1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Bradford, RI US
Built in 1990
280 Sundancer
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28 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Rhode Island, United States
If you're looking for a well cared for 280 Sea Ray with updated fresh water cooled engines look no further. With a 10'6" beam and 31'11LOA this is a big 28'! Equipped with NEW crate Mercruiser 4.3L fresh water cooled engines in 2010 paired with original Mercruiser Alpha 1 outdrives. (Original engine hour meter was never replaced but reads 394. New engines have less the 100 hours on them.) Updated camper canvas with isinglass forward, Furuno radar, Garmin GPS, Standard VHF radio and Updated Sony stereo. Owner wants boat sold. Bring all reasonable offers.
If you’re looking for a well cared for 280 Sea Ray with updated fresh water cooled engines look no further. With a 10’6” beam and 31’11LOA this is a big 28’! Equipped with NEW crate Mercruiser 4.3L fresh water cooled engines in 2010 paired with original Mercruiser Alpha 1 outdrives. (Original engine hour meter was never replaced but reads 394. New engines have less the 100 hours on them.) Updated camper canvas with isinglass forward, Furuno radar, Garmin GPS, Standard VHF radio and Updated Sony stereo. Owner wants boat sold. Bring all reasonable offers.
1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Video Tours
Sea Ray 280 Sundancer: BoatTEST 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 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers appreciate the 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its classic design and reliable performance
Many highlight its spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend cruising and entertaining. Owners often praise the boat’s solid build quality and ease of handling, noting that it offers a smooth ride even in choppy waters. Some also mention the well-laid-out helm and ample storage space as key advantages. Overall, the 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is valued for its blend of style, comfort, and dependable functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1990 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, a small galley, and a head, making it suitable for overnight trips.
Comfortable Cockpit: The cockpit area is roomy with comfortable seating, ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing on the water.
Solid Construction: Built with Sea Ray’s reputation for quality, the hull and overall build provide durability and a smooth ride.
Good Performance: Equipped with reliable engines, the boat delivers decent speed and handling for coastal cruising.
Classic Styling: The 1990 model retains a timeless design that appeals to enthusiasts of vintage boats.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a boat from 1990, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updates or repairs to ensure reliability.
Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to newer models, the 280 Sundancer lacks some of the latest technology and luxury features.
Maintenance Needs: As with any older vessel, routine maintenance and potential refurbishment of interior components might be necessary.
Engine Efficiency: Older engines may not be as fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly as contemporary options.
Storage Space: While adequate for day trips and short cruises, storage capacity may be limited for extended voyages.
Made For
The 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort with performance. It’s ideal for small families, couples, or groups of friends looking to enjoy day trips or weekend getaways on the water. With its spacious cockpit, cozy cabin accommodations, and reliable engine, this boat suits those who appreciate both entertaining and relaxing in a well-designed, classic vessel. Whether you’re into fishing, cruising, or watersports, the 280 Sundancer offers the functionality and charm to meet diverse boating needs.
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Bradford, RI
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