speed of 260's and 280's Sundancer

ldossey

New Member
Jun 2, 2016
12
lake Belton
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Here to learn about sport cruisers before I purchase
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I am in the market for pre owned smaller sport Cruiser. I want new enough for fuel injected engine. I want something that 2 people are comfortable sleeping in, and a boat that drinks less fuel per hour than a larger cruiser like a 340. I am curious of engine size and speed in the 260, 270, and 280 with one engine. Thanks
 
Isn't 5000RPM "screaming fast" for the typical motor? I wouldn't imagine most folks would cruise for long at that speed?

I begin weeping quietly anytime I get above 4000RPM. I love stretching her legs once in a while but I really do hate paying that gas bill.
 
I can get 2 mpg at 3800 rpm with light load at 27 mph. Loaded up I only get 1.8 mpg 3850 rpm 26 mph. 260 DA with 6.2 L and gen.
 
Twin 4.3L motors. I get 1.5mpg (burning roughly 16-17gph) running 3400rpm's doing around 29mph. I've seen 49mph on the gps but was an 1/8th tank of gas, no water or waste and only me in the boat.
 
Isn't 5000RPM "screaming fast" for the typical motor? I wouldn't imagine most folks would cruise for long at that speed?

I begin weeping quietly anytime I get above 4000RPM. I love stretching her legs once in a while but I really do hate paying that gas bill.

I just wanted to know what the total capability of speed was. I would not run it open very long either. Thank you for the input
 
I can get 2 mpg at 3800 rpm with light load at 27 mph. Loaded up I only get 1.8 mpg 3850 rpm 26 mph. 260 DA with 6.2 L and gen.

I will more than likely be getting a 2004 to 2006, 260 Sundancer. Is this boat too big to take out of the water every weekend? Mine will be fresh water lake enjoyment. Since you have a 260, can you give me an idea of the yearly maintenance cost to own a 260, like service fees, hull or engine maintenance, etc..? Do you have any input for me as far as engine size with consideration to my purchase? ( does 1 engine size get better mile per gallon than another, when looking to buy?) Thanks
 
i take my 240 out every weekend. yea its two more feet but I dont see it being that much more hassle. Biggest reason i didnt get a 260 was the arch. I need to store in my barn and the arch made it a no go
 
I will more than likely be getting a 2004 to 2006, 260 Sundancer. Is this boat too big to take out of the water every weekend? Mine will be fresh water lake enjoyment. Since you have a 260, can you give me an idea of the yearly maintenance cost to own a 260, like service fees, hull or engine maintenance, etc..? Do you have any input for me as far as engine size with consideration to my purchase? ( does 1 engine size get better mile per gallon than another, when looking to buy?) Thanks

Mine is on a trailer and we go where we want-have 4-big lakes w/in 1.5 hrs. You will need a 3/4 ton truck to pull it. Kendall is getting 2mpg with the 6.2 and I can get 2.25 mpg with a 350 mag which is a negligible difference.

We we dropped about $5k in ours the first 3 months for things like TV system, all new trailer tires and bearings, and a ton of little things to make it ours. I do all of my maintenance-oil and filter changes on engine and gen, fluid changes on OD, winterization, impellers on gen and engine, zincs, OD priming and painting, gel coat repairs, waxing, fuel treatment for ethanol fuel, new battery charger, 2-new house batteries, new trim sensor and limit switches, and the list goes on. Mine has been to the shop 1-time for a new oil pan to the tune of $1400.

Do your own yearly maintenance for around maybe $200. Be prepared for the unexpected. I believe in Preventative Maintenance and I have never had a breakdown. If you pay the shop, be prepared for $100/HR labor and pure retail on parts. The membership on this forum have saved me untold amounts of money.

Just my $0.02 and that is all it is worth...

Bennett
 
Mine is on a trailer and we go where we want-have 4-big lakes w/in 1.5 hrs. You will need a 3/4 ton truck to pull it. Kendall is getting 2mpg with the 6.2 and I can get 2.25 mpg with a 350 mag which is a negligible difference.

We we dropped about $5k in ours the first 3 months for things like TV system, all new trailer tires and bearings, and a ton of little things to make it ours. I do all of my maintenance-oil and filter changes on engine and gen, fluid changes on OD, winterization, impellers on gen and engine, zincs, OD priming and painting, gel coat repairs, waxing, fuel treatment for ethanol fuel, new battery charger, 2-new house batteries, new trim sensor and limit switches, and the list goes on. Mine has been to the shop 1-time for a new oil pan to the tune of $1400.

Do your own yearly maintenance for around maybe $200. Be prepared for the unexpected. I believe in Preventative Maintenance and I have never had a breakdown. If you pay the shop, be prepared for $100/HR labor and pure retail on parts. The membership on this forum have saved me untold amounts of money.

Just my $0.02 and that is all it is worth...

Bennett

Thanks. I will learn to do that stuff. I appreciate the info and the time.
 
Google "boattest 2005 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer" for the Boattest.com review of the boat with the 496 which includes a fuel consumption/speed table. I have found it spot on with I have experienced with my '06 260. Annual dealer provided maintenance is approximately $1200 for boat only used in fresh water and lift kept under cover. Great boat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
As far as fuel consumption. The motor will make almost no difference. The boat and the speed you run will determine MPG, not the motor. There are sales guys that will promise you fuel savings with smaller motors. That works in cars, but not boats. The primary reason is boats don't coast. Get whatever motor you want, but don't get a smaller motor for fuel savings, or you will be very disappointed.
 

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