OFFICIAL 250 DANCER THREAD

New member, new to me 1995 250DA, new boater. Just rebuilt the engine, Merc 5.7L with Alpha 1 gen 2. Wondering what others of same engine would be getting for top speed?
 
Looking for advice. The two horizontal molding (top ones) above the v-berth on both sides has come loose and I don't know how these were originally mounted. the PO used a tape/velcrow combo, but the tape doesn't really attach well to the fabric, it's constantly falling down.
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When I bought the boat, 1995 Sundancer 250DA, the motor was seized. So I rebuilt the engine in my garage and so we just had our first sucessful voyage.
I had to replace the power trim pump, shower sump pump, water heater, hydrolic trim hoses, engine, and many more parts. I have used the bleach in the water tank method to sanitize the water system. I'm still trying to get a good taste from my water system. I think I need to continue that process. The original head is gone and a portable one sits there now. The original had two hook-ups that are still there, one large and one small. I think the small would be water and the larger one for waste removal. It was NOT the vacu-flush system. I'm looking for something similar to stock so I will not have to carry the porta-potti in and out. Any options similar to OEM?
Also, what do you guys use to secure the achor to the boat when power is off? I had mine fall onto the road while trailering. I'm sure I will have many more questions since this is a new to me boat.
 
Looking for advice. The two horizontal molding (top ones) above the v-berth on both sides has come loose and I don't know how these were originally mounted. the PO used a tape/velcrow combo, but the tape doesn't really attach well to the fabric, it's constantly falling down.
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When I bought the boat, 1995 Sundancer 250DA, the motor was seized. So I rebuilt the engine in my garage and so we just had our first sucessful voyage.
I had to replace the power trim pump, shower sump pump, water heater, hydrolic trim hoses, engine, and many more parts. I have used the bleach in the water tank method to sanitize the water system. I'm still trying to get a good taste from my water system. I think I need to continue that process. The original head is gone and a portable one sits there now. The original had two hook-ups that are still there, one large and one small. I think the small would be water and the larger one for waste removal. It was NOT the vacu-flush system. I'm looking for something similar to stock so I will not have to carry the porta-potti in and out. Any options similar to OEM?
Also, what do you guys use to secure the achor to the boat when power is off? I had mine fall onto the road while trailering. I'm sure I will have many more questions since this is a new to me boat.

Devildogae,

I hope you stole the boat! A seized motor along with all of the other work would have been at least a $10,000 savings! Hope it's all cured and the video indicates it is! You and your kids will love that boat for many years!

As far as the bleach taste, I use vinegar in the next tank to remove the bleach taste. It does a great job of removing the bleach taste with no residual flavors! Vodka does the same thing I've been told, but I can't seem to get it in the tank to prove that theory?

My head was a newer Wilcox Crittendon toilet, but a Jabsco or Raritan manual pump out to do the trick. Yes, the small line probably goes to a seacock in the aft cabin while the large hose should to go a tank with pump out fitting. I didn't want to drill additional holes in my floor, so I matched the existing holes and mounted a board and drilled the new holes into the new board. That raise it a smidge, but was a good thing.

To secure the anchor, most have a vinyl coated cable that you can secure somewhere near the anchor chain (Cleat, hole in the anchor roller, etc). Then they just clip it to the chain to make sure it doesn't feed out unintentionally. I had a brother in law that always put his anchor and rope on the deck so it would dry out. He'd take off and the anchor would drop into the water and the rope would peel off his deck at 25 mph! That was always an exciting event! He proved he wasn't a good boat owner due to many similar events and we convinced him to sell the boat! My sister was relieved!!

Congratulations on the 250!
 
Devildogae,

I hope you stole the boat! A seized motor along with all of the other work would have been at least a $10,000 savings! Hope it's all cured and the video indicates it is! You and your kids will love that boat for many years!

As far as the bleach taste, I use vinegar in the next tank to remove the bleach taste. It does a great job of removing the bleach taste with no residual flavors! Vodka does the same thing I've been told, but I can't seem to get it in the tank to prove that theory?

My head was a newer Wilcox Crittendon toilet, but a Jabsco or Raritan manual pump out to do the trick. Yes, the small line probably goes to a seacock in the aft cabin while the large hose should to go a tank with pump out fitting. I didn't want to drill additional holes in my floor, so I matched the existing holes and mounted a board and drilled the new holes into the new board. That raise it a smidge, but was a good thing.

To secure the anchor, most have a vinyl coated cable that you can secure somewhere near the anchor chain (Cleat, hole in the anchor roller, etc). Then they just clip it to the chain to make sure it doesn't feed out unintentionally. I had a brother in law that always put his anchor and rope on the deck so it would dry out. He'd take off and the anchor would drop into the water and the rope would peel off his deck at 25 mph! That was always an exciting event! He proved he wasn't a good boat owner due to many similar events and we convinced him to sell the boat! My sister was relieved!!

Congratulations on the 250!

Thanks for commenting Sundancer,

I did get it for a steal, about 10-12K less than what it's worth night now. I invested about $1,500 to get it up and running I beleive, so I did pretty good. I rebuilt the motor myself, and most of the parts from the Mercruiser engine, so I was able to get it running, and running well for minimal cost. We were heading to Virginia's eastern shore earlier this month. We got about halfway there and a bad driver nailed out truck and boat trailer on I65. So I might be getting a new trailer for it once all the insurance things are settled. Boy am I craving some boating, but It's sitting at a marina atm...that's one way to end a fishing/crusing trip real quick.

