We could figure out for ourselves that the 240 Sundancer wouldeasily sleep a family of four in its two berths. Construction andmaterials are obviously first rate, with lots of stainless steel,durable fittings and finished fiberglass. Plus it has the backingof the Sea Ray name and one of the most reliable dealer networks inthe world. What was hard for us to figure, though, was the price.When told this boat sells as outfitted in these images for under$65,000, we asked for the number to be repeated. Then the followingnote was made: “Don’t know of a better value for aweekend getaway boat.”
When entering a forward berth on a 24-foot cruiser, it’ssmart for someone over 6 feet tall to duck and remain hunched. Yetour tallest tester was able to stand straight up at the bottom ofthe 240’s steps. What we saw down there made us ask again,“All of this is part of that price?”
Yep. The galley, with butane stove, 12-volt Norcold fridge andstainless sink with 20 gallons of fresh water is better equippedthan a lot of suites. Our mom at the site gave an approvinginspection of the cherry-finished cabinets, pull-out shower andstainless fixtures in the head, while our testers noted the plumbedstorage compartments and deck scuppers that lead wateroverboard.
Parents will bed down in the forward V-bunk with five screenedventilation hatches. A smaller mid-berth is fully padded andsizable enough for two kids.
Our test boat had shore power and water hookups. It’sworth the cost. We’d also pay for the optional air conditioning sowe could overnight in mid-summer or head south.
We never felt a rattle when manning this portable vacationstation. If getting around in a hurry is important, you should optup for more power. But, we’d rather enjoy the ride and pocketthe cash.
Final Take: A complete weekender for less than somebowriders.
We Also Like …
1. Stern bench is on collapsible hinges, so engine hatch can belifted without moving the seat.
2. Wraparound helm seat sits high above the water.
3. Dash includes water resistant soft switch pad, Clarion remoteand Ritchie compass.
4. Plenty of cabin ventilation and lighting thanks to main hatchand port lights.
5. Welded one-piece security rail on the bow.
6. Redesigned dash has room for more electronics.
DETAILS
Length Overall: 26’
Beam: 8’6”
Dry Weight: 5,500 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 8/1,200 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 69 gal.
Max HP: 320
MSRP (test boat): $64,412
Contact: 800-SRBOATS
PERFORMANCE
Test Engine: MerCruiser 5.0L MPI
Test Prop: 22-pitch
Test Load: Fuel (45 gal.); People (420 lb.)
Top Speed: 42.0 MPH @ 4,500 RPM
Time to Plane: 8.8 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 16.4 sec.
Minimum Planing Speed: 20.5 MPH @ 2,800 RPM
Noise at Idle: 58 db
Noise at 30 MPH: 78 db
Cruise Stats: 78 db; 28.5 MPH @ 3,300 RPM
POWER CURVE
RPM MPH
750 3.5
1,000 5.1
1,500 7.2
2,000 8.8
2,500 15.7
3,000 23.9
3,500 31.8
4,000 37.0
4,500 42.0
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
