A few questions about the SeaRay 240 Sundancer

[jattea]

Hi all.

I've posted a few times saying I'm searching for a late model (2000 and newer) 24-26' midcabin cruiser, mostly among Sea Ray, Rinker, Chapperal, Maxum, and Four Winns.

After much research, one of my favorite models is the Sea Ray 240 Sundancer, especially the pre-2005 layout , pictures here and here (as opposed to the post 2006 layout, photo here)

Does anyone have any opinions of this boat? What about the layout? To me, the pre-2005 layout has more capacity and that nice port bench. The post 2006 layout replaces the port bench with two "bistro-style" seats, and loses an entire bench seat in the aft. But it looks roomier. Is the pre-2005 layout too cramped?

What about the engine -- should I avoid the base 5.0 Mercruiser, in favor of the 5.7l?

I was just looking for some general thoughts on this boat. Thanks

[miike]

the only thing that really busts my balls on that boat is that on some of them, the power assisted engine hatch opens so that you have to dance around the cockpit to get in and out of the boat.

[Grady White]

Personally, I was looking at these at one point. I liked the 240 with the bench seat that folded down so that you had more room in the back to fishing of kids playing. The new one is a big bulky permanant type of seat that just takes too much room away from the back deck area which is why we never pulled the trigger. I like the Larson 240 layout the best which is just like the older sea ray 240 layout. Sea Ray needs to go back to the folding bench type style... If they did I would probably get one.

[tobnpr]

Look here:
http://www.clubsearay.com/forum/index.php