Searay 260 Sundancer ??

[Planty]

Mate is looking very seriously at a Searay 260 Sundancer 2002 model Kad 44 Diesel, anyone got any experience or thoughts?

I had a Searay 225WE which was a very nice boat but on Mercruiser petrol, chap in question is very keen but a total novice, Has been offered a very good deal I feel from Sealine Hamble including Day Skipper / Radio course etc. Just wondered if anyone has experience of sea keeping or what to particularly look for?? Is having Survey, Oil Analysis etc so its really just the "feel" and limitations we wondered about?

40 hours only, in fantastic condition (doesn't look like interior cabin ever used) traded in for a very tasty looking SC29. Heating and Plotter being fitted in deal, all at circa £57k ???

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Searay are one of the highest rated builders in the US J D Power surveys and are one of the biggest boatbuilders in the world. On the other hand, they do get slagged off as well Yacht Survey - SeaRay although this particular article refers to boats in the 40 -55' range
Personally I like the open plan interiors on their boats and the usually excellent helm stations but I think the hulls are more medium Vee than deep Vee say compared to Sunseeker or Windy so dont expect it slice thru a choppy sea.
If its in good order, I would think the 260 would be a good starter boat. I started on SeaRay 268 with single petrol engine many moons ago and its a good size for learning about boat handling. Diesel power is obviously a big plus. Should have a bowthruster for peace of mind though

 

[adey]

I've recently bought a 260 Sundancer but as it's my first boat I don't have anything to compare it to. All I will say is that I spent 6 months looking for the right boat and considered every make and model of 'pocket cruiser' before norrowing it down to Sea Ray's Sundancer and the Doral 250. Both were head and shoulders above the others. The Sea Ray won because it's prettier than the Doral, in my opinion anyway.
The 260 is only 2 feet longer than the 240 but feels considerably bigger inside and are about the same price.
When haggling on the 260 make sure you get the good extras like the electric windlass, microwave, camper canvass and vacuflush head with holding tank.
Oh, also make sure that it's an official import with the CE mark etc.
Diesel is nice but that's £20,000 more than I paid for my petrol version.
Did you know that there was a facelift in 2003 with nicer wood laminate interior and different dash?