Generator possibilities in 260DA Sundancers

[Gunn]

For some time now, we've been looking around to upgrade to a 260 Sundancer. One of the reasons we bumped up to this, instead of a 250DA was the ability to have an onboard generator. I was looking through the spec sheets in the Sea Ray archives and noticed that lack of an optional generator available on the 1999 and 2000 260DA's.

In 1997 and 1998, the 270DA listed an optional generator.
In 1999 and 2000, the 260DA, there is no mention of a generator as an option.
In 2001 and 2002, the 260DA lists an optional generator.

Is it possible to install a generator in a 1999 or 2000 260 Sundancer? I would assume so, but the lack of mentioning it in the spec sheet has been wondering. Our price range has us being able to afford one right in that ballpark.

Anyone have a '99 or '00 with a generator?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Henry Boyd]

Tom,

Are you asking the question to determine if you can buy a 260 in the year range you are interested with a pre-existing genset, or asking if you can install a genset in 1999-2000 if you buy it without?

Being in the no genset boat as well, I can confirm installing a genset after the fact is an expensive proposition. I would recommend buying a boat with genset over buying a boat without.

Henry

 

[Moose]

I have a 04 260 with the genset. There is room for it, usually on the left side of the bilge looking into the engine hatch. However, placing a genset in aftermarket will be expensive. Just visualize trying to place a unit of this size into that space! Find your boat with it already installed and you'll be ahead of the game.

 

[Groucho]

I had a 99 270 wide beam. One of the best looking boats and wider than the 260.
Look for a 270 and you will be very happy you did, and a generator was available.
Saving a few bucks now will haunt you...I've been there.

 

[Nehalennia]

There was an optional Genset in '00. I've seen it on the manual and parts list. Either way yes you can add one. If it doesn't have one, and from what I understand, is you would relocate the Vacuflush/Holding tank and mount it on the generator stand where the H20 currently is. Relocate the Water tank to port and add the Genny to the Starboard side.
Look on Page 10.
'00 SeaRay 260DA Owner's Manual

 

[VinceR]

We bought our 1999 270 Sundancer wide body without a generator. I did not want the 3600RPM Kohler generator. We installed the quieter 1800RPM Westebeke 5.0 generator. Served us well for 7 years. It is still performing for the new owners.

 

[Redhook98]

An aftermarket gen is at least $10k to do it right. Find a boat with one already installed. Go up to a 270-290.

 

[Gunn]

Thanks for the comments. I'm looking either way. There are not a lot of boats with it already installed; a very rare option it seems.

We've already had enough feature creep over the last 2-3 years deciding what boat was going to be our next...215EC, 240DA, 250DA, now to the 260DA. I have looked at the 270DA's from 97-98 (didn't they stop production and go into the 260DA in 1999?)...

While the 270 it's "only a foot" longer, it is a considerably larger boat (~1500lbs). I'm hesitant to go even bigger. I think going from a 18' bowrider to a 26' cruiser is the largest jump I want to make! Not not mention the cost of ownership and fuel burn rate. We need to keep it affordable to maximize our time on the water.

If I did have to install a generator after-the-fact, it would be a DIY project, even if the engine needed to be removed to do so! Thanks Todd for the detailed info. :smt001 So I hope it still wouldn't be a $10k proposition, otherwise...I'll just have to tell my wife to forget it and enjoy the ice cooler and battery-operated fan!

Tom

 

[JeffM]

Hi Tom,

Our '00 260DA has a generator, added by the dealer for the original purchaser but supposedly following the OEM bilge component placement -- as Todd said it was a factory option that year. From the manual, it appears they had to move most of the major components in the bilge to install it; I'll look at home tonight and let you know.

Our current layout has the water heater in the stern port side, the batteries in front of that, and then the water tank. The holding tank is in the center at the front of the engine compartment, the generator is in the stbd rear, and the vacuflush pump and vacuum tank are just ahead of the generator. We do not have a sound shield on the generator (sure wish we did, though!).

Finding a boat with the generator already installed is definitely your best bet...rearranging the bilge will be quite a project.

 

[Groucho]

Thanks for the comments. I'm looking either way. There are not a lot of boats with it already installed; a very rare option it seems.

