1987 Sea Ray Sundancer 250 Manual

The 1987 Sea Ray Sundancer 250 is a 25-foot cruiser featuring a fiberglass hull, inboard/outboard power options, sleeping accommodations for 4-6 people, galley with sink and optional stove, enclosed head compartment, swim platform, and comprehensive instrumentation. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Instrumentation 5. Operation Procedures 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Electrical System 8. Hull & Deck Care 9. Safety Equipment 10. Winterization 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Fiberglass deep-V hull, Mercruiser stern drive, helm station with full instrumentation, cabin with V-berth and convertible dinette, enclosed head, swim platform with ladder.

Feature	Description
Hull Type	Deep-V fiberglass with integrated swim platform
Power Options	Mercruiser 260, 350 Magnum, or 454 Magnum
Sleeping Capacity	4-6 persons (V-berth + convertible dinette)
Galley	Sink, icebox, optional alcohol/electric stove
Head	Enclosed compartment with marine toilet
Fuel Capacity	100 gallons
Water Capacity	20 gallons
Overall Length	25' 0"
Beam	8' 6"
Weight	Approx. 5,200 lbs (dry)

Installation & Setup

Proper commissioning and initial setup procedures.

Trailering: Ensure proper weight distribution on trailer; secure transom straps.
Launching: Check drain plug; disconnect trailer lights before backing into water.
Battery Installation: Connect positive then negative terminals; ensure proper ventilation.
Systems Check: Test bilge pump, navigation lights, horn, and instrumentation.

WARNING! Always install drain plug before launching. Ensure battery is secured and ventilated.

Specifications

Length Overall: 25' 0"
Beam: 8' 6"
Draft (Drive Down): 32"
Weight: 5,200 lbs (approximate dry weight)
Fuel Capacity: 100 gallons
Water Capacity: 20 gallons
Holding Tank: 20 gallons
Maximum Capacity: 10 persons or 1,600 lbs
Standard Power: Mercruiser 260 (5.7L) stern drive
Optional Power: 350 Magnum, 454 Magnum

Controls and Instrumentation

Helm station includes comprehensive gauges and controls for safe operation.

Standard Gauges: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Level, Water Temperature, Oil Pressure, Voltmeter, Trim Indicator.

Controls: Power steering, hydraulic trim tabs, throttle/shift controls, bilge pump switch, blower switch, navigation light switch, horn button, wiper control (if equipped).

Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher, navigation lights, horn, bilge pump with automatic float switch.

Operation Procedures

Pre-departure checks and standard operating procedures.

Pre-Start: Check fuel level, oil level, battery charge, bilge for water.
Engine Start: Turn blower on for 4 minutes; check for fuel fumes; start engine.
Departure: Release dock lines; check clear astern; shift smoothly into gear.
Running: Monitor gauges; trim engine for optimal performance.
Docking: Approach slowly into wind/current; have fenders and lines ready.

Tip: Always run bilge blower for 4 minutes before engine start to clear fuel vapors.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Maintenance Item
Every Use	Flush engine with fresh water; check bilge
50 Hours	Check engine oil and filter; inspect drive belt
100 Hours	Change engine oil and filter; grease fittings
Annual	Change gear lube; inspect impeller; check alignment
Every 2 Years	Change fuel filter; inspect fuel lines
As Needed	Clean hull; wax gelcoat; inspect zincs

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with optional 110V AC shore power.

Battery: Group 27 deep cycle recommended; maintain proper water level.
Switches: Battery selector (OFF/1/2/BOTH); main DC disconnect.
Circuit Protection: Fuses and circuit breakers protect all circuits.
Shore Power: 30-amp system with polarity indicator and ground fault protection.

CAUTION! Always turn off battery switch when not in use. Check polarity before connecting shore power.

Hull & Deck Care

Proper cleaning and maintenance preserves appearance and value.

Cleaning: Use marine-grade boat soap; avoid household detergents.
Waxing: Apply marine wax every 3-6 months; use UV protectant.
Vinyl Care: Clean with mild soap; condition with UV protectant.
Teak Maintenance: Clean with teak cleaner; oil regularly if applicable.

WARNING! Do not use abrasive cleaners on gelcoat. Avoid pressure washers on graphics.

Safety Equipment

Required and recommended safety equipment for coastal operation.

Required: Personal flotation devices (one per person), throwable device, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, sound-producing device.
Recommended: VHF radio, first aid kit, anchor with adequate rode, tool kit, spare parts.
Emergency Procedures: Man overboard drill; fire response; grounding procedures.

Winterization

Proper winter storage procedures for northern climates.

Engine: Fog cylinders; change oil; add antifreeze to cooling system.
Fuel System: Fill tank; add fuel stabilizer; run engine to circulate.
Water System: Drain fresh water tank; add antifreeze to plumbing.
Boat: Clean thoroughly; cover with breathable cover; support hull properly.

CAUTION! Use marine-grade antifreeze only. Ensure proper hull support to prevent distortion.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue, safety lanyard	Check battery; verify fuel; ensure lanyard connected
Overheating	Impeller failure, blockage, thermostat	Check water intake; inspect impeller; verify thermostat
Poor performance	Fouled plugs, fuel filter, prop damage	Check spark plugs; replace fuel filter; inspect prop
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, corroded connection	Check fuses; clean battery terminals; verify grounds
Bilge pump not working	Float switch, wiring, fuse	Test switch manually; check wiring; replace fuse

Service: Contact authorized Sea Ray dealer for engine and drive service.

Parts: Genuine Sea Ray parts available through authorized dealers.