lee@simmtechs.com
New Member
If both boats are available and both are late 80s same size which is better or which usually commands high price?:huh:
sundancer vs weekender
- Thread starter lee@simmtechs.com
- Start date
CoralReefer
New Member
Not sure I have the right answer. I think it's pretty much your preference and how you intend to spend your time on the water. I prefer the Sundancer since it's got the aft cabin. I know the Weekender's tend to be better for fishing with the deck layout. I've looked at both and the prices seem to be about the same.
Whitenights
New Member
The weekenders also had straight inboards on the 300 models. That makes for a sweet boat that runs well. Otherwise the dancers had I/O's for 300's and under.
The weekenders are not bad for a couple for a weekend. But then again I tell most people our boats may party 10, and feed 4-6, but only sleep 2
The weekenders are not bad for a couple for a weekend. But then again I tell most people our boats may party 10, and feed 4-6, but only sleep 2
Overpowered
Member
- May 12, 2009
- 174
- Boat Info
- 90 370 Express
- Engines
- Twin Bluewater7.4L 330 HP Mercruiser inboards Turning 4 Blade Props
this is the way I see it
if your someone that goes on trips and spends the night on the boat often then -Sundancer
if your a fishermen and u need deck space -Amberjack
if your a day cruiser that does some fishing with the family -Weekender
if your someone that goes on trips and spends the night on the boat often then -Sundancer
if your a fishermen and u need deck space -Amberjack
if your a day cruiser that does some fishing with the family -Weekender
KRB64
Member
- Oct 12, 2006
- 785
- Boat Info
- '76 SRV195 (our first) -> moved up to
'78 240 WE (now 4 sale because ->)
'82 260 DA shared
- Engines
- A Ford 351, a couple GM 350s and a Cummins 6BT to pull it all (W250)
Sounds about right. Personally I think the WEs have better lines.
- Oct 31, 2009
- 3,455
- Boat Info
- 1992 370 ec
- Engines
- twin cummins 6bta's 300 hp
Rl80 pathfinder radar/chartplotter,SH 2150 matrix vhf w/ais
quicksilver 8
I dont like the way you have to sit on a dancer while driving .If the seat was higher it would have been my choice.We have only had one overnight guest (my 73 yr old mom) and now the dog has past so the weekender will be quite roomy this spring.Of course the sb with dual helms would be nice also.Mabey in a 370.Oh yea lots more room in the engine room on a weekender.
SCORPIO
Well-Known Member
All the models mentioned are great boats, just depends on how you want to use the boat. For us, the extra sleeping space was must so the WE was out of the running. I like the simplicity of inboards but also like the greater speed and fuel efficiency of the outdrives on the DA.
DKRanger22
Member
Really comes down to personal preference. I will speak to the 300 Series, as that is what I have.
Hulls are identical between the two. Layouts down below are virtually identical, with the Sundancer having the aft cabin. This cabin in the Sundancer sits mid cockpit right below the helm, causing the driver seat to be elevated and losing "floor space" in the cockpit.
Personally, for me being single and no kids, I don't have a need for the second cabin (the dinette folds into another birth, which works out great for a friend or two). For me, fishing and cruising is my primary goal, and the Weekender accomplishes this better than the Sundancer. If weekends/overnights (more than one couple) is your aim, the Sundancer would better suit you (kind of funny, I think Searay got the names backwards, because the Sundancer is the better "weekend" boat :grin.
One last and important detail, as mentioned above, both boats share twin 350's. However, with the Sundancer having the aft cabin, that forces the engines to sit further back against the transom, which puts the weight of the engines toward the back of the boat. I prefer the Weekender's layout, which allows the engines to sit mid-cockpit, giving the boat much better weight distribution, which makes getting on plane a breeze. Also, the Weekender's layout allows you to have straight shafts vs outdrives (Sundancer), which is a huge plus for me. I prefer the low maintenance of the straight shafts vs outdrives.
Hope this helps. They're both great boats (and virtually identical, sans the differences outlined above).
***EDIT: Forgot to address your question about price. Here in my area (Lake Erie), I see no difference in price between Dancer's and Weekender's of like year and condition.
Hulls are identical between the two. Layouts down below are virtually identical, with the Sundancer having the aft cabin. This cabin in the Sundancer sits mid cockpit right below the helm, causing the driver seat to be elevated and losing "floor space" in the cockpit.
Personally, for me being single and no kids, I don't have a need for the second cabin (the dinette folds into another birth, which works out great for a friend or two). For me, fishing and cruising is my primary goal, and the Weekender accomplishes this better than the Sundancer. If weekends/overnights (more than one couple) is your aim, the Sundancer would better suit you (kind of funny, I think Searay got the names backwards, because the Sundancer is the better "weekend" boat :grin
. One last and important detail, as mentioned above, both boats share twin 350's. However, with the Sundancer having the aft cabin, that forces the engines to sit further back against the transom, which puts the weight of the engines toward the back of the boat. I prefer the Weekender's layout, which allows the engines to sit mid-cockpit, giving the boat much better weight distribution, which makes getting on plane a breeze. Also, the Weekender's layout allows you to have straight shafts vs outdrives (Sundancer), which is a huge plus for me. I prefer the low maintenance of the straight shafts vs outdrives.
Hope this helps. They're both great boats (and virtually identical, sans the differences outlined above).
***EDIT: Forgot to address your question about price. Here in my area (Lake Erie), I see no difference in price between Dancer's and Weekender's of like year and condition.
Last edited:
tdschafer
Well-Known Member
sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,189
- Boat Info
- This is listed in my signature
- Engines
- This is listed in my signature
We've always buy the weekender style because we like the straight inboards and the way they handle. Some families need the extra cabin because of family considerations. We used to cruise with two boys and they always slept on the back deck. One got the bench seat and the other a pool float for a pad. This worked quite nicely for us. The Sundancer seems to win out the marketplace, but you still see lots of weekenders around. Prices are determined by condition more than style. Our current boat has the same basic layout as the 1979 SR Express. It's a very effecient use of space.
KRB64
Member
- Oct 12, 2006
- 785
- Boat Info
- '76 SRV195 (our first) -> moved up to
'78 240 WE (now 4 sale because ->)
'82 260 DA shared
- Engines
- A Ford 351, a couple GM 350s and a Cummins 6BT to pull it all (W250)
You've all hit on good points.
For the under 30' boats I think the DA cock pit feels too tight and confining since its up on top of the aft cabin. The WE is much "free-er" and I like that. But for the family (2 kids) and a long weekend I sacrifice the looks and helm comfort for the practicallity of the DA's layout down below.
For the under 30' boats I think the DA cock pit feels too tight and confining since its up on top of the aft cabin. The WE is much "free-er" and I like that. But for the family (2 kids) and a long weekend I sacrifice the looks and helm comfort for the practicallity of the DA's layout down below.
