1990 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER
$14,999
Boat in Harrison Township, MI US
Built in 1990
280 SUNDANCER
2 Engines (2x MERCRUISER)
29 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Well-kept 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer ready for the water! This cruiser is perfect for weekends on the lake or extended trips. With a spacious cabin, galley, head, and comfortable sleeping areas, it feels like your home away from home.
✅ Twin engines for reliable performance
✅ Wide beam for stability and comfort
✅ Fully enclosed cockpit for all-weather boating
✅ Cabin with galley, dinette, head, and sleeping for the family
✅ Great classic Sea Ray lines and quality
This boat has been cared for and is ready for its next adventure. Whether you're looking to cruise, entertain, or overnight, the 280 Sundancer delivers.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/22/25 | Price decreased | $14,999(-25.0%) |
| 8/11/25 | Initial price | $19,999 |
Videos from SkipperBud's Belle Maer on this 1990 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER
1990 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 1990 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER
Customers praise the 1990 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER for its classic design and reliable performance
Many highlight its spacious cabin layout, comfortable seating, and well-appointed interior, making it ideal for weekend getaways and day cruises. Owners appreciate the boat’s solid construction and ease of handling, noting that it delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride. The combination of style, functionality, and durability has made the 280 SUNDANCER a favored choice among boating enthusiasts looking for a dependable cruiser from this era.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a classic express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, performance, and style. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Layout: The 280 Sundancer offers a roomy cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a well-equipped galley, and a head with a shower, making it ideal for weekend cruising.
Performance: Powered by reliable engines, this model delivers solid performance and handling, suitable for coastal cruising and day trips.
Classic Design: The sleek styling and quality craftsmanship of the 1990 model give it a timeless appeal.
Good Storage: Ample storage compartments throughout the boat help keep the space organized and clutter-free.
Versatility: Its size and features make it versatile enough for both family outings and entertaining guests.
Cons
Aging Systems: Being a 1990 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updates or maintenance to ensure reliability.
Limited Headroom: While spacious for its size, taller individuals might find the cabin headroom somewhat restrictive.
Fuel Efficiency: Older engines may not be as fuel-efficient compared to more modern designs, potentially increasing operating costs.
Maintenance Needs: As with any older boat, ongoing upkeep is essential to maintain performance and prevent issues.
Limited Electronics: The original onboard electronics may be outdated, necessitating upgrades for navigation and communication.
Made For
The 1990 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser. Ideal for small families or couples, it offers comfortable overnight accommodations and ample space for day trips. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the water, entertaining friends, or exploring coastal destinations, this boat provides a blend of performance, comfort, and classic Sea Ray craftsmanship to suit your lifestyle.
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 1990 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,999 | $23,999 | $25,000 | $25,900 | $29,900 | $29,900 |
| Harrison Township | La Salle | Harrison Township | Whitehall | Sylvan Beach | Harrison Township |
| 29' | - | 31' | 29' | 31' | 33' |
| MERCRUISER | Mercruiser | MERCRUISER | MerCruiser | Mercruiser | MerCruiser |
| 350 hp | 260 hp | 330 hp | 190 hp | 260 hp | 310 hp |
| 282 | 313 | 222 | 180 | 376 | 2 |
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Harrison Township, MI
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