Sea Ray Sundancer 260

Ballistix

Ballistix

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Joined
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Location
Oxfordshire
www.cinematreadwell.com
Hi all,

Thinking of getting one of these. It's a 1999 with only 105 on the clock. It seems like a nice boat and I'm getting a reasonable trade on my Doral. Anyone have any comments/pointers on these boats? It gives us a lot more room over the 230. Only slight concern is that it's a Bravo 2 single prop, used to a twin prop Bravo 3. However it does have tabs etc..

Bimini needs replacing, and that looks like an expensive job...any views? It's got the 5 Litre V8 Petrol Merc EFI in it...as I said 105 hours which is stupidly low for a 99 boat.

T
 
T,

Beware the low hours. I don't want to be a doomsayer but, we bought our 2001 Maxum with the same model 5.0l EFi with 104 hours on the clock, after about another 8 hours use (i.e. during it's first really long run) the injectors failed /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif £1,200 to get it fixed but it's been solid ever since. The whole boat had an impeccable service history, engine and drive included, so I would now put a higher priority on regular use than low hours.

We also have the Bravo II drive. Not had any problems with that, although the props are expensive for some reason (should you need one) and there don't appear to be any pattern units around. So, make sure it's in good condition and then look after it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Are you sure it's an EFi engine though ?? all the Sea Ray's of that age we looked at seemed to have the carb version.

I don't think I'd necessarily walk away as low hours = low wear and tear so typically the rest of the boat is nice and clean, but I would definitely get an engineer to give the engine a good look over.

Hope it works out for you.

Paul

P.S. I know where there is a very nice Maxum 2500 available with all it's low hours gremlins ironed out.....
 
Thanks Paul. It's through a broker I know, I like the guy and they are pretty straight. Have to say I'm worried about the low hours a bit for the very reason you suggest.

Wanna trade down then for the 2500? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Definately a 5 Lire EFI, it also has Digital Ignition stamped on the square plastic intake guard?

T
 
Don't want to be picky but Digital Ignition is not EFI, that just means it has no points in the distributer, sounds like a carb model to me.
I would definately want EFI, one of the reasons boats like this often have low hours is the old tech engines use horrific amounts of fuel.
 
Ok, i'm not an expert on these, but I would recognise a carb from an injector, if it says EFI on the engine then it must be an EFI. Just don't trust brokers to get this right, digital ignition means just that, digital igniton and not Electronic Fuel injection.
 
I guess this is it?
It should be an EFI (240bhp) as opposed to an MPI (260bhp). Ask them to send you pictures of the engine and post them up. Maybe it's been re-engined hence the low hours?
Things that would put me off this boat are the lack of camper canvas and the cabin seat pattern.
The Bravo II is fine. In fact after reading all the horror stories about Bravo IIIs rusting I only considered BII boats when I was looking.
I've had mine for three years or so now and think it's a great boat. I don't think I would have used the boat half as much without the full camper canvas though so maybe factor this in to your negotiations.
If it has had a new engine you need to find out why. You don't want one that was sunk in an American hurricane then imported to the UK. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
The 1999 Searay 260 SD came with the following engine options:

5.0 Bravo II 220 PHP (Base engine very rare)
5.0 EFI Bravo II 240 PHP
5.7 EFI Bravo II 260 PHP
5.7 EFI Bravo III 260 PHP
7.4 MPI Bravo III 310 PHP (Premium Option)

4.2 D-Tronic Bravo II 220 PHP

The 350 mag MPI was not offered until late 2000 and quickly became the power package of choice with the Bravo III drive.


Hope this helps.
 
The 5.0 MPI (260bhp) was even later than that (2003 models?) so it must either be a wrong description or a new engine.
 
[ QUOTE ]
It has EFI across the front of the intake cover? Other than that how can I check for certain? This is what it states on the details. Single Mercruiser 5.0L MAG MPI

[/ QUOTE ]

It should look like this:

Mercruiser5.0EFi.jpg


Paul
 
I have a 2000 260DA with the same 5.0 efi and bravo 2 option. Based on Windermere with the speed limit, the engine is fine but may be a bit underpowered for some applications. My engine had 95 hrs 3 years ago when I got the boat. I'd definitely look for evidence of service history as mine had very little. I ended up changing a lot of stuff like spark plugs and distributor cap. I've done quite a few jobs myself on the engine including steering pump replacement and water pump impeller. Most original parts can be sourced from Marina Marbella but they aren't cheap. As a guide for your bimini, I got the 3 windscreen panels relaced on my covers for around £350 (OEM from Marina Marbella).
Generally, I think the boat is well built and has a great cockpit for it's size.
There's some good stuff on www.clubsearay.com. I have the service manuals for the engine and drive on pdf.
PM me if I can be of any assistance.

regards
David
 
Guys, this is just fantastic feedback, thanks very much! Here are some photos I took of the boat, please please give me views and comments. Basically I think the full bimini needs replacing, the vendor agrees, also it's been out of the water and not used for AT LEAST 1.5 years..Be interested to know what people think of the engine and outdrive condition...I think she just needs love and attention...

IMG_1235.jpg


IMG_1236.jpg


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IMG_1246.jpg


IMG_1247.jpg


IMG_1248.jpg
 
Ah it is an EFi then /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif, evidence of lots of leaks and water in the engine room there, not a sign of regular maintenance, tread carefully.
 
It certainly hasn't been loved.
It's definitely an EFI engine and not the later MPI.
I'm no expert but my observations are...
The two fluid levels at the transom on either side of the engine are low (Power trim and trim tabs I think)
The oil filter is not genuine Mercury (possibly some penny pinching on servicing?)
You're going to need lots of polish /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
looking at the last picture I would definately budget to change the manifolds and risers if you purchase.

[/ QUOTE ]

Was just going to say the same. It's about £300 to get them taken off and checked (meant to be done every 5 years as part of service schedule) as they rot out from the inside. There are also non-return flaps to stop the water flushing back in to the engine, which can get jammed/stuck.

Would be interested to know if the engine was flushed when it was first taken out of the water, otherwise 18 months of salt corrosion in the coolant system....

Paul
 
Has it been left with fuel in or was the tank drained ? If not then I'd expect the fuel pump to be gummed up after 18 months of inactivity and it'll make a hell of a racket when the ignition's turned on. We've got the same engine in our Regal and I can say from bitter experience that the fuel pump costs a few hundred to replace /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif although at least it's accessible in that, ours had to have the engine taken out to change it. Other than the comment made about the manifold / riser corrosion the engine looks quite clean. Ours has similar corrosion on the risers and it hasn't got any worse for the last year or so, but they are on my list of things to change even though our service chap said not to overly worry about it too much.

A thorough service of the engine / drive shouldn't cost megabucks though so get them to do it as a condition of sale.
 
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