The official '99-'04 260DA Sundancer thread

Hi Folks ... anyone have any idea on the cost to re-power a 260DA? Assuming the motor and outdrive both need replacing in an early to mid 2000-2004 ... Thanks.
 
I was going to launch my 2004 260 Sundancer this morning and found that my walkthrough windshield glass was shattered. I think it was the extreme heat generated from the sun heating the dash and the cockpit cover holding in the heat. I am thinking about replacing the glass with plexiglass although I am waiting for quotes on glass. Unfortunately, Taylor Made no longer has a replacement. One of my concerns is that the plexiglass will not match the glass in clarity or color. The shattered glass looks green but perhaps that is because it is broken. Does anyone have experience with using plexiglass glass as a replacement and are you pleased with the result? I really appreciate any help.

78C0BB16-5AEA-41BA-839A-3B22C95C0823.jpeg
 
The heat wouldn't have done it. We got hot here (I'm in Maine) last week, but it's still not all that hot. Florida gets much hotter on a regular basis. Now, if there was already a crack or something in the glass, maybe the heat contributed to causing the glass to shatter sooner than it would normally have. But most likely, something had fallen on it at some time while it was wrapped up.

However, that's neither here nor there at this point. Unfortunately, as you found out, an exact replacement is tough. The only other option I can think of is to let Google help you look for marine salvage yards.

I believe that piece is slightly rounded? That could be tough/near impossible for a glass company to replicate. The green tint you see is just as you surmised - simply because you're now seeing the edges.

I guess whether or not plexi will be satisfactory is completely a subjective matter. If it were me, I'd put a piece in there to get you boating and then live with it for a while and see how you like it while you wait/look for glass. It's a cheap enough temporary solution... that may become permanent... ;)
 
Lazy Daze said:
The heat wouldn't have done it. We got hot here (I'm in Maine) last week, but it's still not all that hot. Florida gets much hotter on a regular basis. Now, if there was already a crack or something in the glass, maybe the heat contributed to causing the glass to shatter sooner than it would normally have. But most likely, something had fallen on it at some time while it was wrapped up.

However, that's neither here nor there at this point. Unfortunately, as you found out, an exact replacement is tough. The only other option I can think of is to let Google help you look for marine salvage yards.

I believe that piece is slightly rounded? That could be tough/near impossible for a glass company to replicate. The green tint you see is just as you surmised - simply because you're now seeing the edges.

I guess whether or not plexi will be satisfactory is completely a subjective matter. If it were me, I'd put a piece in there to get you boating and then live with it for a while and see how you like it while you wait/look for glass. It's a cheap enough temporary solution... that may become permanent... ;)
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Thanks very much for replying. I purchased a 2x3 sheet of Optix plexiglass and it was flexible enough to fit and will get me through the season. So far so good. I spoke with a plastics outfit and they sent me a picture of some green tinted plexiglass that I might purchase a sheet. Right know happy to be back on the water!
 
Pilot Traveler said:
Thanks very much for replying. I purchased a 2x3 sheet of Optix plexiglass and it was flexible enough to fit and will get me through the season. So far so good. I spoke with a plastics outfit and they sent me a picture of some green tinted plexiglass that I might purchase a sheet. Right know happy to be back on the water!
Click to expand...

Sometime simple fixes are just what are needed ;)

-Kevin
 
Thanks for the tips about fender stowage. I went with the holders. They do block some view, but i think tolerable. The bow railing on the 260 is relatively low so these need to be mounted more forward than is ideal. I also opted to mount them on the outside of the rail. We'll see (or maybe i won't). I'll post some pics in a day or 2.
 
Has anyone changed the fuel pump on a 7.4 mpi. Can it be changed in the boat or does the engine have to come out.?
 
New Sea Ray owner. Nav light is out and just wanted to see if anyone can refer me to the bulb specs for a 2004 Sundancer 260. I know I could pull the old bulb, but the boat is 30 miles away.
 
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Hello, I just bought at 2004 260da.

Due to Covid lock down I can’t get to it so am going to let my wife’s brother use it.

