Previous SeaRay owner, contemplating?

[Maritime Matt]

Hello all on this forum from Southern Ocean County New Jersey.
Having previously owned a 1983 SeaRay 210 W/A Cuddy, I know of the great ride. I just disliked that 488/185 hp Chevy/Lincoln Mercruiser that powered it. The Alpha or I drive was no problem. I currently own a Maritime Skiff 20' Pioneer Pilothouse and love it and will not sell it but I have the opportunity to purchase a 1986 268 Weekender in very nice shape for fairly cheap. I also can get a 85 or 86 25' Sundancer pretty reasonable from a friend. Both are powered with the 260 Merc/Alpha package. Being I'm in the marine business, service is not really an issue, although I don't want to do any re-powering. How will both of these boats compare in HP vs Weight? The 268 is really in clean original condition with almost New full camper canvas. HELP!

 

[Sundancer]

The 268 will be underpowered with the 260 in it. Most of the 268's had the 454 and some had twins. We had an 87 250 with a 454 and it was great. I would haven't wanted less power that's for sure. Test drive them and make a decision. Propped right, they will get up on plane but you won't have much throttle left on the 268. A little more on the 250 but not much. There is more space in the 268 so it depends on how much real cruising you intend to do and what your needs are.