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jmatasic

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Feb 22, 2008
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29475
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I found a 1986 270 Sundancer with twin 170's. Any thoughts on these engines versus the 330? Fuel economy, power, durability, etc?
 
As I continue to look for a boat I have narrowed my options and would like some feedback on engine/model/etc. I have narrowed my preferences to a late 80's 268 weekender/Sundancer or 260/270 sundancer. Any common problems with any of these models or things to be on the lookout for? Seems engine choices are twins (4 cyl/6 cylinder/8 cylinder) or single (260/330). Any comments on which engines are not the way to go or that I should stay away from? I would like decent fuel economy, but want to be able to get on plain quickly with 4 or 5 peeople on board. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
I had a 1989 268 DA for several years. It had a single 7.4L/Bravo 1. The prop was stainless 17" pitch (don't remember the diameter). Cruise was about 30 mph at 3100 RPM with about 12 gph fuel usage. I would not have this boat with the 5.7L/Alpha 1 combination. That would be underpowered with the load you're talking about. Twins will get you twice the maintenance and probably not much performance improvement. Loved the one I had and would recommend it. Don't know why they don't make that cabin arrangement with the dedicated dinette in a trailerable boat anymore.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jmatasic

I found a 1986 270 Sundancer with twin 170's. Any thoughts on these engines versus the 330? Fuel economy, power, durability, etc?

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I's a slug. I test drove a similar boat with the same engines several years ago. Great boat, but not near enough power for the weight. The 4 cylinder sips gas, but in the long run, the term express cruiser is a misnomer here.
 
My first boat was an 84 260 sundancer with the 5.7 alpha 1 combo. Great boat, but woefully underpowered. Keeping it on plane meant 3600rpm. Thats hard running and it felt like the 4 barrels were constantly open. IMHO if you can find the big block 330, I think you'll really appreciate the performance improvement, and I wouldnt be surprised if it used less gas than the 260 in that boat, simply because it wont have to work nearly as hard to keep her on plane. Best of luck.
 
I have a '90 270DA with the 7.4L engine, generator, AC/Heat. The 7.4L engine seems to be pretty much bullet proof, and it gets the job done, but, not in a big hurry. I have heard of a conversion to a dou-prop outdrive that improved the performance significantly. But, that was a case of "must" replace the outdrive. Fuel economy? Well, it is a good size boat, they eat fuel.
I choose the model that I have because I wanted a boat with a good cabin layout, trailerable, genny, AC/Heat. Since we haul the boat 1,200 miles one way and stay on it for a month, it had to have a good layout. I could not find a newer model trailerable boat with the cabin layout that I wanted.
I guess that the manufacturers have decided that if you want to do any extended cruising, you are gonna have to buy 30' or more of boat.
Overall, I'm happy with the boat.
Here is a link to my web pages if you want to take a look:
http://rideaur.googlepages.com/rideaucanalhomepage
 
We have a 1989 - 280DA with twin 4.3's, great boat, great motors. I put 4 blade props on last year and it really helped getting up on plane with a full load, not that it wouldn't, but she pops right up there without any problem.
 
Thanks for the comments. I found a 1988 268DA that I'm pretty serios about. Possible survey next Friday. I haven't been on her yet, she is still wrapped for winter. 330 alpha drive. ANy thoughts on this model/year. Any notoriuous issues?
 
I have found 2 boats that peak my interest. One is a 1990 270DA and the other is a 1988 268DA. Both have the 7.4L. Obviously the 270DA has a wider beam, but how is it to dock and maneuver with the single screw? they both are the same price. Around $11000. Might be able to get the 270 a little cheaper. Any help or thoughts would be great. I would think that the 268 is better on fuel, but how much? STRUCHEN I did see your comments on your 270DA above. Without any prop changes I also assume teh 268 gets up on plane quicker?
 
I'd be concerned with the 7.4L coupled with the alpha drive. I'd be alot more comfortable with the Bravo I with that engine. I had a 1989 268 with the 7.4L/Bravo I and loved it. Excellent performance, 31 mph at 3000 rpm burning about 12 gph.
 
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