260 Sundancer Thread.........Comments questions and answers

[kevinmc]

The sea ray site, under customer service, has a page you fill in your name, address, etc, then it takes you to a place to download a complete parts listing for your boat. Very handy. They have the same thing for owners manuals, etc.

Great, just what I needed.

THanks,

 

[Ruffbeinme]

Hey all!
Great to see a thead for the 260's! I have a 1990 260 DA (an upgrade from a 19' bowrider) and really love the boat! Definitely great to go "cruizing" around on. I have found that the cruising is best at 3200-3500 at 25 knts using around 2mpg. I was not quite sure if I was burning too much fuel or not, but it seems that I am pretty much spot on. I was wondering about putting a generator in for the A/C, but I like the idea that I read here about golf cart batteries and converter (would be alot quieter!!). Have not over nighted yet but am looking forward to it. I cruise the Chesapeake Bay, and there are so many places to cruise to and spent the night! Well need to get back to work and stop daydreaming about getting back on the boat. Have a nice day all!

Tom

 

[Obsession]

Hi guys thanks for your replies to my bilge problem .
We don't have any leaks from holding tank or vac pump ( the area around tank & pump is always bone dry + we regulalrly run boat with holding tank empty but still get a build up of water + it tastes salty.
Is there a cavity under fuel tank , I thought there was just the bilge linked by a tube to the area around the shower sump ?
I am under the impression that there could be a small leak from engine that I can't easily see and not showing up when engine at idle . So far have replaced split hose on front of engine + replaced split O ring on drain plug on fuel cooler + found hose clips on exhaust not seated correct so 3 sources eliminated but leak still there somewhere ?
I am a heating/plumbing engineer & used to tracing leaks but obviously not on a big fat V8 that has been stuffed into an awkward little space ( does anybody know a marine engineer who is less than 2ft tall ? - I could use his help!)
I think there must be some sort of bacterial growth cos if I spray the water hose under engine I get these black bits appear that are like a jelly + they break up if U try to grab hold of them I was wondering if getting a steam cleaner in there might kill off the growth ?

 

[Lazy Daze]

I think there must be some sort of bacterial growth cos if I spray the water hose under engine I get these black bits appear that are like a jelly + they break up if U try to grab hold of them I was wondering if getting a steam cleaner in there might kill off the growth ?

I've seen what you're talking about on more than a few trades that have come through the shop. I think it's just a case of a bilge that hasn't been cleaned in a long, long time.

While on the trailer, get the bow up real high. Put the drain plug in. Put a few gallons of water in the bilge, along with some bilge cleaner - anything will do. Get a brush with a 2' - 3' handle (I duct-taped an old wheel brush onto a metal pipe). Wear some old clothes and clean it real good. The brush on a stick will allow you to get all the way under the engine.

There may be some of this black crap under the fuel tank, as well. I'm not sure how big the cavity is underneath.

 

[rbryn]

still get a build up of water + it tastes salty.

I had to say it.... "Your one brave dude...":grin:

 

[Theresamarie11]

Re: 260 Sundancer Thread.........suggestions - audio upgrade

Hi all,
Continuing to go through things. I've found that my cockpit clarion component speakers have shredded cones (unglued and cracked). They work but buzz at medium volumes. I looked at replacing with same, but no one rates them well because they fall apart quickly. So any recommendations on cockpit speakers? Also, I have Clarion head unit M3170, VHS (haha) and TV LCD monitor (all old models). Any suggestions on upgrades consistent with the boat? In other words, I'll not be installing a $10K av system. 19" digital TV, dvd player, stereo with decent speakers?

Thanks much

 

[Mikew]

I wouldn't be concerned about a little water in the bilge, unless your bilge pump is running frequently.

Water can get in from a lot of places, hard rain, leaks around hardware, condensation, leaking sink or shower drain. Water that has wicked in through deck joints or hardware will travel along the interior hull of a boat making it hard to tell where it's coming from. If your concerned that the bilge pump may be pumping frequently you can put a count meter on it to track how many times it kicks on. The big thing is to know how much water is usually in there (which differs on every boat) and watch it for changes.

