This freshwater only 2015 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer has been well maintained and is new to the market. It is powered by Mercruiser 350 MAG w/ Bravo III drives with only 103 Hrs.
Equipment features/options include:
• Mercruiser 350 MAG w/ Bravo III drives w/ only 103 Hrs
• Garmin Chart Plotter / GPS
• Fiberglass Arch
• Bimini Top w/Boot
• Camper Canvas Package
• Compass
• Depth Finder
• VHF Radio
• Windlass
• Trim Tabs
• Remote Controlled Spotlight
• Stereo System
• Transom Trim Switch
• Battery Charger/Converter
• Dual Battery Switch
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Swim Platform w/ Ladder
• Air Conditioning / Heating
• Cockpit Coolbox
• Cockpit Cover
• Automatic Fire Suppression System
• Interior Carpet Runners
• Mid Sleeper Window
• Snap-in Carpet Cockpit
• Foredeck Sun Pad
• TV w / DVD- V-berth
• Vacuum Flush Head
• Windshield Wiper (starboard)
Throughout the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer are indications of good engineering and design. From the extended swim platform to the bow with its well-secured sun pad, all deck space is maximized to pack in as much entertaining and lounging as possible.
Access is from either the rear platform through a portside gate, or over the sides topped with non-skid and integrated inboard steps. Both options have grabrails and in the cockpit the aisles are wide and grab handles and drink holders abound.
Cockpit seating creates what Sea Ray calls a conversation area of lounges in a circle with room for nine or 10 people when the helm seat is reversed. A teak table is stored under the rear lounge and has two sets of aluminum posts that allow it be used for lunch or lowered to make a wide sunlounge with the addition of extra cushions. There is also dedicated storage for all cushions and supports.
As well as its forward-facing position the rear section of the lounge converts to a sun pad or flips to make a rear-facing seat when the boat is at rest, making the swim platform even more accommodating. Along with the twin helm seat, the chaise lounge to port allows another two passengers to interact with the skipper underway.
INTERIOR
Downstairs, the neatly laid-out cabin features a chic Prestige Cherry interior. Against the dark timber are cream walls and ceiling, and cushion fabric a lush beige. Thick marine carpet is sensibly protected by clip-off Sunbrella material to keep the interior looking pristine.
The vee-berth in the bow has a long table for dining and also converts to a large bed so, with the mid-cabin double under the cockpit sole, there are options when overnighting for a couple to leave the dinette in place or share the space, albeit with limited privacy.
The cook gets an electric/alcohol single-burner cooktop and a sink with fresh hot-water set into a granite-style Corian benchtop. The Microwave works from shorepower or through an onboard inverter and there’s also a dual-power Dometic fridge-freezer.
Opposite the galley is an enclosed head with vacuflush toilet, a hand-held shower and a Corian vanity. The space has good ventilation and the teak floor covering is a nice nautical touch. On a boat this size you shouldn’t expect anything too spacious so showering is a sit-down operation as headroom isn’t over-generous. Happily, there’s a transom shower to enjoy as an alternative.
HANDLING AND RIDE
With a moderate crosswind the tabs kept the boat on an even keel, and on the plane the tabs came into effect for best fore-and-aft ride and the most economical fuel burn. It’s a good addition to this style of high-riding sportsboat and while they seemed to work well the tabs can be returned to manual at the touch of the control pad if you don’t agree with how they are operating.
The 300hp 5.7lt V8 MerCruiser 350 MPI has plenty of deep-throated rumble and had the efficiently-shaped hull planning at an impressive 10kts – no doubt helped by the superior drive of the big counter-rotating props. Cruising at 24kts and around 3750rpm cutting across the chop and wake of other boats. The Sea Ray’s 3500kg weight helps it belt through waves, and any larger wake is taken in its stride without undue banging or any of the fittings rattling loose.
The vessel hit 34.2kts at 5000 rpm with a full load of fuel – and plenty fast enough for a blast around your local waterway to a quiet anchorage for the day, or perhaps a night or two on the water.
Handling is sporty and precise at higher speeds. In sharp, low-speed turns under power it leans over and pushes water off its big shoulders but doesn’t dig the nose in for any nasty surprises.
