1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Newport, OR US

$18,000

Used
We will let you know when another 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is available in Newport, OR
builtBuilt in 1989
Year the boat was built
model

280 Sundancer

Boat model
engine

--

Engine type and count
length

29 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
29ft
Length Overall
29ft
Beam
10ft
Max Draft
108ft
Fresh Water Tanks
35gal
Fuel Tanks
120gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Stock #100870 -

A CLASS SUNDANCER!!!- Powered by twin 4.3L Merc I/O's, Garmin w/split 12" scrn, FF, course chart, FLIR, VHF, 8' rubber Renegade & so much more!!

We are looking for people all over the country who share our love for boats. If you have a passion for our product and like the idea of working from home, please visit SellBoatsAndRVs [dot] com to learn more.

Please submit any and ALL offers - your offer may be accepted! Submit your offer today!

Reason for selling is no longer using the way the seller wants to..

60-day Sea Tow Membership comes standard with any boat purchase from POP Yachts! Sea Tow Membership includes FREE boat towing, fuel drops, jump starts, prop disentanglements, covered un-groundings, and more. 60-day membership is only valid for boats in good working order at the time of purchase and only for the boat purchased. Already a member? We'll extend your membership by 60 days. Other restrictions apply - ask a POP Yachts associate for details.

At POP Yachts, we will always provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market. We encourage all buyers to schedule a survey for an independent analysis. Any offer to purchase is ALWAYS subject to satisfactory survey results.

Take a look at ALL ***38 PICTURES*** of this vessel on our main website at POPYACHTS DOT COM. We appreciate that you took your time to look at our advertisement and we look forward to speaking with you!

Contact

Newport, OR

Sea Ray 280 Sundancer: BoatTEST Review

Reviewed by Jeff Hammond

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.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Overview from around the web 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Customers often praise the 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its classic styling and solid construction

Many highlight its spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend cruising and overnight stays. Owners appreciate the boat's reliable performance and ease of handling, noting that it delivers a smooth ride on the water. Some also mention the well-designed layout that maximizes living space, including a functional galley and cozy sleeping quarters. While a few users point out the need for occasional maintenance typical of a boat its age, overall, the 280 Sundancer is regarded as a dependable and enjoyable cruiser that holds its value well.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a classic cruiser that offers a blend of comfort, style, and performance. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with sleeping accommodations for four, making it ideal for weekend trips.

Comfortable Layout: The boat offers a comfortable cockpit and a roomy helm area, perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

Reliable Performance: Equipped with dependable engines, the 280 Sundancer provides solid performance for both cruising and watersports.

Good Storage: Ample storage compartments throughout the boat help keep gear organized and out of the way.

Classic Design: Its timeless styling and quality construction have made it a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage Sea Ray models.

Cons

Older Electronics: Being a 1989 model, the onboard electronics and navigation systems may be outdated and could require upgrading.

Maintenance Needs: As with many boats of this age, some components may need regular maintenance or replacement to keep everything running smoothly.

Fuel Efficiency: Compared to newer models, the 280 Sundancer may have lower fuel efficiency.

Limited Headroom: The cabin headroom is somewhat limited, which might be less comfortable for taller individuals.

Weight: The boat can feel a bit heavy, which might affect handling in rougher waters.

Made For

The 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and comfortable cruiser. It’s perfect for small families or couples who enjoy weekend getaways, day cruising, and watersports. With its spacious cabin, ample seating, and reliable performance, this boat suits those who appreciate a blend of style, functionality, and ease of handling on the water. Whether you're a seasoned boater or looking to upgrade to a quality mid-sized cruiser, the 280 Sundancer offers a great balance of comfort and capability.

Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market

Get notified when new boats become available

Meet the Broker

Unknown

Address

Newport, OR

Want to update the details or images for this boat? Claim this listing by getting in touch.

Be the First to Know

Get notified when new boats become available.