 

[CKL]

Hello to all.

Though this is my first post, I have been following this thread for awhile and have implemented some ideas found on my own boat.

So, I would like to ask this group a very delicate question.

Has anyone installed a power exhaust vent in the head compartment of a 2006 260 Sundancer? If so, how did you do it and what parts did you use?

This project, as well as installing a Garmin 536s gps/sounder (as soon as it is for sale), are next on my project list.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Nehalennia]

I wouldn't be concerned about a little water in the bilge, unless your bilge pump is running frequently.

Water can get in from a lot of places, hard rain, leaks around hardware, condensation, leaking sink or shower drain. Water that has wicked in through deck joints or hardware will travel along the interior hull of a boat making it hard to tell where it's coming from. If your concerned that the bilge pump may be pumping frequently you can put a count meter on it to track how many times it kicks on. The big thing is to know how much water is usually in there (which differs on every boat) and watch it for changes.

I disagree. I like a clean and dry bilge. Find out the source.
If there's enough to cause the bilge to kick on you need to check that out.

Hello to all.

Though this is my first post, I have been following this thread for awhile and have implemented some ideas found on my own boat.

So, I would like to ask this group a very delicate question.

Has anyone installed a power exhaust vent in the head compartment of a 2006 260 Sundancer? If so, how did you do it and what parts did you use?

This project, as well as installing a Garmin 536s gps/sounder (as soon as it is for sale), are next on my project list.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

The boat's for sale or the GPS?

 

[Dave S]

Hello to all.

Though this is my first post, I have been following this thread for awhile and have implemented some ideas found on my own boat.

So, I would like to ask this group a very delicate question.

Has anyone installed a power exhaust vent in the head compartment of a 2006 260 Sundancer? If so, how did you do it and what parts did you use?

This project, as well as installing a Garmin 536s gps/sounder (as soon as it is for sale), are next on my project list.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

You might want t consider installing a Heating and A/C vent instead. I did this on my 260 DA and this thread will explain how I did it. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6490&highlight=hole

Dave

 

[CKL]

The boat's for sale or the GPS?

Todd, Garmin has announced that this new gps will be for sale in the third quarter, but I have not found anyone who has it in stock yet. It looks like a nice unit.

I am keeping the boat, unless you want to make an offer?

 

[CKL]

You might want t consider installing a Heating and A/C vent instead. I did this on my 260 DA and this thread will explain how I did it. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6490&highlight=hole

Dave

Dave, Thanks for the idea and excellent instructions on how to do it, I may end up doing this instead.

BTW, I used your advice previously for the installation of a digital converter for the drop down TV. It went just as you outlined - great job!

Thanks, Charlie.

 

[Scotto97]

Last weekend I finally got my 07 to plane at 3500 RPM's by have the tabs all the way down - 20 MPH on GPS.

I'd like opinions on whether that's better than running 3750 - 3800 RPM's with no tabs at around 24 MPH (it's minimum plane speed with no tabs)

My concern is in reading that an engine shouldn't be pushed harder than 3500 RPM's for any length of time.

Thanks

 

[Zorba]

I run at 3900rpm and 26.6mph all day on my 05'. The is the sweet spot. I rarely use tabs other than to correct the "lean". Your fuel economy is probably suffering as well as you are cruising with a bow down profile.

 

[Dave S]

Last weekend I finally got my 07 to plane at 3500 RPM's by have the tabs all the way down - 20 MPH on GPS.

I'd like opinions on whether that's better than running 3750 - 3800 RPM's with no tabs at around 24 MPH (it's minimum plane speed with no tabs)

My concern is in reading that an engine shouldn't be pushed harder than 3500 RPM's for any length of time.

