The official '99-'04 260DA Sundancer thread

You know what we need to engineer is a "pink stuff" recycling system whereby we keep about 5 gallons of the stuff in a plastic receptacle in the ER and can easily pump it in the top of the engine when we are done for the day and then pump it back to the tank for holding when we have the next opportunity to use the boat. A couple of small 12V pumps with switches (cheap Atwood bilge pumps?), some Y valves, hoses and brackets should do the trick.
 
rabyers1 said:
You know what we need to engineer is a "pink stuff" recycling system whereby we keep about 5 gallons of the stuff in a plastic receptacle in the ER and can easily pump it in the top of the engine when we are done for the day and then pump it back to the tank for holding when we have the next opportunity to use the boat. A couple of small 12V pumps with switches (cheap Atwood bilge pumps?), some Y valves, hoses and brackets should do the trick.
Click to expand...

:lol: That's funny - I've often thought the same thing.

The thing I can't get past is the draining part. While we could remove the blue plugs and plumb everything to one spot, the only way to know if all the water came out would be to collect it and measure it. If it all didn't come out, we'd still have to go back and remove each drain and do the "poke" trick. And, as you know, it's not that uncommon for one of the drains to get plugged.

It might be more feasible for engines with the 1-point drain.

I like the thinking, though! "Out of the box", so to speak! :grin:
 
I bought the pink stuff kit last winter right before we bought the garage. I winterized it once then, bought the garage and kept the engine bay heated. The kit sucked up a little over 3 gallons. Seemed to work well, but I never attempted to recover it before we headed out.
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Shame on you, Todd! Posting a picture of a Bayliner! :grin:
 
260 DA displacement, weight, and stability on water?

I am in the early stages of learning about boats and boating. My goal is to own a trailerable cruising boat.

The 2004 260 DA has a dry weight of 6200 lbs with a draft of 35” down and 22” up. The 2005 260 DA has a dry weight of 7500 lbs with a draft of 39” down and 22” up. Is the stability of the 2005 better because of the additional weight? How is the up draft the same for both hulls?

I have read in other threads about the list problem of the 2005 and newer 260 DA. Does the 1999-2004 models have this problem? If not does this make the older models a better buy?

Thanks for your help in advance, MM
 
MM,

I think that in this particular thread you will hear nothing but great things about the 99-04 edition of the 260 Sundancer as most who post here are owners of this model.

As a cruiser with a lot of freeboard (boat sides above the waterline) for a relatively narrow beam, it is definitely a vessel that is affected by the wind and is somewhat sensitive to shifting passenger weight and aggressive maneuvers at the wheel. That being said, it comes equipped with trim tabs that are plenty large and responsive enough to make any adjustments necessary to firmly control the boat, adjust for any load imbalance and enjoy the ride at the same time. With a little practice you can quickly learn how to keep this boat out of situations where it might "list".

You will find that the actual weight of this boat (trailer not included) will be over 7,000 lbs or more.

I don't know about a better buy than the newer model 260 - but I know there are some great deals out there on these.
 
MM,

If I'm not mistaken, the '05+ 260's actually have more hull in the water. So, they displace more of their own weight.

The arch was a much more popular option on the '05+. That adds a decent amount of weight higher up above the center of gravity. That's why you hear more about the "list" with the newer ones (there's more of them out there with arches so there's more people talking about it). Maybe there's more to it, but that certainly accounts for some of it.

Being out on both models, the newer ones do plane faster. But, the old style is certainly no slouch. I have absolutely no complaints about how my boat planes - even for watersports.

As far as ride quality goes, I wouldn't use that as your basis for making a decision. They're close enough that it doesn't really matter. Honestly, I'd have to be on them back-to-back to tell the difference. But, just from physics, the heavier boat would handle a chop a bit better. But, again, it's awful close.

In my opinion, price aside, base your decision on:

#1: Cockpit layout. After all, this is where you will spend most of your time.
#2: Styling.
#3: Features. I put this one after styling only because you can always add features. Some, obviously, easier than others.
 
I have a 2002 260 with the 5.0 Bravo III. I am looking to install some kind of tv set up.

For those without an arch (to mount an antenna on) - what are my options?

I would love to be anchored out and watching the game!!

Thanks in advance.

2002 260 Sundancer
 
Some type of arch would be nice - but that is an expensive option.

If I planned on spending that much - I would probably just go with the TracVision M1 by KVH. Have you guys seen this new dish system?

http://www.kvh.com/m1/

Only 12.5" and it will get all of your directTV channels. You can simply mount it on a pole...
 
funkyb5150 said:
Some type of arch would be nice - but that is an expensive option.

If I planned on spending that much - I would probably just go with the TracVision M1 by KVH. Have you guys seen this new dish system?

http://www.kvh.com/m1/

Only 12.5" and it will get all of your directTV channels. You can simply mount it on a pole...
Click to expand...

If I put a TV in this boat I'll just bring DVD's I won't worry about sattelite reception. If I do get the arch though it would be because I've decided to keep the boat a long time and I want to add radar.
 
Hello all, Love the thread for the 260, glad to see that we're not the only ones towing a 260 because we get lots of looks at the ramp. Love the RV pump out idea and the transom trim switch and perhaps this summer...