We've already had enough feature creep over the last 2-3 years deciding what boat was going to be our next...215EC, 240DA, 250DA, now to the 260DA. I have looked at the 270DA's from 97-98 (didn't they stop production and go into the 260DA in 1999?)...

While the 270 it's "only a foot" longer, it is a considerably larger boat (~1500lbs). I'm hesitant to go even bigger. I think going from a 18' bowrider to a 26' cruiser is the largest jump I want to make! Not not mention the cost of ownership and fuel burn rate. We need to keep it affordable to maximize our time on the water.

If I did have to install a generator after-the-fact, it would be a DIY project, even if the engine needed to be removed to do so! Thanks Todd for the detailed info. :smt001 So I hope it still wouldn't be a $10k proposition, otherwise...I'll just have to tell my wife to forget it and enjoy the ice cooler and battery-operated fan!

Tom

Tom...within reason..you will not notice the extra fuel and size from a 260 to a 270. I guarantee you will never say this boat is too big.

 

[Gunn]

Thanks guys, great info, as always!

Tom

 

[dpmulvey]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned using a honda 2Kiu on the platform. There, that'll stir up the pot a bit!!!!

If you decide to go through with this, Westerbeke makes a 3K unit that was designed specifically for the smaller cruiser.

http://www.westerbeke.com/Products/productdetailLanding.aspx?id=36

I see you are on the Potomac. You may want to give Engines 1 in Portsmouth, VA. I don't know if they are still running this aspect of their business, however last year they were selling used reconditioned generators with a warranty for about 1/2 the price of a new one.

When you do the project, I would highly recommend you install a water seperator exhaust system with some minor mods that would allow you to redirect the carbon monoxide well above the boat while at anchor.

http://www.hansenmarine.com/Installation%20Manual%20Marine.pdf page 15 gives you some examples.

Good luck. Keep us posted and show pix of the progress.

 

[chollyjohn]

Let's face it, disregarding price and operating costs, can a boat ever be soo big?
Sea Rays Knoxville location has a great crew of guys there that can help you about equip your boat with the genset recommended (if any) by Sea Ray. Its good info and they will tell you where its best suited to be installed for good weight distribution. Westerbeke makes the new 3.0KW which runs at 2200. Its pretty quiet for its class (compared to other 3600RPM Onan's that sound like a lawnmover in yoru engine compartment). Estimated cost today, aftermarket, installed is about $5500-6000.00. That's my comments. That's all. Happy Boating!!!

 

[Scott1]

Nice 260's with gens are hard to find.

 

[skolbe]

My - 260 had a 3000 Watt Continuous Inverter - With 4 dedicated golf cart batteries - it worked quite well for an evening or up to 6 hours for the day.

 

[Presentation]

Westerbeke makes the new 3.0KW which runs at 2200. Its pretty quiet for its class (compared to other 3600RPM Onan's that sound like a lawnmover in yoru engine compartment). Estimated cost today, aftermarket, installed is about $5500-6000.00. That's my comments. That's all. Happy Boating!!!

Add $3,000 to the above estimate.

 

[Nehalennia]

Thanks guys, great info, as always!

Tom

I'll sell you mine and I'll put a genny in it for you.

Seriously, If you really want a genny, I'd add one after you find the right boat. That way you know it's been maintained and is done right. The market is so good in the buyers favor you may be able to save enough on the deal to pay for the genny upgrade.

 

[370Dancer]

two words
Next Gen
ok, nexgen

 

[MLauman]

... they were selling used reconditioned generators with a warranty for about 1/2 the price of a new one...

This is what I did on my 270, but my source was around Ft Lauderdale. I bought a used Kohler 4kw with about 3 actual hours on it for about $2500. I spent another $1000 or so on the parts and did the install myself. So my entire cost was under $4000. It has performed flawlessly for several years now.

I had to shuffle a few things around in the bilge, but it probably wasn't quite as bad as what I'm reading here. I think it was limited to batteries and trim pumps, IIRC.

 

[Moose]

Yes, 260's with gen set are hard to find. I have one. Wouldn't go any other way.