1987 Sea Ray 268 Weekender Manual

The 1987 Sea Ray 268 Weekender is a 26-foot 8-inch fiberglass cruiser with sleeping accommodations for four, enclosed head compartment, galley area, and outboard or stern drive power options. Features include bow seating, convertible dinette, swim platform, helm station with instrumentation, and storage throughout. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Specifications 3. Pre-Launch Checklist 4. Operating Instructions 5. Systems Overview 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Storage & Winterization 8. Safety Equipment 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: Fiberglass hull with integrated swim platform, helm station with instrumentation, enclosed head, galley area, convertible dinette, bow seating, and storage compartments.

Feature	Description
Length Overall	26' 8" (8.13 meters)
Beam	8' 6" (2.59 meters)
Weight (approx.)	5,200 lbs (2,358 kg) dry
Fuel Capacity	100 gallons (378 liters)
Water Capacity	20 gallons (76 liters)
Sleeping Capacity	4 persons
Head	Enclosed marine toilet
Galley	Alcohol/electric stove, sink, icebox
Power Options	Outboard or stern drive configurations
Helm Station	Steering wheel, instrumentation, controls

Specifications

Hull Material: Hand-laid fiberglass
Deadrise: 20 degrees at transom
Maximum Capacity: 8 persons or 1,600 lbs
Recommended Power: 260-330 HP stern drive or equivalent outboard
Electrical System: 12-volt DC with battery selector switch
Navigation Lights: Port, starboard, stern, and anchor lights
Storage: Bow locker, cockpit storage, under-seat compartments
Canvas: Bimini top, cockpit cover (optional)

Pre-Launch Checklist

Before launching, complete the following checks:

Check fuel level and ensure proper fuel/water separator
Verify battery charge and electrical system operation
Inspect bilge for water and ensure bilge pump functions
Check engine oil and coolant levels
Test steering system for smooth operation
Verify navigation lights and horn operation
Ensure safety equipment is onboard and accessible
Check weather and water conditions

WARNING! Never operate without proper safety equipment. Always file a float plan.

Operating Instructions

Starting and operating procedures:

Turn battery selector to appropriate position
Prime fuel system if necessary
Turn ignition key to start position
Allow engine to warm up before applying throttle
Use smooth throttle movements for acceleration
Monitor engine gauges for normal operating ranges
When docking, approach slowly and use short bursts of power
Shut down engine and secure boat when finished

CAUTION! Always check for swimmers and obstacles before starting engine.

Systems Overview

Electrical: 12V system with main battery, bilge pump automatic switch, navigation lights, cabin lights, horn. Fuel: 100-gallon tank with fuel/water separator, vented fill. Plumbing: Freshwater system with manual pump, marine head with holding tank. Steering: Mechanical cable system with tilt wheel.

Instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, water temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity:

After each use: Flush engine, rinse boat, check bilge
Weekly: Check battery water levels, inspect belts
Monthly: Lubricate steering and control cables
Every 100 hours: Change engine oil and filter
Annually: Winterize, check hull for damage, service drive unit
Every 2 years: Replace fuel lines, check through-hull fittings

Tip: Keep detailed maintenance records for warranty and resale value.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage procedures for extended periods:

Drain freshwater system and add antifreeze
Fog engine cylinders and change oil
Remove battery and store on trickle charger
Clean and wax hull
Cover boat with proper storage cover
Store in dry, ventilated area
Block boat properly if storing on trailer

WARNING! Failure to properly winterize can cause severe engine damage from freezing.

Safety Equipment

Required and recommended safety gear:

Equipment	Requirement	Location
Life Jackets	One per person	Under seats
Throwable Device	Required	Cockpit area
Fire Extinguisher	Required	Helm station
Visual Distress Signals	Required for coastal	Waterproof container
Sound Producing Device	Required	Helm station
Anchor & Line	Recommended	Bow locker
First Aid Kit	Recommended	Galley storage

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery charge, verify fuel flow, check kill switch
Overheating	Water intake clogged	Check water intake, inspect impeller, verify thermostat
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, corroded connection	Check main fuse panel, inspect battery connections
Steering stiffness	Cable lubrication needed	Lubricate steering cable, check for binding
Bilge pump not working	Float switch failure, clogged	Test pump directly, clean intake screen
Fuel gauge inaccurate	Sender unit failure	Test sender unit, check wiring connections

Emergency: Always carry VHF radio and know your position.

Warranty & Support

Sea Ray Limited Warranty: 1-year limited warranty on hull and components from date of purchase. For warranty service, contact authorized Sea Ray dealer with proof of purchase. Technical support available through Sea Ray customer service. Parts and accessories available through authorized dealers.

Contact: Sea Ray Boats Customer Service: 1-800- SRBOATS (1-800-772-6287)

Website: www.searay.com