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1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Red Wing, MN 55066 US

$15,900

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

280 Sundancer

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

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This Boat
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The Image of Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 1989 - 01989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Price$15,900$15,900$15,900$15,900$15,900$15,900
LocationRed WingRed WingWayzataRochesterRed WingExcelsior
Nominal Length28'26'25'25'25'25'
Draft3'-----
Engine MakeMerCruiserMerCruiser--MerCruiser5.7 L EFI Bravo III MerCruiser
Total Engine Power250 hp250 hp--250 hp260 hp
Days on Market37477379798086
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Nominal Length
28ft
Length Overall
33ft
Beam
10.5ft
Max Draft
3ft
Drive Up Draft
2ft
Dry Weight
8000lb
Cabins
1
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
35gal
Fuel Tanks
120gal
Holding Tanks
20gal
Windlass
electric-windlass
Electrical Circuit
12v
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
deep-vee
Engine 1
Engine Make
MerCruiser
Engine Model
5.7L Alpha
Total Power
250hp
Engine Hours
504
Engine Type
inboard-outboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine Year
1989
Drive Type
stern
Engine 2
Engine Make
MerCruiser
Engine Model
5.7L Alpha
Total Power
250hp
Engine Hours
504
Engine Type
inboard-outboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine Year
1989
Drive Type
stern
Swimming Ladder
Electric Bilge Pump
Microwave Oven
Marine Head
Air Conditioning
Heating
Hot Water
Refrigerator
Battery Charger
Depthsounder
Radio
Compass
Gps
Cockpit Speakers
Vhf
Flat Screen Tv
Bimini Top
Shore Power Inlet
Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
9/3/25Initial price$15,900

Contact River Valley Marine – Red Wing

3859 Hwy 61 West, Red Wing, MN, 55066

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 consistently praise the 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its classic design and reliable performance

Many appreciate its spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin layout, which make it ideal for weekend getaways or day cruises. Owners often highlight the boat's solid build quality and ease of handling, noting that it provides a smooth and enjoyable ride. The 280 Sundancer's well-equipped helm and functional amenities receive positive remarks for enhancing the overall boating experience. Some users mention minor updates may be needed due to the boat's age, but overall, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and timeless cruiser.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a classic mid-sized cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: Offers comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to four people, with a well-designed layout including a V-berth, convertible dinette, and a compact galley.

Good Performance: Powered by reliable gasoline engines, the 280 Sundancer delivers solid cruising speeds and smooth handling on the water.

Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for sturdy construction and durable materials, making this model a dependable choice for weekend cruising.

Versatile Design: Suitable for day trips, weekend getaways, or short overnight stays, offering a good balance between performance and comfort.

Classic Styling: Timeless aesthetics with a sleek profile and practical cockpit layout, providing an enjoyable boating experience.

Cons

Aging Systems: Being a 1989 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updating or maintenance to ensure reliability.

Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom is somewhat restricted compared to newer models, which may affect comfort for taller individuals.

Fuel Efficiency: Older gasoline engines are typically less fuel-efficient and may require more frequent maintenance compared to modern powerplants.

Limited Storage: While adequate for short trips, storage space is somewhat limited for extended cruising or larger groups.

Outdated Electronics: Original navigation and entertainment systems are likely outdated and may need upgrading to modern standards.

Made For

The 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort and performance. Perfect for small families or couples, it offers a spacious cabin with sleeping accommodations, making it suitable for weekend getaways or day trips on the water. Its manageable size and user-friendly design appeal to both experienced boaters and those new to boating who want an easy-to-handle vessel without sacrificing amenities. Whether you're looking to enjoy leisurely cruises, fishing outings, or watersports, the 280 Sundancer provides a reliable and enjoyable boating experience.

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Address

3859 Hwy 61 West
Red Wing, MN 55066

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