1985 searay 260 sundancer... 1000 dollars. Was this a good deal???

[Mike Blake]

That was my first sea ray an 81 260 had to do the same deal. I put a new 350 W/ Alpha 1 in it and it went ok !!! Good luck. I also put A/C in it.

 

[keokie]

The 7.4mpi is a very good motor for that boat. I would hold out and find one. They can be found. Look in AZ and Vegas, too. I have done a number of engine swaps in a number of 80's 260's. It is an entirely different boat with a big block and BIII. If you drove one with a 5.7 alpha and then a 454 or 496, you would be amazed at the difference... as much in handling as performance.

 

[LakerMatt]

ok. I have been doing some research, and you are correct... whole different boat with a 7.4. I think I have my sights on a 1999 MPI 454 in my area. he wants 2650 bucks for it. I figure that's a pretty damn good deal for a good running big block.

 

[keokie]

The 454 MPI is a very durable, torquey motor. It was rated at 310hp. I know there are 350 mags rated at 300, but they are not at all alike. We once took out a standard 350 (260hp at the crank), and replaced with the 350 mag (300hp at the prop). There was no noticeable difference in performance. It provided about 2 more mph on top, but planing was still a struggle and cruise speeds and rpms did not change. We then replaced the 350 mag with a standard 454 (310hp at the prop). Top speed increased an additional 5-7mph. It could cruise at the same speed as the 350's at 7-800 rpm less burning the same amount of fuel (all measured by GPS, and calibrated fuel flow meters). The torque of the big block makes a big difference.

Here is the thing about the 260's. They are skinny, stern heavy, and with 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom, they tend to wallow around until you get a little more speed behind them. This is why the big block is so much better. Run the boat at 25mph, and it is tender and unresponsive. At about 28mph, it improves considerably, and is beautiful at 30mph and beyond. The problem is that 28mph will require 4,000 rpm or more out of a small block, but only 32-3300 out of the 454. The BIII is whole 'nother dimension by providing stern lift, eliminating steer torque, and more effective rudder area and bite. These are all things that 260 hull cries for. The upside of the 260 hull, is that narrow, 23 degrees, and aft weight bias makes it perform beautifully if you add some power. Few other 26's provide the speed and comfortable ride you can achieve with a well powered 260.

$2650 is a good price if it is in good shape. As I mentioned before, it is an easy swap, and it will plug right in to your existing engine harness.

 

[LakerMatt]

could I use a bravo 1 drive? I found one here in my town for a good price. what gear ratio should I be looking for on this size motor and boat? 1.50?

 

[keokie]

Yes, a BI will work. It still has a larger rudder area than the alpha which will help for docking. However, a BIII will give you noticeably better performance all the way around. You could do the BI now, and upgrade the lower unit to a BIII later. The uppers of the BI and III are the same. 1.5:1 gears on a BI are good. With a BIII 2.2:1's seem to be the best for that combination.

 

[LakerMatt]

awesome. that's what he has. 1.5.1. looks like I might be upgrading soon!!

 

[keokie]

i have no doubt you will be very pleased with the result

 

[LakerMatt]

Well folks, I went ahead and bought a mercruiser 5.7 for her.... I wanted a big block, but couldn't find anything in my price range. I found a great deal on a whole drop in package out of Long Beach, CA. I have already taken the boat and the motor to the shop to have the install done. I was planning on this taking 2 seasons, but I think I will be in the water by this summer!! cant wait. all interior inside cabin redone, all exterior upholstery redone, new helm seat, new gauges, new pinstriping and graphics on the outside. new bottom paint, all trailer repainted with new rims and tires, this thing is going to be like brand new again!!! pictures to follow soon!!