Does anyone have a check list on starting it .

like

switch to start battery
Start the blower
Check fuel level
Check oil
Check fresh water level
Start engine
Turn on GPS
Etc

I’ve never owner a vacuflush but assume that needs check also.

thanks.
 
B.matt said:
Wet pleasure
I have a 7.4 (454) in my boat and can confirm the need for 3 inch riser in the exhaust.
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ugh, so i have had so many issues with this boat and never even got around to looking back through this thread. Finally thought i had it all sorted out and the motor blew up the other day. we did NOT use the riser extensions. We took measurements to the water line and got something like 20" when mercruiser calls for 13" motor comes out tomorrow and goes to rebuilder and we will try to figure out what killed it but 3 cylinders have low compression.
 
So now that my motor is back out and at the rebuilders it's time to go "All In" on repairs lol.

Has anyone replaced their cable steering helm either with new cable setup or gone to hydraulic from the helm to the stern? As much as I'd like to do that, it probably doesn't make financial sense. A new cable helm should give me the feel I desire. FYI, a new gimbal ring was just installed, there is no slop in that part of the system. It's definitely sloppy at the helm. Boat is 22 yrs old, I'm sure it's original. Boat is at my mechanic so I can't jump in to read existing cables to get length but hoping someone here has done it and knows what I need to buy
 
I replaced the cable from the helm. Also replaced the transom unit. Still allot of sloppy in the steering. I’m thinking that’s just the way is. I don’t think a new helm unit would help.
 
B.matt said:
I replaced the cable from the helm. Also replaced the transom unit. Still allot of sloppy in the steering. I’m thinking that’s just the way is. I don’t think a new helm unit would help.
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Interesting, a lot of what I researched said replacing cable only isn't enough. Both the cable and helm wear together and should be replaced together.
I dug out my manual and it said it's an 18' helm cable so I ordered the helm, rack and cable for $150 and will give it a shot
 
Initially, I replaced just the cable with the rack gear. Made a major improvement, steered much easier.
However, the matching steering wheel gear teeth were also worn such that occasionally, the teeth would lock up while turning the steering wheel. A quick turn in the opposite direction would instantly free the jam.

Replacement of the steering wheel gear assembly solved the jam problem.
 
B.matt said:
Has anyone changed the fuel pump on a 7.4 mpi. Can it be changed in the boat or does the engine have to come out.?
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Just browsing the posts. My mobile mechanic replaced our malfunctioning fuel pump on the 7.4L mpi a few months ago. To him it was a relatively simple task, he just required a working berth at our local marina.
Regards Aussieboy
 
Looking at purchasing a bigger boat so I have been looking, came across a 2003 Sea Ray 260 that appears to have been (my opinion) painted below the rub rail? Has anyone ever seen this? I didn't think this was an option when new for 2003? So obvious questions are why was it painted? Was there damage or just fiberglass touch up in the gel coat? It looks nice but the evidence of some orange peeling makes me feel like it was painted.
 
MnSearay185 said:
Looking at purchasing a bigger boat so I have been looking, came across a 2003 Sea Ray 260 that appears to have been (my opinion) painted below the rub rail? Has anyone ever seen this? I didn't think this was an option when new for 2003? So obvious questions are why was it painted? Was there damage or just fiberglass touch up in the gel coat? It looks nice but the evidence of some orange peeling makes me feel like it was painted.
Click to expand...

I previously owned a 2003 260DA and am quite familiar with the model. I do not believe there was ever an option for a painted hull.

While I can not say why a previous owner may have painted it if everything looks structurally sound there may not be any need for worry. Many people like colored hulls and this owner may have opted to just paint. Likewise a long scratch in the gel coat may not have been that easy to hide if the original hull was already weathered and the repair would have stood out since it would have been shiny and new. It could also be that someone wet sanded a little too much and could see ghosting of fiberglass behind it.

If you are worried about major structural damage you can probably identify any of that from the inside as it may have been harder or more expensive to cover.

-Kevin
 
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