225 Weekender VS 260 Sundancer VS 280 Sundancer

[Gone Overboard]

Hi all,
New to this forum. We currently have a 225 Weekender 2003. One season and time to move up to a bigger boat. When cruising, the trim tabs when held down do (pretty much) nothing.

We took a 260 for a test drive yesterday. it was listing a bit to the left so (in my infinite wisdom) I hit the trim tab like I typically do and... nearly flipped the entire boat! Scary! Those things are nothing like my 225 and it was really tough trying to get the boat to sit straight after that. The tabs didn't have the little red lights that show up or down like I've seen in some of the videos.

I thought I saw that a 280 has something that makes it more stable. Since we are upgrading, we (I) am still toying between and 260, 270 or 280. Any insights from you folks would be helpful. Thanks guys! -Michelle

 

[bbwhitejr]

We owned a 2006 260DA for 4 years. Much has been written about the “tippiness” of the 260. You can do a search on here and find all kinds of opinions. The relatively narrow beam coupled with the height, weight, and arch can make it feel that way. However, proper OD trimming and minimal skill, make all of this go away. I had been used to driving bass boats so trimming the engine was 2nd nature. I never ever had to use the tabs unless we had more than 3 people on the boat and then I used them to get on plane and would retract them. Start off with the drive tucked all the way in and as the boat picks up speed and climbs on plane, start bumping it up and get the bow out of the water somewhat. Occasionally, it would seem to lean slightly, but by pulling the steering wheel in the opposite direction, would cause it to level out immediately. These are my experiences, others may vary.

Bennett

 

[Fill Ess]

I can't comment a ton on the trim tabs. I have them set to keep the 300 level when it's just me, and I only need to change them when I get a group on board.

And this is only on plane, but I noticed I have to give it quick presses of the tabs and see what happens. I would avoid holding down either of the tab buttons or you may get more than you baragined for!

 

[Espos4]

It’s also possible that the trim tabs weren’t operating properly. It’s very easy to confuse the lines and install them reversed.

if you were leaning to port and then deployed the starboard tab, you would definitely feel like it was going to tip.

 

[scoflaw]

Had a 2006 280 with twin 5.0's. 50 mph boat and not tippy at all

 

[Little Ducky]

I went from a 2011 260 DA to a 98 290 DA and love it...... the difference in the beam made the the boat so much enjoyable plus I can stand up in the shower.

Of the 3 you mention I'd lean towards the 280.

 

[Gone Overboard]

thank you for all the quick responses! I'm leaning strongly toward the 280. Hubby says a 2 engine is too much. I think they are easier to maneuver. Also worried about the power if we got a single engine 280? Does anyone know what is standard on a 270? one or two motors? Thanks again for all the input and advise!

 

[scoflaw]

The 280 with the single 8.1 does well.