My first post: I've made an offer on a 1995 Sundancer 250, 7.4 Bravo3, 337 hours, w/alum trailer, windlass, camper, freshwater, vacuwhatever head, $26K. Looking for words of wisdom, cautions, problems, etc. with this boat. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to joining the group.
Please talk to me, I made an offer on a 1995 250 Sundancer
- Thread starter DJR
- Start date
Kevin Smith
New Member
- Feb 21, 2005
- 101
1995 250 Sundancer With 7.4
We used to own a 230 1989 (overall length 25') and 7.4 was too tight of a fit in the engine compartment. (I think the 230 we had was renamed as a 250 for the year you are looking at.) So for us to change out major components on the lower part of the motor, IE Starter, some hoses, etc we had to pull the motor, which is very expensive. Make sure there is plenty of room in your model year before you finalize the deal. Talk to Sea Ray dealers and independent boat repair facilities about how easy this one is to service.
We currently have a 1991 250 and there is a world of difference in the amount of room in the engine compartment. Our 250 was renamed as a 270 in 1992 and there is a lot more room to service everything. Overall length of ours is almost 29.
One other thing to think-If the boat is listed as capable of exceeding 50 mph, (and yours probably is) many insurance companies won't cover it or will charge a major increase in the premium if they do. You should consider getting your insurance from Boat US for the full replacement cost of the boat.
Regards,
Kevin Smith
Richmond VA
We used to own a 230 1989 (overall length 25') and 7.4 was too tight of a fit in the engine compartment. (I think the 230 we had was renamed as a 250 for the year you are looking at.) So for us to change out major components on the lower part of the motor, IE Starter, some hoses, etc we had to pull the motor, which is very expensive. Make sure there is plenty of room in your model year before you finalize the deal. Talk to Sea Ray dealers and independent boat repair facilities about how easy this one is to service.
We currently have a 1991 250 and there is a world of difference in the amount of room in the engine compartment. Our 250 was renamed as a 270 in 1992 and there is a lot more room to service everything. Overall length of ours is almost 29.
One other thing to think-If the boat is listed as capable of exceeding 50 mph, (and yours probably is) many insurance companies won't cover it or will charge a major increase in the premium if they do. You should consider getting your insurance from Boat US for the full replacement cost of the boat.
Regards,
Kevin Smith
Richmond VA
Kevin Smith
New Member
- Feb 21, 2005
- 101
1995 SD
The engine compartment hatch was the problem with our 1989, but the amount of room & equipment located on the sides and front of the engine made it a challenge too. The 1989 230 had a single engine hatch that was not much bigger than the motor, so you had to stand on your head to change anything you could reach. If you could not reach it, the motor had to come out. Our 1991 250 has 3 hatches and enough room for a grown man to sit on either side of the engine.
In general it sounds like a nice boat that is well equipped. Good luck in your decision and let us know how it turns out.
Kevin
Richmond VA
PS If you can have the sale document subject to a survey, mechanical check out and sea trial that would be even better.
The engine compartment hatch was the problem with our 1989, but the amount of room & equipment located on the sides and front of the engine made it a challenge too. The 1989 230 had a single engine hatch that was not much bigger than the motor, so you had to stand on your head to change anything you could reach. If you could not reach it, the motor had to come out. Our 1991 250 has 3 hatches and enough room for a grown man to sit on either side of the engine.
In general it sounds like a nice boat that is well equipped. Good luck in your decision and let us know how it turns out.
Kevin
Richmond VA
PS If you can have the sale document subject to a survey, mechanical check out and sea trial that would be even better.
dpvandy01
Well-Known Member
- Sep 6, 2007
- 2,535
- Boat Info
- 2007 38 Sundancer
&
2014 Sea Fox 256 Commander
- Engines
- Twin 8.1L Close Cooled V-Drives & 300 Yamaha OB
I just sold a 1995 250 DA with 454 7.4l Bravo1. This boat was awsome. new engine in 2001 by sea ray, re-built trailer, drop in air, GPS and 1 month old sea ray burber snap-in cockpit carpet. I sold the boat for19,500. My boat was spotless and the gel coat was as shinny as the day it left the factory. 25k might be a bit steep or perhaps I gave the deal of a lifetime. either way. Enjoy, it's an outstanding towable boat.
- Nov 26, 2006
- 7,628
- Boat Info
- 2008 44 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
Just sold '97 250 with trailer for 26.5. I felt I gave a great deal. He didn't dicker on price. The boat had every option available at time of purchase, minus the microwave. Bravo III, 5.7 LX EFI (one of a kind), really frickin' clean....
wickeral
New Member
We have a 1997 250 Sundancer powered by a 7.4/300HP with a Bravo III. Engine compartment is tight as our boat is fully loaded with options. If your seller cannot provide Receipts for all work performed take a walk. The Manifolds and Risers are always a concern. I recommend the Ceramic coated OEM from Mercruiser. Yes, they are more expensive but the Labor is the real expense.
The B-III drive is designed to Military grade but if they aren't serviced properly and timely, expense will follow. Look for sign's of Corrosion on the Drive Housing. Bad! If it's bad outside, it's Bad inside. Put your hands under the motor and check for Flaking Rust. A constantly Wet Bilge will play Havoc with everything in there. I keep our Bilge spotless just so that it Dries out completely.
People price a boat by year and components. Condition and maintenance play just as big a part in the purchase decision. Al W.
