Late 90s sundancer 270 or 240

[stevenh1293]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forum and looking to get my first boat. I've operated my dad's 31' (or 34' can't remember exactly) Parker that had 2 250s, so I think a 24' or 27' boat should be fine. I have a few questions and was hoping to get some advice/info.

As far as getting a boat, I know I want to get a sundancer. Most likely a late 90s that I can buy for around 15k-20k. I'm thinking a 270 would be the best option, but the weight is a concern. I'll be getting an apartment that has boat lifts for $400/month, with a size limit of 29' and 9000lbs. Does anyone have figures for a fully loaded late 90s sundancer 270? I believe dry it's 6500lbs, so I figure with full gas, water, and batteries that's at least another 1000lbs. I won't be doing an extended deck or anything. Can anyone chime in with their weight? Or lead me to a thread with this info or a thread better suited for this question?

I'm also wondering what the main difference are between the 240 and 270 as far as the cabin goes. Does the 270 just have a smaller seating section in front? I'm looking to have that mid cabin to sleep in and full bath.

 

[Stee6043]

I think you'll be pretty close to max for that lift with a 270. Fully fueled with some water in the tanks and you'll be pushing 8,000lbs. Throw in a weekends worth of beer and some hot dogs and it's all over

I'm not a lift expert. But it's always been surprising to me how much crap you end up with on a boat.

Many moons ago I slipped next to a family of 4 that spent almost every weekend on a 270. It was tight, but they made it work. I thought the layout was great for the size.

Good luck with your shopping!

 

[Pirate Lady]

Steve, where located?

 

[stevenh1293]

I think you'll be pretty close to max for that lift with a 270. Fully fueled with some water in the tanks and you'll be pushing 8,000lbs. Throw in a weekends worth of beer and some hot dogs and it's all over

I'm not a lift expert. But it's always been surprising to me how much crap you end up with on a boat.

Many moons ago I slipped next to a family of 4 that spent almost every weekend on a 270. It was tight, but they made it work. I thought the layout was great for the size.

Good luck with your shopping!

Thank you for the response!

I was wrong about the dry weight. Apparently it's 7500 for a 270. With gas and water full it would be almost 8400. I know I'm going to want to put in a TV and other devices that will add some weight so I probably will get extremely close to that 9k limit.

I'm thinking at this point a 240 or 250 will be the better option. I'm single so no kids yet, and seems like a 240 or 250 would be okay for 2 people on a trip.

 

[stevenh1293]

Steve, where located?

Hey there,

I'm in Tampa, Florida

 

[Stee6043]

Thank you for the response!

I was wrong about the dry weight. Apparently it's 7500 for a 270. With gas and water full it would be almost 8400. I know I'm going to want to put in a TV and other devices that will add some weight so I probably will get extremely close to that 9k limit.

I'm thinking at this point a 240 or 250 will be the better option. I'm single so no kids yet, and seems like a 240 or 250 would be okay for 2 people on a trip.

Perhaps it depends on the year. I found the owners manual for a 98-99 270 and it was indeed 6500 dry.

Whatever you end up with just make sure you spend a little money on a survey before you close the deal. 90's Sea Rays are notorious for wet fore decks. Great boats, just make sure you get a dry one....

 

[stevenh1293]

Perhaps it depends on the year. I found the owners manual for a 98-99 270 and it was indeed 6500 dry.

Whatever you end up with just make sure you spend a little money on a survey before you close the deal. 90's Sea Rays are notorious for wet fore decks. Great boats, just make sure you get a dry one....

Awesome! Thank you for checking. That's definitely back on the top of the list then.

And yes I do plan on getting it surveyed. I'll never buy any sort of vehicle or boat without an inspection.

 

[boatrboy]

Just in case you didn’t realize, a few years there were two versions of this boat. I had the “wide” one which is 9’2”. The se version has a smaller width, I think 8’ iirc.
I am partial, but there is a big difference in space with the two.

Mine weighed in at 7500 empty. I loved that boat. I had the single 7.4 with bravo three. Its oal was almost 30’ which made it feel quite big. Mine was not short on power.

Good luck

 

[skibum]

I'm thinking at this point a 240 or 250 will be the better option. I'm single so no kids yet, and seems like a 240 or 250 would be okay for 2 people on a trip.

If weekend trips with a woman are in your plans, be mindful of them while buying the boat.
No matter what else the boat may have, the first thing a woman is gonna want to see for a weekend out is a clean, functional head (and mirrors - at least 2).

And what Boaterboy said above.... A friend of mine has the '95 270 with the wide beam. That's a really nice weekend boat. It has a nice interior layout and lots or room.