Thanks

The hulls are on our boats are such that the most efficient fuel burn is achieved between 3600- 3900 RPM. Check out one of my previous posts on this subject where I posted the fuel burn numbers based on my own experiences. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4189&highlight=fuel

I am also a bit surprised at your reported speed at 3500 RPM. You can see in my post that I was doing 25.3 mph at 3570 RPM with no tabs. The boat is on plane at that speed, but just barely. Also with the fuel burns you see, the higher they are the harder the engine is working. Personally, I feel running at a slight higher RPM is actual easier on the engine because it is not working as hard.

Dave

 

[Scotto97]

The hulls are on our boats are such that the most efficient fuel burn is achieved between 3600- 3900 RPM. Check out one of my previous posts on this subject where I posted the fuel burn numbers based on my own experiences. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4189&highlight=fuel

I am also a bit surprised at your reported speed at 3500 RPM. You can see in my post that I was doing 25.3 mph at 3570 RPM with no tabs. The boat is on plane at that speed, but just barely. Also with the fuel burns you see, the higher they are the harder the engine is working. Personally, I feel running at a slight higher RPM is actual easier on the engine because it is not working as hard.

Dave

Regarding the 20 MPH speed at 3500 RPM's it's probably due to the full tabs really slowing me down.

However my boat does seem slower than yours since 3800 RPM's will only get me to around 27 MPH.

Since we always overnight I have a lot of weight onboard. 3/4 tank of gas, full fresh water, 1/2 waste water on average, camping gear (bbq, table, chairs, pots & pans, etc)
I'm sure that makes a difference if you're day cruising only

It is always trailered, so bottom growth isn't an issue

Also, my trim needs to be 3/4 down to stay on plane - could this be due to the weight? I'd be curious on how high you can trim your outdrive in comparison. Smartcraft never shows my trim above 3.4 or I'll start slowing down and lose plane.

 

[Dave S]

I never use my tabs in normal cruising mode to come on plane or stay on plane and that even includes when I have as many as eight people aboard. (I only use them to do side to side balancing of the boat depending on load).

When I am on plane I am typically trimmed all the way up to the pre-trailer position or close to it. You can literally feel the difference in both speed and smoothness of the boat as you trim. I think you will find that most 260DA owners will tell you the same thing..........our boats require a lot of trim to keep them on plane and achieve good speed. Try doing a search as this subject has been discussed many times before.

Dave

 

[Scotto97]

I never use my tabs in normal cruising mode to come on plane or stay on plane and that even includes when I have as many as eight people aboard. (I only use them to do side to side balancing of the boat depending on load).

When I am on plane I am typically trimmed all the way up to the pre-trailer position or close to it. You can literally feel the difference in both speed and smoothness of the boat as you trim. I think you will find that most 260DA owners will tell you the same thing..........our boats require a lot of trim to keep them on plane and achieve good speed. Try doing a search as this subject has been discussed many times before.

Dave

I usually never use the trim tabs either so it takes around 3700 to keep on plane.

Dave - when you say our boats require a lot of trim are you saying trim up? Like 3/4 or more towards pre-trailer?

If so - when I go above 1/3 up my boat drops speed and it sounds like it's cavitating.

 

[Dave S]

I usually never use the trim tabs either so it takes around 3700 to keep on plane.

Dave - when you say our boats require a lot of trim are you saying trim up? Like 3/4 or more towards pre-trailer?

If so - when I go above 1/3 up my boat drops speed and it sounds like it's cavitating.

I trim my outdrive up to "pre-trailer" or slightly below most of the time when running on plane. I have never experienced any cavitation or drop in speed.

Dave

 

[Zorba]

Dave,

Haven't you also reversed the tree's or what ever they were called on the outdrive? There is no way i could trim it as high as you are saying. I start to cavitate at trim level four on the Smartcraft which is just below the halfway mark on the gauge. My most efficient cruise is at 3800-3900 RPM with the Trim at 3 and minimal tabs for my side to side lean