I'll have to try that vinegar trick. Do you know how much vinegar you would use? I'll try and source that vinyl covered chain you referred to. Thanks for that info.

After doing a bit of research, it seems that large waste line goes straight up to the pump out fitting, making me beleive that it connected to the porta-potti's small holding tank. I beleive the small line is a vent hose for the porta-potti. I think I've sourced one similar, but haven't decided on what directions to do. I don't beleive I have a larger tank somewhere in the boat.
 
The vinegar was easy and you can get a gallon for a couple of bucks. Pour half in and let it soak for a bit and then drain it. I have about 40 gallons and a half gallon takes most of the bleach taste out. I pour it in first and then start pumping to the faucetts as soon as I can. then I just let the tank fill up after that.

The anchor device was white vinyl of cable. Very strong and easy to manipulate and use. I'm not sure where youg get those? I don't have one. I have a mechanical "J" hook that grabs the chain and locks it down. It's kind of a pain to open and remove, so I've considered something else. It's just not user friendly, but it's reliable and works.

The holding tank would most likely be along the firewall in the bilge. It would be easy to spot. You are probably right in that it was designed for a small porta pottie. If you have room and a tank.....
 
The vinegar was easy and you can get a gallon for a couple of bucks. Pour half in and let it soak for a bit and then drain it. I have about 40 gallons and a half gallon takes most of the bleach taste out. I pour it in first and then start pumping to the faucetts as soon as I can. then I just let the tank fill up after that.

The anchor device was white vinyl of cable. Very strong and easy to manipulate and use. I'm not sure where youg get those? I don't have one. I have a mechanical "J" hook that grabs the chain and locks it down. It's kind of a pain to open and remove, so I've considered something else. It's just not user friendly, but it's reliable and works.

The holding tank would most likely be along the firewall in the bilge. It would be easy to spot. You are probably right in that it was designed for a small porta pottie. If you have room and a tank.....

Thanks, will use the vinegar trick! When your winterize your water system, do you suggest drining and blowing out with compressed air, or using marine antifreeze to fill with?
 
I drain and use compressed air. I tried the RV antifreeze and it was awful! It's easy to drain the tank, hot water tank and then just open the valves and blow through most of the lines. The RV antifreeze that I tried one year was labeled as "mint" and it took a while before that left the system. I think vinegar was what did it! I also disconnect the tank where it connects to the pump and make sure the pump is empty as well as lines from the pump out bound. It doesn't take long to do. In my travel trailer, I just drain the main tank and the hot water tank. The rest seems to drain itself once the valves are open. I've never had any issues with that. One year I was out in January and left it for a few days. Came back and the propane was empty and it was around 10 degrees! The hot water tank was electric so it didn't freeze, but the rest of it was one giant ice cube. All of that pex tubing can handle a freeze. It thawed out in about an hour once I switched propane tanks and opened the compartments to let the heat in where the tubing was. I still don't have any leaks from that experience. I'm sure the boat would be similar, but I'd rather not tempt fate either!!
 
Hi All, Thought I would share some pics of my 1998 250DA project boat, always a work in progress but essentially finished it this spring and I have to say came out great.
 

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Hi All, Thought I would share some pics of my 1998 250DA project boat, always a work in progress but essentially finished it this spring and I have to say came out great.
Looking great!!
 
Hi All, Thought I would share some pics of my 1998 250DA project boat, always a work in progress but essentially finished it this spring and I have to say came out great.
Looking good!!!
 
Hi All, Thought I would share some pics of my 1998 250DA project boat, always a work in progress but essentially finished it this spring and I have to say came out great.
Looks great. I like the extended bimini. Mine has the original 2 section bimini. Did you rebed the portlights? Other interior modifications or pics?
 
Yes, all portlights and front hatch were removed and rebeded, they all leaked, also repaired screens at same time. The dated green and gold color stripes and canvas have been replaced along with the rear seat and a few of the other cushions also. The boat had sat for 5 years in less than desirable conditions , took 5k to get the OD up to snuff, don’t think there is a sq.ft. of this boat that hasn’t been addressed.
 

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Snap Straps - So there's a small ankle high door on the back of the boat leading to the swim platform. You can secure it open with an attached snap strap. But - Oops it just ripped in half last weekend when my daughter pulled on it too hard. OK the thing was deteriorated. It's a '98 after all. Easy mini project and I will bet this happens all the time.
I found black polypropylene strap material in 5/8 width. Better than the original which looked like cloth. Polypropylene resists water more than PVC or nylon. The trick was finding that material in 5/8" width. I found one source: an Ebay vendor Caninuscollars. 5 yards for about $5. Then the snaps and flare tool I got at Home Depot for another $5 or so. I re-used the original screw-in snap that secures the strap to the door.
 

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I need help with a couple of silly questions. Does anyone know the dimensions of the factory cockpit table and also, I'm trying to understand how the screen is supposed to attach to the skylight in the cabin. There are 4 rivet looking things on the frame but I'm thinking I'm missing something that goes on those to hold the screen in place. Mines a 97' DA.
 
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Those rivets should have plastic clips that rotate and retain the screen. I will take some photos of mine later today. Update: Here they are.
 
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Oh! I see now. That makes sense. Thanks for the pictures. I'll have to find some kind of replacement as my clips must have broken off. There's nothing but the rivet left.
 
Hello all. I just purchased a 1997 250 Sundancer and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. I do have a question though, does anyone have a digital copy of the Owners's Manual for this year/model? I have been unable to find one online anywhere and it would be quite helpful. Thanks in advance, and looking forward to sharing stories/questions/answers here.
 

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