The B-III drive is designed to Military grade but if they aren't serviced properly and timely, expense will follow. Look for sign's of Corrosion on the Drive Housing. Bad! If it's bad outside, it's Bad inside. Put your hands under the motor and check for Flaking Rust. A constantly Wet Bilge will play Havoc with everything in there. I keep our Bilge spotless just so that it Dries out completely.
People price a boat by year and components. Condition and maintenance play just as big a part in the purchase decision. Al W.
AndersonAcres
Member
We have a 1997 250 DA with the 7.4L powerplant, but a BI.
I agree with wickeral, and by all reports the BIII can be a nightmare (search for BIII posts here). I understand that the dual props help the boat track better at slow speeds, and that's a small problem for us with the BI, but the BI is otherwise much more reliable than the BIII.
Of course, if the boat will be out of the water when you're not using it, the galvanic issues aren't so great -- IF the BIII is in good shape now.
Our "engine room" is VERY tight. Had an entertaining time installing the swim platform from swimplatforms.com, but we LOVE it now that it's in.
We had 220 hours on our 7.4L, and have had a great time with the boat.
Our fridge and the 110V cooktop died a few weeks ago.
I agree with wickeral, and by all reports the BIII can be a nightmare (search for BIII posts here). I understand that the dual props help the boat track better at slow speeds, and that's a small problem for us with the BI, but the BI is otherwise much more reliable than the BIII.
Of course, if the boat will be out of the water when you're not using it, the galvanic issues aren't so great -- IF the BIII is in good shape now.
Our "engine room" is VERY tight. Had an entertaining time installing the swim platform from swimplatforms.com, but we LOVE it now that it's in.
We had 220 hours on our 7.4L, and have had a great time with the boat.
Our fridge and the 110V cooktop died a few weeks ago.
wickeral
New Member
I Love our Bravo III. Sorry if I portrayed differently. I have the Maintenance issue of the B-III down to a science. First of all. A Drive Shower is a must! Powder Coating of the Props comes second. Zinc in Salt Water, Aluminum Anodes in Fresh. OEM, (Mercruiser), "High Performance" Drive Lube is also my choice. Synthetics are good but they will absorb moisture where as Petroleum Distillate Oils will not. With regular service and the Drive Shower your in good shape. Al W. The B-III is the way for me.
Just Right
New Member
- Jun 5, 2007
- 163
- Boat Info
- 1995 270 Sundancer 2004 F350 PSD CrewCab 4x4
SOTAR, AIRE & Hyside Whitewater Inflatibles-the "Other
- Engines
- 7.4 B-III
lessons
I just bought a 1995 270 this past June. Super clean, 180 hrs, 28000 with steel trailer. Our second large (to us) boat purchase.
I asked to see, but forgot follow up on maintenance records. Marine Max may be a help on that. First time out I learned that the impeller needed replacing.
The tires looked brand new, but ended up replacing as they were under rated and run under inflated. Get the trailer inspected too. I thought maybe a new surge actuater, but it turned out the brakes were shot and the bearings not far behind. I upgraded to 4-wheel disc with electric over hydraulic and got a removeable tongue (converted the hole for the surge to a removable insert). Cost $2500 and I got a few breaks (no pun intended).
Will be converting to FWC and will also look into the outdrive shower.
Fair winds,
I just bought a 1995 270 this past June. Super clean, 180 hrs, 28000 with steel trailer. Our second large (to us) boat purchase.
I asked to see, but forgot follow up on maintenance records. Marine Max may be a help on that. First time out I learned that the impeller needed replacing.
The tires looked brand new, but ended up replacing as they were under rated and run under inflated. Get the trailer inspected too. I thought maybe a new surge actuater, but it turned out the brakes were shot and the bearings not far behind. I upgraded to 4-wheel disc with electric over hydraulic and got a removeable tongue (converted the hole for the surge to a removable insert). Cost $2500 and I got a few breaks (no pun intended).
Will be converting to FWC and will also look into the outdrive shower.
Fair winds,
Just Right
New Member
- Jun 5, 2007
- 163
- Boat Info
- 1995 270 Sundancer 2004 F350 PSD CrewCab 4x4
SOTAR, AIRE & Hyside Whitewater Inflatibles-the "Other
- Engines
- 7.4 B-III
lessons
I just bought a 1995 270 this past June. Super clean, 180 hrs, $28000 with steel trailer.
I asked to see, but forgot follow up on maintenance records. Marine Max may be a help on that. First time out I learned that the impeller needed replacing.
The tires looked brand new, but ended up replacing as they were under rated and run under inflated. Get the trailer inspected too. I thought maybe a new surge actuater, but it turned out the brakes were shot and the bearings not far behind. I upgraded to 4-wheel disc with electric over hydraulic and got a removeable tongue (converted the hole for the surge to a removable insert). Cost $2500 and I got a few breaks (no pun intended).
Will be converting to FWC and will also look into the outdrive shower.
Fair winds,
I just bought a 1995 270 this past June. Super clean, 180 hrs, $28000 with steel trailer.
I asked to see, but forgot follow up on maintenance records. Marine Max may be a help on that. First time out I learned that the impeller needed replacing.
The tires looked brand new, but ended up replacing as they were under rated and run under inflated. Get the trailer inspected too. I thought maybe a new surge actuater, but it turned out the brakes were shot and the bearings not far behind. I upgraded to 4-wheel disc with electric over hydraulic and got a removeable tongue (converted the hole for the surge to a removable insert). Cost $2500 and I got a few breaks (no pun intended).
Will be converting to FWC and will also look into the outdrive shower.
Fair winds,
