260DA - Power options and recommendations

trebbel

trebbel

Member
Feb 13, 2007
152
Bowleys Quarters, MD
Boat Info
1999 400DB
Engines
CAT 3116TA
I have been after a buddy to get a boat. He has been looking and found a couple he likes with 350Mag and 6.2l power. I have always felt it better to go with the bigger motor. Would anyone comment on the performace of this boat with different power options? I think everyone he has looked at has the Bravo3 outdrive. Thank you.
 
The 6.2 is a stroked 5.7 (350 Mag)

  • 6.2
    • Advantages
      • Larger engine provides more power
      • All else being equal a longer stroke makes more torque
    • Disadvantages
      • More displacement usually requires more fuel
      • Long stroke engines have higher piston velocities which is more stress on the reciprocating mass and may reduce max RPM
      • Mercruiser "engineered" the 6.2 from GM's 5.7
  • 350Mag
    • Advantages
      • GM designed and built - probably more reliable - parts easier to acquire being from GM
      • Respectable power vs. fuel burn
      • Square bore x stroke provides good life and reasonable piston velocity
    • Disadvantages
      • Probably less torque than the 6.2
 
The 2006 is a heavier boat, according to Sea Ray's specs; assuming the '03 is in good shape and priced right, I'd favor it over the '06.
 
Todd,
I think both the 6.2 and the 350Mag are great engines. The 03 will handle like my '00. He'll like the lack of tipiness over what the 05 has. When I seatrialed the '05 prior to buying this one, I know that was a concern of mine. I also know those with the newer models have overcome and become used to it. The 05 is also a heavier boat so that 03 will more than likely feel more alive.

What are the prices he's staring at?
 
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Todd, We have the 5.7 EFI, 260 hp, with Bravo III and although the boat has enough power, I'd certainly recommend the larger motor -- especially if he may be pulling a tube, skier, etc.
 
I had a 2000 260DA with the 5.7EFI. It was adequate but nothing more. More than 4 adults and planning times got long.
 
JeffM said:
Todd, We have the 5.7 EFI, 260 hp, with Bravo III and although the boat has enough power, I'd certainly recommend the larger motor -- especially if he may be pulling a tube, skier, etc.
Click to expand...

jg300da said:
I had a 2000 260DA with the 5.7EFI. It was adequate but nothing more. More than 4 adults and planning times got long.
Click to expand...

I also have the same 5.7 EFI engine and feel that it does a great job. It's no speed demon, but I like to cruise a 25.7 knots(30MPH), 3400 RPM and 8.5 GPH.
 
Nehalennia said:
I also have the same 5.7 EFI engine and feel that it does a great job. It's no speed demon, but I like to cruise a 25.7 knots(30MPH), 3400 RPM and 8.5 GPH.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with Todd, and I like the layout of the 2005 and up 260's. :grin: :thumbsup:
 
The two different model 260DA's have near identical cabins and therefore there is litle difference in that regard. However, in the cockpit one of the big differences is all the built-in underseat storage you have on the newer 260DA's versus the older ones. Don't underestimate the usefullness of that on a pocket cruiser where space is at a premium because if it can't be kept in the cockpit then it's likely to wind up in the cabin.

As to the hulls, you will find the newer 260DAs are Yacht Certified whereas I don't believe the older hulls are. You can read more about Yacht Certification here http://www.nmma.org/certification/programs/yachts/ The construction methods and materials probably account for some of the heavier weight of the newer 260DAs.

Now we get to performance. No matter what the engine choices are, it's likely that given the same engine in both the older hulls and the newer hulls, the older hull will probably have a higher top end and require lower RPM for the same cruising speeds. The fuel economy edge in that same situation would go to the old hull also in all likelihood. And given the two boats you mentioned, the 6.2 will have a clear speed advantage over the 350. Just the same the 350 mag is usually adequate for most folks on the newer 260DAs. But if I had my choice I would have a 496 in mine but that's a very pricey upgrade.:grin:

As to handling, from what I understand the older hull is a bit more stable than the newer one. But if you have the newer hull there are just a few tricks you need to learn about trimming the outdrive and use of the trim tabs and the new one performs just fine.

Making the choice after examining all the variables is the hard part. Good luck to your friend in doing that.

Dave
 
jg300da said:
I had a 2000 260DA with the 5.7EFI. It was adequate but nothing more. More than 4 adults and planning times got long.
Click to expand...

That's our issue...when we put all our junk --err-- stuff on board and then add more than two adults and two children, it takes forever to get on plane.

The Admiral really likes the portside fold/slide-down sun pad, and the later model does no have that. We use low storage bins under the rear bench seat for additional storage (PFDs), and between them and the under-sink locker, we have plenty of storage.
 
Dave S said:
The two different model 260DA's have near identical cabins and therefore there is litle difference in that regard. However, in the cockpit one of the big differences is all the built-in underseat storage you have on the newer 260DA's versus the older ones. Don't underestimate the usefullness of that on a pocket cruiser where space is at a premium because if it can't be kept in the cockpit then it's likely to wind up in the cabin.