I was looking for some help in parts for a windlass for our '04 260DA, more directly the bow roller. I called a dealer for the part number from the manual, but $520....

Does anyone have part number off the original roller showing who manufactured it for Searay? does anyone have pics of other after market rollers they have installed?

Also, where can I find the wiring path for the original windlass?

I was planning on going with a Maxwell RC500 with 1/4" chain. Some site say that isn't enough, some say it's recommended...

Only a couple of months to launch... This winter has been a real pain in New England...
 
wood136 said:
Hello all, Love the thread for the 260, glad to see that we're not the only ones towing a 260 because we get lots of looks at the ramp. Love the RV pump out idea and the transom trim switch and perhaps this summer...

I was looking for some help in parts for a windlass for our '04 260DA, more directly the bow roller. I called a dealer for the part number from the manual, but $520....

Does anyone have part number off the original roller showing who manufactured it for Searay? does anyone have pics of other after market rollers they have installed?

Also, where can I find the wiring path for the original windlass?

I was planning on going with a Maxwell RC500 with 1/4" chain. Some site say that isn't enough, some say it's recommended...

Only a couple of months to launch... This winter has been a real pain in New England...
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard, Wood! Glad you found us. I know what you mean about "the looks" you get when towing:smt001

I'm not entirely positive about the windlass manufacturer, but I'm almost positive it's Windline.

Just to give you another windlass possibility, check out the Lewmar V700. For me, that's the one I've decided on.

Chances are the wiring is not already there for the windlass. You can check by looking in the anchor locker for heavy gauge wire.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when it comes to figuring out what gauge wire you need (remember "round trip" - battery to motor and back). Do not skimp on the wire.
 
I am in the process of purchasing a 1999 260 sundancer the engine is a 5.7L carb with a bravo two. What am I expecting for performance, cruising range, MPG. Is their anything else I should know about the boat or be aware of? I am also looking for a trailer I am considering the venture trailer does anyone have one of these trailers and should I go with a tandem axle or a tri-axle. The two trailers are similary priced.
 
I keep my '01 260 DA on a Venture trailer that the dealer put under the boat to get it sold. It is dual axle aluminum. Without looking, I think it is the 5225 model. I have pulled my boat on it for 4 trips of over 200 miles each way and then many times around town in the year I've owned it. It has performed great for me with no issues at all so far. It tracks very well behind my truck. I also find it easy to load and unload. I did add side roller guides near the rear to make it easy to guide the big boat on and off. I find hat I tend to sink the trailer pretty deep with it being a bunk trailer, not rollers and my boat having a painted bottom.
 
andy k said:
I am in the process of purchasing a 1999 260 sundancer the engine is a 5.7L carb with a bravo two. What am I expecting for performance, cruising range, MPG. Is their anything else I should know about the boat or be aware of? I am also looking for a trailer I am considering the venture trailer does anyone have one of these trailers and should I go with a tandem axle or a tri-axle. The two trailers are similary priced.
Click to expand...


I have a 2004 260 and had to buy a trailer also. Looked at all models and ended up with a bunk tandem axle aluminium I beam trailer. It has a max gross weight of either 12k or 15k but I have it registered for 10k lbs.

I chose the tandem rather than the triaxle because of the wear and tear on tires. The tri scuffs the tires on any manuvering that you have to do, but the tandem does it a lot less. Also having to maintain 6 tires instead of 4 is a lot more expensive.

I have been real happy with the performance of my trailer and would have no problem giving it two thumbs up...:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Have any 260 DA owners thought of a creative way to add a live bait well to your boat. I am not trying to turn my cruiser in to a fishing boat, I Just want to option to add and remove a bait well when my daughter and I go to get snapper a few times per season. I have a very basic bucket and air pump style one rigged up that is only good as a temporary idea while I am thinking of a better solutions. I have thought of dropping the stern seat and adding a small round tank in the port side corner (2002 layout). Or mounting something on the dive platform. These days I am mostly a fair weather fishermen so going out on the platform for access or reaching over is not that big of a deal. I like the weight of the tank centered and keeping the cockpit area clear, so that is the direction I am headed at the moment.

I would find all ideas or experience interesting. I don't even mind hearing top of your head ideas that you haven't tried. I want to come up with something simple/practical and fit for purpose.

One idea I had that may be too ambitious or damaging is to cut out the outside sink and drop in a round well with an opening about that size. I could keep using it as a deep sink or even a drink cooler or cruiser days./ The overboard drain is already there anyway and that under sink cabinet is not used for much other than a drink cooler. I got the idea from looking at the 2009 27' Amberjack. It would jsut need to be an insulated tank with a lid.
 

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i actually have a 2003 260DA that i just recently put up for sale. I've decided to list it since we have moved down to the water and if i can take the boat out when ever i want to I don't think we'd spend many nights on the boat. If you know anyone that is interested in a clean well maintained 260 please let me know.
 
Hello,
:smt100
Could anyone help me in locating an anchor roller for a 2004 260DA?
I just purchased a Maxwell windlass and want to begin to plan my installation now that the snow is gone.

I have looked high and low and the dealer option is just way to high priced and the aftermarket ones don't seem to look right.

The factory ones are angled to the bow, but the best aftermarket ones have a hinge near the front.

Can't wait till launch!:smt038
 
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