2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
$49,990
Boat in Chicago, IL 60654 US
Built in 2005
280 Sundancer
2 Engines (2x MerCruiser)
28 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is just the boat you've been waiting for. Beautiful. Sleek. Comfortable. With room to sleep six, she's just right for families who hate to leave the water when darkness falls. Powered by twin Mercruiser 5.0L MPI stern drive.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 | Price decreased | $49,990(-3.8%) |
| 3/11/26 | Initial price | $51,990 |
2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Video Tours
Boattest.com Review
Overview
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is designed as an excellent transitional boat for those moving up from bow riders to a true cruising vessel. It offers a blend of comfortable accommodations, practical features, and solid performance, making it well suited for cruising enthusiasts seeking a versatile and well-equipped boat.
Interior Living Spaces
Below deck, the salon provides a generous headroom of 6 feet 2 inches, which tapers as you move forward toward the bow dinette area. The bow features wraparound banquet seating with a table that conveniently drops down to form a large double berth. Natural light fills the space through an opening hatch and a substantial 29 by 24-inch skylight, which also includes a blackout shade for privacy or late mornings. The galley is modestly sized but adequately equipped for the 280 Sundancer, accommodating standard appliances such as a stove, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. The mid cabin offers 2 feet 2 inches of headroom, with a raised section under the helm seat increasing to 3 feet 2 inches. This area includes an opening port light that connects visually to the cockpit. The berth in the mid cabin measures 5 feet 11 inches long by 4 feet 1.5 inches wide, providing a comfortable private sleeping area.
Power and Performance
Powered by a MerCruiser 300 horsepower 350 MAG engine paired with a Bravo 3 outdrive, the 280 Sundancer achieves a top speed of 41.5 miles per hour at 5260 RPM. At this speed, fuel consumption is 23.4 gallons per hour, yielding a range of approximately 134 miles. The most efficient cruise speed was found at 3500 RPM, delivering 23.6 miles per hour with a fuel burn of 9.7 gallons per hour. At this pace, the boat can run for nearly 7 hours and 48 minutes, covering 184 miles while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve. Acceleration is brisk, with a time to plane of 4.8 seconds, reaching 20 mph in 8.3 seconds, 30 mph in 14.2 seconds, and 40 mph in 21.9 seconds. The boat exhibits a 12-degree bow rise during acceleration without compromising forward visibility, and cruises at a 5-degree bow-high angle with minimal trim adjustments. Handling is responsive, with comfortable 18-degree rolls into hard turns and only minor prop ventilation that is easily corrected by adjusting the drive. Despite its single-engine configuration, the 280 Sundancer is notably maneuverable in tight docking situations.
Cockpit and Exterior Features
The cockpit of the 280 Sundancer is well-appointed with a wet bar featuring a sink and space for an optional grill. Below the bar is a carry-on cooler that can be replaced with a cockpit refrigerator. Above, a sports spoiler supports a standard Bimini top equipped with side curtains for protection against inclement weather. The helm station is clean and functional, outfitted with three gauges including a SmartCraft gauge and a 4-in-1 gauge, with space below for an optional touchscreen chart plotter. A standard VHF radio is included, and the helm console is finished with a tasteful faux Burledwood fascia. The helm seat swivels and the seat back reverses, allowing up to seven people to comfortably face each other around the cockpit table, a design feature borrowed from larger Sea Ray models. The engine hatch is electrically actuated, revealing a gel-coated engine room equipped with a standard automatic fire extinguisher. Optional powerplants include a 283 horsepower diesel engine or a 380 horsepower gasoline engine. Access to the bow is via center-mounted steps leading through a walk-through windshield. The bow area is surrounded by non-skid decking and features a large skylight and opening forward hatch. It is molded to accommodate optional equipment such as a windlass, stainless steel anchor roller, and a 5-inch remote spotlight, with a hatch providing easy access beneath the windlass for anchor line management. At the stern, storage is available behind the aft cockpit seat, which also folds down to form a sun pad. A microswitch alerts the captain when the seat is reclined, ensuring safety by preventing operation while underway.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer presents itself as a well-rounded, transitional cruiser that offers nearly all the essentials needed for enjoyable cruising. It combines comfortable interior accommodations, thoughtful cockpit amenities, and respectable performance characteristics. The inclusion of several upgraded features and optional powerplants further enhances its appeal. This model is well suited for boaters seeking a capable and comfortable step up from smaller recreational boats.
Overview from around the web 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its versatile design, combining comfort and performance
Many highlight the spacious cockpit and well-appointed cabin, which make it ideal for day cruising or overnight stays. The boat’s reliable twin-engine setup is often noted for smooth handling and dependable power. Users appreciate the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the vessel, including ample storage and practical amenities. Overall, owners commend the 280 Sundancer for delivering a balanced boating experience that suits both families and enthusiasts looking for a stylish and functional cruiser.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of style, comfort, and performance. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers a roomy interior with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a fully equipped galley, and a well-designed head, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Smooth Ride: With its deep-V hull design, the boat provides a smooth and stable ride even in choppy waters.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with reliable engines, it delivers good speed and maneuverability for a boat of its size.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, which is evident in the 280 Sundancer’s finish and fittings.
Ample Storage: Plenty of storage compartments help keep the cabin and cockpit organized.
Cockpit Comfort: The cockpit area is spacious with comfortable seating and a practical layout for entertaining or relaxing.
Cons
Fuel Efficiency: Like many express cruisers in its class, the 280 Sundancer can be fuel-hungry, particularly at higher speeds.
Maintenance Costs: As a 2005 model, some components may require upkeep or replacement, which can lead to higher maintenance expenses.
Limited Headroom: While spacious, the cabin headroom might feel a bit restricted for taller individuals.
Age-Related Wear: Depending on previous care, some wear and tear on upholstery, electronics, and mechanical systems may be present.
Limited Upgrades: Older models may lack some of the latest technology and convenience features found in newer boats.
Made For
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort, performance, and ease of handling. Ideal for small families, couples, or groups of friends, this model offers a spacious cabin, well-appointed amenities, and smooth ride, making it suitable for day trips, weekend getaways, or coastal cruising. Whether you're new to boating or an experienced captain, the 280 Sundancer provides an excellent balance of functionality and luxury for memorable time on the water.
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| $49,990 | $48,000 | $44,990 | $44,900 | $41,500 | $39,900 |
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| - | - | 31' | 33' | 29' | - |
| 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
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Meet the Broker
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Other Information about Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Our Chicago office is located at the base of the Marina City complex on the north bank of the Chicago River, directly across from Chicago's Loop District. This downtown waterfront location includes 17 slips ranging from 31 to 78 feet. These slips allow for convenient viewing and sea trials of our first-class vessels. They are also available for year-round leasing and transient dockage to boaters.
Boat Location
Contact Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales about 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Marina City Towers, 300 N. State Street, Chicago, IL, 60654
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