shortened, but the wider boat is nice. Then there is the SE version of the 270 a couple years older that is the same beam as the 260.

The single 7.4L in the 270 is a nice engine for the boat size.
 
Thanks for all the thoughts, people.

Locked down the boat purchase today... the one that once WAS sold... that deal fell through and in I come. I'm finalizing the deal and taking delivery tomorrow afternoon. I needed to move quickly so I had a boat mechanic friend along vs a full survey. We went through this vessel with a good comb for 2 hours this morning and negotiated it for 20k, which at least in our local market is a steal. It's not perfect, but I'm super happy (so far!) and thrilled to join the SeaRay Club!

Pics to come... the link was posted before though too.
 
Enjoy, the 260 served my family well. If you have questions checkout the thread specific to the boat and years.

-Kevin
 
Enjoy !
the 260 is a great boat - plenty of room for 2 to overnight but not going to kill you from a maintenance standpoint.
We love ours.
 
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