How will this 268 handle the chop and bad water conditions?

[ProfitOfDoom]

You probably read my post and seen im pretty much set on getting this 1987 268 sundancer with 454/bravo3. I never owned a boat this style or this big and was wondering how it will handle the rough waters,if I ever get caught in them. I boat in lake erie and it could get nasty on occasion but the average at Worst is like 3' waves this size boat should do well,yes?
Also I was reading somewhere on the web from this guy who surveyed another boat and at the end he says this...
"Oh, yes. We might add that when you launch this boat from a trailer . . . . the engine fills up with water through the exhaust. That's a danger you'll face with launching any boat this size from a trailer. Not a good idea."
I dont understand why would this happen,are these boats only made for hoist launches or something?

 

[BonBini]

I'm over in Lake Michigan. Going from my old 230 to my 268 was night and day. In lite chop where the 230 chattered across, the 268 rode like almost flat calm sea's. 2 - 3 footers swelling where the 230 liked to come outa the water, the 268 just split through them. I did have the 268 out in 3 - 4's, white caps with the ocasional 4 - omg's, enough to bury the bow pulpit when taking head on and she really liked to roll. Handled surprising well when tacking into them. I felt the boat could handle more but I was definatly at my limits.

I be curious to hear what that 7.4/b3 combo will let her top out at. I'm seeing a solid 40mph.

btw: that trailer launching water in the engine thing... I've got some pretty tall risers and it dosn't seem to be a problem with mine!

...Ron

 

[Away Point]

You should be fine on Erie most of the time, but as you know, many call Erie "Lake Evil" because it can change so fast. I'd say 99% of the time if the weather turns, it will be more of a nuisance that a serious threat -- assuming you make reasonable choices. Be aware, and you'll be fine.

Ramps very a lot, and most of the time you shouldn't have any problems with water back tracking into the exhaust. (at least based on my 25' off shore with twin 5.7's) In fact, as far as I know, there are flappers in the exhaust which should prevent that. Basically, the only time it is at all likely to happen is on very very steep ramps. I'd hazard a guess that the swim platform would be well under water before it could be a problem. Most ramps, no problem.

Of course, if someone knows more specifics, please feel free to correct me.

 

[ProfitOfDoom]

Im glad to hear it will handle the crappy stuff pretty well,and hopefully make you feel a little safer. Im not looking to be a daredevil or anything and will be happy to stay on the river if its more then a mild chop,but the wife will be happy to see it will make the ride better. A couple of years ago me and my wife went to the air show on our boat "20.5 1972 pennyan" On the way there it wasnt bad at all,but as we sat behind the break wall watching the show for a couple of hour,then pulled up anchor and it was worse,and as we got a 1/4 way back the swells were very large and as we would ride down them the bow would actually dip into the water,Very scary.
I hope to make it to the air show this summer "hopefully with this boat if everything goes through" And if we get caught in crap,this boat should handle it better,and if not now I will have a galley to retreat in behind the breakwall if we dont feel like battling old mr erie
Oh yea,Ron.. What truck do you use to trailer the boat? I have a 1996 gmc 1500 4x4 with a 305,I think the last boat was even much for it,this boat would probally kill my truck i dont think im going to try with the old girl. I was thinking of just renting a pickup for the day to haul it back from the current owner "its like 1 hour from me" Pretty much all free way,do you think like a standard pickup maybe like a ford 250 should do the trick,,or should I look for a beefier diesel pickup?

 

[keokie]

The getting water in the engine thing when backing off a trailer came from Pascoe, right? This is one of many areas where he is just plain full of it. They do fine backing off trailers, even on very steep ramps. If you are concerned, riser extensions are cheap and easy to add for extra insurance.

268's perform admirably in rough water, but don't let that lead you into dangerous conditions. Remember, a mechanical or health problem in adverse conditions is greatly exaggerated.

Plenty of people tow boats that size with 1/2 ton trucks, but a 3/4 or more will be a much better combination, as would a diesel.

The 268 is a very nice vessel with a great layout, exceptional styling, and good handling characteristics. It's a fine boat. If this one is mechanically and structurally sound, you will be pleased to own it.

 

[BonBini]

ProfitOfDoom: I tow with a 99 Chevy 1500 4x4 5.3L auto reg cab sht box. She is a handful back there!! I've added a leaf spring to each side to add 750 lb capacity. Truck sets almost level and handles great. Power! My 5.3 w 285 hp is definatly lacking in the balls dept. I keep the trans in 3rd and don't go much over 50mph. I'm only 1/5 hour from the lake via back roads, so for now it works out.

Your truck: That 305 is gona say WTF! Maybe if you could get it home with a 3/4 ton it might be best since you have to run the highway.

If you have to make your 1/2 ton work for a while like me... Keep it outa overdrive when towing. If you don't have a tow/haul mode, manually pull it down into 1st (assuming you have a auto trans) when pulling out of the water. This will bring in another clutch to help hold the low rev sprag bearing.

btw: you think she's heavy now, just wait till the admiral's done loading her up. Now that she's got a kitchen sink and all that. :grin:. Hope all goes well for you two.

...Ron

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Used to have an 89 268. Trailered it to many different launch spots with our F150 Quad-Cab (5.4Ltr 4x4).

Never had a water intrusion issue from launching.

The 150 was marginal for towing, but it would work. 4WD Low pulled it out without a sweat, but at highway speeds it was not able to stay in OD so ran it without OD. Used more fuel/more noise, but easier on the tranny!

The 268 handled well in Lake Erie - from Put-In-Bay to the Detroit river after a night of NE winds. Much larger boats would not venture past the islands and said "you'll be back in about an hour". I was nervous for a while, but after learning to "surf" down the front of the waves at 30+ kts then climbing up the back of the next wave became fun! Thought I was a big shot until passing a 12-14' little aluminum fishing boat with 2 guys sitting in the middle of the lake with their lines in the water. That kinda deflated the ol' ego!:smt013

I do miss not being able to trailer, but an F150 just wouldn't be enough now!:grin:

 

[berth control]

The 268 handles pretty well but it rolls a lot side to side. Narrow beam for the length and you ride very high out of the water for the beam too. It will take some getting used to if you are moving from a bowrider or runabout that sits lower in the water. I wouldn't worry about water coming in the exhaust when launching. About the towing, your truck will work but it can do it just fine if you go slow. I pulled my boat with my 2wd half ton with a 4.3 V6 one time for about 10 miles in a bind. Just go slow and make SURE your trailer brakes are good.