yet another 260 owner

[NOFATCHICKS]

I just bought my first sea ray this past weekend and im already loving it. Its a 1980 Dancer 260 so i thought i would introduce myself cause im sure i will be on here often. So.. i took it out for the first time sunday an for some reason it will not roun over 3500 rpm at WOT. its topping out at a meger 25 mph tabbed up an trimmed up. Dont really know alot about boats but i know of engines. Im thinking it may be the carb because it still has the stock quadrajunk but am not 100%. She needs alot of work but she is all there, all the way down to the rear bench any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nehalennia]

NFC
Welcome. Get your signature update with all your stats so we know what you have

 

[NOFATCHICKS]

dont know exactly where to find all my specs. can u be alittle more specific on what i need to add and where i can find it. hate to be a bother but thanks

 

[SJAurora]

Congrats on the new Sundancer - I love my EC so far.

Somebody said something on another thread about starting a 260 club... Seems to be a pretty popular boat. I know I was specifically looking for a 260 because that's about the biggest I want to try and tow around - especially with my Expedition. Since all we have around here are puddles I have to tow it a lot...

 

[BillyT0020]

Congrats on the New Boat. I have the same one and while it took a lot of work to get her back to respectability (mine was in real bad shape too), shes a great boat!

The signature info is the year, model, engine size, outdrive combo and prop size. It helps people know what you have so they can better answer your questions. You may not get a lot of answers till you post this info. If your dead stock, you have a 1980 260 DA Mercruiser 260 (GM 350 SB) with a Pre Alpha Outdrive.

Now on to your low RPMs. Get the serial numbers off your prop and Google them to find out the size and pitch.

1. If your running like a 19 or higher pitch prop that could be the problem, each inch of pitch will drop your WOT by 200 RPM's. These boats do well with a 15 - 17 pitch prop.
2. Check to make sure the carb is opening all the way when at WOT. Try having a friend drive while you move the throttle manually in the bildge to WOT and see what kind of RPM's you get
3. Check the compression in your cylinders.
4.Change your fuel filters, and check for water in the gas.
5. Change the oil, plugs, wires, distributor cap, coil, points, rotor and condensor (or get an electronic ignition conversion kit for $65 on ebay and never mess with points again. I have the Petronix ML-181 and its great.)
6. Make sure your bottom is freshly painted and clean.

This is a good starting point for getting your boat running good again.

Good Luck!

 

[K-9]

aHoy,Keep us informed to the cause and solution...

 

[NOFATCHICKS]

Congrats on the New Boat. I have the same one and while it took a lot of work to get her back to respectability (mine was in real bad shape too), shes a great boat!

The signature info is the year, model, engine size, outdrive combo and prop size. It helps people know what you have so they can better answer your questions. You may not get a lot of answers till you post this info. If your dead stock, you have a 1980 260 DA Mercruiser 260 (GM 350 SB) with a Pre Alpha Outdrive.

Now on to your low RPMs. Get the serial numbers off your prop and Google them to find out the size and pitch.

1. If your running like a 19 or higher pitch prop that could be the problem, each inch of pitch will drop your WOT by 200 RPM's. These boats do well with a 15 - 17 pitch prop.
2. Check to make sure the carb is opening all the way when at WOT. Try having a friend drive while you move the throttle manually in the bildge to WOT and see what kind of RPM's you get
3. Check the compression in your cylinders.
4.Change your fuel filters, and check for water in the gas.
5. Change the oil, plugs, wires, distributor cap, coil, points, rotor and condensor (or get an electronic ignition conversion kit for $65 on ebay and never mess with points again. I have the Petronix ML-181 and its great.)
6. Make sure your bottom is freshly painted and clean.

This is a good starting point for getting your boat running good again.

Good Luck!

ok i understand the plugs wires coil cap rotor. ive checked for water in the gas and the cylinders have good compression. ive left the boat in neutral an hit the accelorator, it will easily hit 4500 so im thinkin the prop but its hard to tell the pitch an depth or model # with the boat in the slip so i guess thats what im going to try. ill post pictures as soon as i get it cleaned up alittle