Sea Ray Sundancer 260

Back in the late '50s, CN Ray set out to revolutionise the boating industry. But as he worked on his first fibreglass runabout in a small Detroit garage, the visionary surely could not have imagined his company, Sea Ray, would become the largest recreational boat builder in the world.

Since inception in 1959, Sea Ray has developed rapidly and now offers over 50 models from 16-63ft. Its facilities have expanded to the point where it now boasts seven manufacturing complexes across the United States - all ISO 9002 accredited.

And while we don't see all of Sea Ray models Down Under, there is still an extensive selection available via businesses such as Sea Ray's Gold Coast dealer at Marina Mirage.

HEY GOOD LOOKIN'
The latest Sea Ray to hit our shores is the 260 Sundancer sportscruiser. It is brand-new for 1999 and has the sleek good looks and high-calibre performance you'd expected from a sportscruiser.

The 260 Sundancer is a true 26-footer, and with the additional standard swim platform its overall length is 28ft. Sea Ray has made excellent use of the space available and packed the 260 with features normally only seen on a larger boat.

Like all Sea Rays, at development stage the 260's hull and deck moulds are sculptured from foam blocks using a computer-driven five-axis mill router that cuts tolerances to within 0.002 of an inch over a 65ft span. This allows Sea Ray to produce hulls, decks and bridges that are uniformly precise and identical to the computer-driven pattern.

Of course, it's useless having the most precise moulds if you can't match them with a perfectly smooth gelcoat. The company utilises two robots and a computerised laser alignment that assures exact alignment and uniform thickness of the gelcoat.

DREAMSCAPE
If ever a boat was specifically designed for the Gold Coast lifestyle, the 260 Sundancer is it! As we blasted around the Southport Broadwater, with the sun blaring down and the wind in our hair, all that was missing was a couple of bikini-clad blondes and a bottle of Moet... Mmm, anyway, enough dreaming and back to boat testing.

Being a 26-footer means there is no speed restriction on the Nerang River. This is ideal for people residing on the Nerang canal developments who need to make quick time to the Broadwater.

The test boat was fitted with an optional 5.7lt EFI Bravo III MerCruiser sterndrive which is rated at 260hp. The big V-eight made the 260 get up and boogie, and although it's nice having extra horsepower, the standard 5.0lt 220hp Bravo II is more than sufficient for most applications.

The test boat was literally straight out of the box, arriving in Australia only a few days before our test. Though the engine was still tight we managed to pull a GPS-confirmed 38kt at full trim.

Even with a bellyful of fuel and water, the MerCruiser effortlessly pulled the 260 out of the hole. An outstanding feature was its manoeuvrability at low speed. Not normally a fan of single sterndrives, I was pleasantly surprised with the boat's responsiveness.

The smart layout and highest quality fittings on the 260 Sundancer are typical of Sea Ray's finish.

The innovative design of the interior becomes apparent as you board the vessel. The easiest way onboard is via the large swim platform which also has a concealed stainless steel swim ladder.

Stainless steel grabrails are located on the transom which assist swimmers exiting the water via the swim platform. Built in to the transom directly above the swim platform is a storage compartment for fenders and ropes, etc.

Stepping through the transom door from the swim platform you are greeted with a cockpit with a spacious and stylish layout. On the starboard side behind the helm station is an entertainment module with wetbar, shower, beverage holders and removable cooler.

On the port side against the transom bulkhead is a foldaway aft seat with backrest. There is also an aft-facing seat which has a fold-down sunpad that meets with the aft seat to make a very comfortable double lounge... Just the thing for working on that tan.

The cockpit floor incorporates a gas-assisted engine hatch which provides access to the fully-insulated engine compartment. Even with the big V-eight below, at idle you can hardly hear it running.

Forward of the wetbar on the starboard side is a fully-appointed helm station with a swivel-bucket helm seat featuring a forward and aft sliding mechanism. The dash is well-appointed with a full compliment of instrumentation, power-assisted tilt steering wheel, waterproof electronic switch pad, power trim and tilt, hydraulic trim tabs, tacho, compass, VHF radio and more.

Opposite the helm station on the port side is an L-shaped sunlounge with forward and starboard-facing backrests.

NICE AND COMPACT
Access to the foredeck is via cleverly moulded steps incorporated in the cabin door which lead to the walk-thru tempered-glass windscreen. Features of the foredeck include stainless steel bowrail, stainless steel cleats and optional windlass with anchor chute and hawse pipe.

As to be expected on a craft this size, the forward cabin is compact, but very well appointed. Two steps down from the cockpit on the starboard side of the cabin is a full fibreglass-enclosed head with shower, vanity with sink and faucet and an optional VacuFlush toilet.

Opposite the head on the port side is the galley which features a countertop with sink and cutting board, single-burner butane stove and dual-voltage refrigerator. Storage cabinets are located above and below the sink.

The V-berth serves as a comfortable sofa during the day and converts to a generous double berth by night with the addition of filler cushions. There is also a dining table with its own dedicated storage, so it can be removed when not required.

Other features of the forward cabin include AM/FM stereo-cassette with four speakers, 12-volt directional lighting, hanging locker, shelf storage and a carbon monoxide monitor.

Access to the mid stateroom is via a small door directly aft of the galley on the port side. The mid stateroom features a double bunk, but it's really a hands-and-knees only affair with headroom at a premium.

Although it might be asking a bit much of your taller guests to bunk there, it's just the spot if you're taking the kids on an overnighter.

Sea Ray already has the reputation for excellence overseas and in Australia, and with the local sportscruiser market growing rapidly, its new 260 Sundancer is sure to be a winner.