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Anyone who is familiar with the Sea Ray brand knows that quality is a priority here. The workmanship is consistently good and the feeling of sitting on a boat of robust construction radiates safety. We were unable to confirm in our test that it is only a boat for the warmer climes of this earth, as the addition Sundancer in the name might suggest. The open cockpit with its many seating options is certainly well suited to sunbathing, but she also cuts a fine figure on the Main in 15-degree weather and cloudy conditions. Particularly striking: her cornering, more about that later.
On board the 265 Sundancer
If you look at the Sea Ray lying on the jetty, you immediately notice the high sides. It's a matter of taste, but the headroom in the cabin is around 1.90 metres, which is pretty decent for a 26-foot boat. We go on board via the bathing platform. The first gimmick is already hidden here. A seat built into the bathing platform can be folded out as a bathing seat. A fold-down bench, which can either be used as a sunbathing area (1.17 m x 1.18 m) or as a bench seat at the cockpit table in front of it, is installed next to it. This is followed by another bench seat and the driving position. It is equipped with two 12-inch displays and the obligatory bow thruster control panel. Functions such as the position light, bilge pump and anchor winch are operated by pushbutton. There is also a small longitudinal seat on the port side. The foredeck can be accessed through the separable windscreen made of safety glass with an aluminium frame. How could it be otherwise, there is a sunbathing area here. The upholstery of the entire boat is beige in colour and neatly finished, the hardness is also pleasant. But back to the cockpit. The high-sided Sea Ray offers a good overview when travelling. The forward view is somewhat restricted for our test driver, who is 1.86 metres tall, as the windscreen frame is in the field of vision. The single-arm windscreen wiper is well mounted and wipes the area in front of the helm.
When you enter the cabin via the sliding bulkhead, you notice the many windows inside the 265 Sundancer. There are six in total. Two can be opened via a porthole, one in the toilet room and one in the small galley. A U-shaped sofa with table has been installed in the front of the boat. The table can be lowered and two extra cushions create an additional 1.90 m x 1.65 m sleeping area. A slightly longer (2.10 m) but not wider (1.26 m) sleeping area is located in the stern. You should therefore think about trying it out when you view the boat. If you want to make yourself a coffee in the morning, you can help yourself from the 76-litre fresh water tank. Of course, the boat also has a toilet room with an electric toilet and a washbasin. There is plenty of storage space, with small lockers or cupboards opening everywhere. The feeling of space is generous.
Motorisation of the Sea Ray 265 Sundancer
Our test boat is powered by a Mercruiser diesel engine. The MD 3.0 DTS delivers 270 hp. The higher torque typical of diesel engines is channelled into the water via a Bravo III Z-drive and a duoprop. The economical planing speed is reached at around 3000 rpm. The Sundancer runs at 24 knots and consumes 1.26 litres per nautical mile. This results in a range of 176 nautical miles plus 15 per cent reserve.
Measurement results
The Polish-built boat handles well thanks to the deep V-hull. It sits well on the rudder and does not bounce. It corners easily up to a certain rudder angle. It becomes sporty at full lock. The eight-metre boat then lays on its side almost up to the rubbing strake, but also immediately makes tighter turns. The first few bends are unusual, but as soon as you get used to it, it's fun. The Duoprop rarely loses its grip in the water and accelerates the boat well out of the bend. If you then put the lever on the table, the Simrad plotter quickly shows 36 knots. The Sea Ray cuts through smaller waves without any problems, even at high speed. If you are sailing slowly, for example in the harbour, the high side is noticeable in a negative way. Stronger winds can shift the boat, but this can be compensated for by the bow thruster when mooring.
With the smallest engine, the 265 Sundancer weighs around 2900 kg. If you also buy a lightweight 3.5 tonne trailer, it can be towed.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Sea Ray/USA
- Type: 265 Sundancer
- CE category: C/8 persons
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 8,10 m
- Width: 2,56 m
- Weight with small motor: approx. 2900 kg
- Draught with engine down: 1,02 m
- Fuel tank: 261 l
- Water tank: 76 l
- Cockpit side height inside: 0,80 m
- Bunk dimension: Front 1.90 m x 1.65 m, centre 2.10 m x 1.26 m
- Max. motorisation: Interior 2 x 350 hp
- List price (with test engine): 189 900 €
- Distribution: Boote-Pfister, Wahlweg 6, 97525 Schwebheim, www.bootepfister.de
The motor
- Manufacturer: Mercruiser
- Type: MD 3.0 DTS 270
- Performance: 198 kW (270 hp)
- Torque: 594 Nm at 2200 rpm
- Full load speed: 4200 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- cubic capacity: 3,0 l
- Fuel: Diesel
- Translation (Bravo III): 2,20 : 1
Our test judgement
Driving & manoeuvring
- + sporty driving characteristics
- + well suited as a towing boat
Processing & technology
- + good processing quality
- + clean installations
Security
- + Fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment
Comfort on board
- Comfortable seat/lounger units in the cockpit and on deck
Conclusion
If you are looking for a neatly finished boat in the eight-metre class that is by no means only at home in warm climes, the Sea Ray is a good option. The high sides are a matter of taste, but offer many advantages in the interior.
