My $1700 1974 SRV 240 Sundowner. And some early Sundowner/Sundancer history.

[74HardTop]

The 1973 SRV240 HardTop was a great boat and for 1974 Sea Ray decided to take it up a notch. They went for a taller hardtop and added a head and a longer roof. This created room for a standup head and galley, which were on the level of the forward berth, but still open to the cockpit area which retained the dinette and icebox of the 240 HardTop. It is my opinion that this taller concept led designers to consider raising (significantly) the already deep cockpit floor and adding the small aft cabin that gave birth to the amazing Sundancer line the following year. The Sundowner was retained the following year, 1975, with a shrunk down roof, but was gone by 1976. The Sundancer surged the popularity of the bigger Sea Rays and the Sundancer history is world renowned. I believe the 1974 Sundowner was an in-between step toward the Sundancer that has some qualities that really set it apart. It's deep cockpit provides a special level of comfort and protection from wind and spray that is a hallmark of so many Sea Rays. A good 2/3 of the boat is covered and the hardtop keeps out sun and weather and makes covering and enclosures a breeze. The open concept means that the dinette, galley and head are not behind a cabin door, but instead flow into the cockpit area, thus greatly increasing the desire to actually use the dinette. I purchased my 74 Sundowner a year and a half ago and it's amazing how solid the floors are after 42 years; another testament to the benefit of the big hardtop. I will follow up with many more photos and updates.

 

[74HardTop]

For $1700 I got solid floors, transom and a good running motor, but I haven't had it on the water yet because I decided to do a makeover. I think these all came with the Mercruiser with 351W Ford and TR stern drive. I was leary of the TR drive but after much research and checking of mine, I feel like like I'll be fine. Spare parts are everywhere and with proper care of the transmission these drives can last a lifetime. I wound up completely redoing the trailer, putting all new surge brakes (yes, Ebay is a boat restorers best friend), paint and lights. A drop-foot jack is a darn cool device too. I replaced all the peeling and pitting 7/8 rail fittings with solid stainless new versions off Ebay at about $10 per fitting. Also solid stainless thru-hull fittings and some LOUD Wolo horns I snagged for $79 (again, Ebay, I luv U). These sweet Sea Rays have teak everywhere and I highly recommed Diamond Tropical in PA. Most all the teak cleaned up beautifully, but I've added some extra touches. That's kind of an overview. I'll post some closer look photos and info as well.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Great looking boat.
More pics when you have a chance....never seen one like that before.

 

[74HardTop]

I liked that Sea Ray provided plenty of gauges, but this swollen overgrown "panel" had to go. It hung out into the walkway and above the top of the dash. I made my new panel with abs and it is much smaller in profile. Teak "L" trim will go on last. I found this great Sea Choice #12301 12 button touch panel and have more switches than I need and it takes up much less space. Found Sea Ray multigauges on Ebay and since the Lowrance GPS/Sonar gives speed I didn't need a speedometer. I've actually upgraded the Lowrance to a 10 inch screen model. GPS puck is on the roof. I also found a keyless starter on Ebay. It is called Mast-R-Key. There's a cigarette lighter/chart light on the bottom left that I've done away with. A couple times the thing popped out red hot onto my floor. That just won't fly on a boat. The round silver button to the right is my horn button. I have an oil gauge I intend to add later. I went with a stainless steering wheel for about $70 off Ebay. All the old carpet and much of the wall fur has been removed.

 

[Thomas Moloney]

Hello i just bought a1974 Searay sv with twin mercruisers should have it home by next weekend

 

[RBB]

For $1700 I got solid floors, transom and a good running motor, but I haven't had it on the water yet because I decided to do a makeover. I think these all came with the Mercruiser with 351W Ford and TR stern drive. I was leary of the TR drive but after much research and checking of mine, I feel like like I'll be fine. Spare parts are everywhere and with proper care of the transmission these drives can last a lifetime. I wound up completely redoing the trailer, putting all new surge brakes (yes, Ebay is a boat restorers best friend), paint and lights. A drop-foot jack is a darn cool device too. I replaced all the peeling and pitting 7/8 rail fittings with solid stainless new versions off Ebay at about $10 per fitting. Also solid stainless thru-hull fittings and some LOUD Wolo horns I snagged for $79 (again, Ebay, I luv U). These sweet Sea Rays have teak everywhere and I highly recommed Diamond Tropical in PA. Most all the teak cleaned up beautifully, but I've added some extra touches. That's kind of an overview. I'll post some closer look photos and info as well.

Sharp, I like it. Great project!

 

[Chris HILLIARD]

I have a 240 sec 1973 with twin 165 merc out drives. The the toilet and holding tank have been removed . Looking for original parts if anyone can help?