As to the hulls, you will find the newer 260DAs are Yacht Certified whereas I don't believe the older hulls are. You can read more about Yacht Certification here http://www.nmma.org/certification/programs/yachts/ The construction methods and materials probably account for some of the heavier weight of the newer 260DAs.

Now we get to performance. No matter what the engine choices are, it's likely that given the same engine in both the older hulls and the newer hulls, the older hull will probably have a higher top end and require lower RPM for the same cruising speeds. The fuel economy edge in that same situation would go to the old hull also in all likelihood. And given the two boats you mentioned, the 6.2 will have a clear speed advantage over the 350. Just the same the 350 mag is usually adequate for most folks on the newer 260DAs. But if I had my choice I would have a 496 in mine but that's a very pricey upgrade.:grin:

As to handling, from what I understand the older hull is a bit more stable than the newer one. But if you have the newer hull there are just a few tricks you need to learn about trimming the outdrive and use of the trim tabs and the new one performs just fine.

Making the choice after examining all the variables is the hard part. Good luck to your friend in doing that.

Dave
Click to expand...

Dave, can you send me the link of the "how you adjust the tabs for your newer models" you posted some time back?

My Uncle's selling his '08 260DA and I want to help him learn to drive it better. I thought your advice would help.

I know it's simply getting used to it, but it would be good if he can showcase the adjustments to the perspective new owners. I know how mine adjusts but I know it's a different sequence for the newer hulls.
 
Todd

I don't know where I posted that so I'll re-post it here.

First off I will make this disclaimer right up front. This advice only applies to 2005-2008 260DAs. If you have an earlier model 260DA or almost any other model Sea Ray, except maybe for the newer 240DAs, you will usually use your trim and tabs in a much different way.

Before attempting to come on plane make sure your tabs are fully retracted regardless of your load. In other words DO NOT USE YOUR TABS TO COME ON PLANE EVER.

Make sure your outdrive is trimmed fully down before taking off. Just before the boat starts to plane you will feel it list to port or starboard a bit. As soon as you feel that list, begin trimming the out drive up gradually until it straightens up. (It will straighten right up too if you do it quickly and no one will even notice a list when you really get good at it:grin:). Keep on trimming the drive until the boat is fully on plane then trim the drive up or down for the most comfortable ride. I find on mine that many times I have to trim all the way up to the trailer-stop (that's the spot right before you have to press your red trim button down real hard to go into full up trailer trim......never do that while underway:smt009)

Now that the boat is on plane use your trim tab to balance the load side to side. Notice I said TAB. It 's important you trim only for the side that is listing when underway. If you change course direction and the boat start to list to the other side, first retract the tab you were using and then use the other tab to balance the boat again. Never try to use both tabs simultaneously unless you are below planing speed and are just trying to plant the bow.

If you follow these simple steps, all you 2005-2008 260DA owners will be very happy how your boat performs. If you do it any other way........................well........................let's just say you won't like what happens. :smt043

Dave
 
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Dave S said:
Todd

I don't know where I posted that so I'll re-post it here.

First off I will make this disclaimer right up front. This advice only applies to 2005-2008 260DAs. If you have an earlier model 260DA or almost any other model Sea Ray, except maybe for the newer 240DAs, you will usually use your trim and tabs in a much different way.

Before attempting to come on plane make sure your tabs are fully retracted regardless of your load. In other words DO NOT USE YOUR TABS TO COME ON PLANE EVER.

Make sure your outdrive is trimmed fully down before taking off. Just before the boat starts to plane you will feel it list to port or starboard a bit. As soon as you feel that list, begin trimming the out drive up gradually until it straightens up. (It will straighten right up too if you do it quickly and no one will even notice a list when you really get good at it:grin:). Keep on trimming the drive until the boat is fully on plane then trim the drive up or down for the most comfortable ride. I find on mine that many times I have to trim all the way up to the trailer-stop (that's the spot right before you have to press your red trim button down real hard to go into full up trailer trim......never do that while underway:smt009)

Now that the boat is on plane use your trim tab to balance the load side to side. Notice I said TAB. It 's important you trim only for the side that is listing when underway. If you change course direction and the boat start to list to the other side, first retract the tab you were using and then use the other tab to balance the boat again. Never try to use both tabs simultaneously unless you are below planing speed and are just trying to plant the bow.

If you follow these simple steps, all you 2005-2008 260DA owners will be very happy how your boat performs. If you do it any other way........................well........................let's just say you won't like what happens. :smt043

Dave
Click to expand...

I agree completely with Dave. I have the exact same boat as Dave plus the generator and it works EVERY TIME... just my two cents.

This model handles like a dream if trimming is done properly. Any other way will give you bow steer and severe listing.
 
Ditto on my 07. I had to learn not to rush the boat. I was rushing it, expecting everything to be instant and was way over tabbing with some intresting results. Let her come up on her own and it takes a couple of seconds for everything to settle in and see or feel the results of your adjustments. Great explaination Dave S!
 
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I always get confused with all of those types of engines:
5.7, 6.2, 350 Mag, 496, 8.1.
Can someone explain it to me?
Thank you.
 
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