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1990 Sea Ray 280 Sold Boat in Aransas Pass, TX 78336 US

$12,250

Used
We will let you know when another 1990 Sea Ray 280 is available in Aransas Pass, TX
builtBuilt in 1990
Year the boat was built
model

280

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (2x Mercruiser)

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Gas

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
28ft
Length Overall
28ft
Cruising Speed
21.72kn
Max Speed
26.07kn
Cabins
1
Heads
8
Fresh Water Tanks
80gal
Fuel Tanks
125gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Mercruiser
Engine Model
5.7L Thunderbolt
Total Power
250hp
Engine Hours
754
Engine Type
inboard-outboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine Year
1990
Drive Type
stern
Engine 2
Engine Make
Mercruiser
Engine Model
5.7L Thunderbolt
Total Power
250hp
Engine Hours
754
Engine Type
inboard-outboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine Year
1990
Condition
The interior and exterior of this 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer appear in good condition for its age! It has been beautifully maintained. The owner states that all systems, electronics and mechanics work as they should.

Contact Pop

5717 Bessie Drive, Sarasota, FL, 34233

Sea Ray 280: BoatTEST Review

Reviewed by Jeff Hammond

Overview

The Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard represents the brand's top-of-the-line series, thoughtfully reimagined from the water up to emphasize luxury, innovative technology, and enhanced functionality for both entertainment and adventure. This model comes standard with dual 250 horsepower Mercury outboards paired with joystick piloting, available in black or white. Measuring 31 feet, 5 inches in length overall, with a beam of nine feet and a draft of 35 inches, the SLX 280 is designed to deliver a balanced combination of performance and comfort.

Power and Performance

Powered by dual Mercury outboards, the SLX 280 has a dry weight of approximately 8,053 pounds, with the demo model weighing around 9,500 pounds. Fuel capacity is 135 gallons, complemented by a 20-gallon freshwater tank. Performance testing revealed an economical cruise speed at 4,000 rpm, achieving 35.4 miles per hour and fuel efficiency of 2.1 miles per gallon, translating to a range of 249 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. At wide open throttle (6,100 rpm), the boat reached a top speed of 56.4 miles per hour. The vessel demonstrates quick planing even when fully loaded and promises a smooth, stable ride in various water conditions.

Cockpit and Exterior Features

The cockpit serves as the central social hub, featuring opposing seating arrangements that foster interaction among guests. Upholstery is crafted from high-quality, durable materials with intricate diamond stitch work and ergonomic design, including deeper seats with lumbar support and water-shedding capabilities. The captain's chair is notably wide at 39 inches, accommodating two people comfortably, swiveling to expand the social area, and equipped with convenient cup holders, USB ports, and a hidden inductive charger. Beneath the captain’s seat is a drawer-style 12-volt refrigerator, a rare and clever space utilization for a boat of this size. Additional cockpit amenities include a locking glove compartment, a vacuum-flush head with sink and storage, and a large storage locker in the sole designed to accommodate long items such as skis.

Helm and Technology

The helm station is equipped with joystick piloting for outboards, digital throttle controls, and a tilt steering wheel wrapped in premium material. Dual 12-inch multifunction displays provide comprehensive navigation, vessel, and engine information, while stainless steel tilt switches and active trim controls offer intuitive redundancy. The onboard audio system, developed in collaboration with Fusion, features nine strategically placed signature series speakers and a subwoofer, delivering superior sound quality with minimal distortion. Safety is enhanced by a First Mate marine safety and security system that replaces the traditional kill switch lanyard with a wearable FOB that automatically shuts off the engine if the operator moves beyond a preset distance.

Additional Exterior Amenities

The SLX 280 includes an electrically actuated power tower that provides 6 feet, 7 inches of headroom when raised and 4 feet, 11 inches when lowered. This tower features a downlight projecting the Sea Ray logo, a slide-out shade for cockpit sun protection, and options for additional tower speakers and swiveling wakeboard racks. The cockpit is illuminated by an optional lighting bundle with RGB LED lights both above and below the waterline, docking lights, and an illuminated Sea Ray badge. Boarding is facilitated by a solid wood step on the starboard side and a swinging transom gate to port. The integrated swim platform includes a concealed four-step stainless steel ladder with grab handles. The large sun pad, measuring 68 by 42 inches, offers another social area with cup holders and under-pad storage that can double as a cooler.

Bow Area and Storage

Accessed through a hinged windshield with a locking air dam, the bow area features two forward-facing loungers and a rear-facing bench, all equipped with fold-down armrests and multiple cup holders. The seating is spacious, extending 58 inches from the backrest forward, accommodating taller guests comfortably. Underneath the bow lounges are storage compartments, with the starboard side offering a larger space. Dedicated storage spots are provided for the bow filler cushion and tables included in the comfort bundle. Optional equipment includes a bow boarding ladder and an anchor bundle featuring an electric windlass and washdown nozzle.

Conclusion

The Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard is a thoughtfully designed vessel that balances upscale amenities with powerful propulsion and innovative features. Its spacious and ergonomically refined cockpit, advanced helm technology, and versatile exterior options make it well-suited for boaters seeking luxury, performance, and customization. The model’s attention to detail and functional design elements support a comfortable and enjoyable boating experience, whether for social gatherings or adventurous outings.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Overview from around the web 1990 Sea Ray 280

Customers often praise the 1990 Sea Ray 280 for its classic design and solid performance on the water

Many appreciate its spacious cockpit and comfortable seating, making it ideal for family outings and day cruising. Users highlight the boat's reliability and ease of handling, noting that it offers a smooth ride even in choppy conditions. The cabin is frequently mentioned for its cozy accommodations and practical layout, providing a pleasant overnight experience. Some owners note that with proper maintenance, the 1990 Sea Ray 280 remains a dependable and enjoyable boat for recreational boating enthusiasts.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1990 Sea Ray 280 is a classic cruiser that offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Spacious Interior: The 280 model provides ample cabin space for its size, including a comfortable V-berth, a dinette area, and a functional galley, making it suitable for overnight trips.

Solid Construction: Sea Ray is known for quality craftsmanship, and the 1990 280 features a sturdy fiberglass hull that holds up well over time.

Good Performance: Equipped with reliable engine options, the boat delivers smooth handling and decent speed for both cruising and water sports.

Versatile Layout: The cockpit is designed for socializing and entertaining, with plenty of seating and storage.

Classic Styling: The 1990 design offers a timeless look that appeals to enthusiasts of vintage boats.

Cons

Aging Systems: Given its age, the boat may require updates or maintenance on electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems to ensure reliability.

Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom can be somewhat restricted compared to newer models, which might affect comfort for taller individuals.

Fuel Efficiency: Older engines may not be as fuel-efficient as modern counterparts, leading to higher operating costs.

Outdated Electronics: Navigation and onboard technology may be outdated and could need upgrading for modern use.

Maintenance Needs: As with many boats from this era, parts availability and upkeep can be more challenging and costly.

Made For

The 1990 Sea Ray 280 is perfect for boating enthusiasts who want a versatile and reliable cruiser. It’s ideal for small families or couples looking to enjoy weekend getaways on the water, offering comfortable accommodations and ample space for day trips, fishing, or overnight stays. Its manageable size and user-friendly design make it great for both experienced boaters and those newer to boating who want a quality vessel that balances performance and comfort.

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Address

5717 Bessie Drive
Sarasota, FL 34233

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