Sleeping Space 1979 v260 Sundancer vs 1979 260 Express cruis

[Our Man Flint]

Hello,

I am in the process of purchasing a one owner 1979 V260 Express Cruiser from a dealer. The boat is in excellent shape. My main concern is space for sleeping overnight. We enjoy spending the weekend on the lake. (2 Adults & 2 children under the age of 6) The Express cruiser does not have an aft cabin whereas the Sundancer does. Would the Sundancer's aft cabin sleep two adults (I'm 6')?
I'm in love with the Express cruiser but afraid that a Sundancer, with the aft cabin, would be a better boat to have. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Quint4]

plenty of room for two adults in my mid-cabin.....queen bed....get a 'dancer.

 

[goblue]

I owned a 1979 26 Express for 7 years. We bought it new. A friend bought a Dancer a year later and still has it. I'm 6'3" and my wife is 5'6". We had no problem sleeping in the V berth. Our 8 year old boy slept on the dinette. One year later we had another child. He slept on the shelf by the V berth until he outgrew that and moved to the dinette. Our older boy moved to the cockpit and slept on the port fold down seat and later on an air mattress on the cockpit floor. After 7 years we outgrew the boat. In my view the express is more comfortable because the companionway goes straight down below with no twisting and less ducking. The boat looks more open as you can see all the way forward. We felt the Dancer's sleeping cabin was a little too cavelike for our taste. I also liked the ability to stand up at the Expresses helm when underway in rough water. The raised floor of the Dancer made this impossible with the canvas up which was the only way we could stay dry and warm when cruising on Lake Michigan. I suppose it ultimately gets down to how you intend to use your boat. BTW, the 79 Express sold new for $17,900. I sold it in 86 for $14,500.

 

[Quint4]

didn't realize the dinette converted to a bed.....may work out ok for ya .....Dave.

 

[Our Man Flint]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Go Blue, you have steered me in the right direction. I plan on closing the deal on this boat later today. Rob

 

[keokie]

I am very familiar with these boats. Both the DA and Express are functional layouts. I would be happy to help with any future questions you have.

 

[Cap10Pat]

I haven't been on an Express, but I have a 1980 260 Weekender, which also does not have a second cabin, so I think it's more like the Express. We very much like the more open feel all through, and like the larger open cockpit. The cockpit sides may also be a little higher (actually the floor is lower).

Even without a raised deck, the original canvas design was a little low and restricted vision. Last year we added new canvas, which raised the top and made it level. Very happy with that. Pictures in the Virtual marina.

Make sure you have the boat surveyed before you buy it. There may be a lot of issues, but you really want to find the show stoppers. Don't let the little ones discourage you.