2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Chicago, IL 60601 US
Built in 2001
280 Sundancer
--
28 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Boats For Sale in Illinois, United States Similar to the 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Compare with similar boats and find the perfect one for you.
 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $34,990 | $35,000 | $34,900 | $37,000 | $39,900 | $39,900 |
| Location | Chicago | Chicago | Waukegan | Chicago | Chicago | Chicago |
| Nominal Length | - | 25' | 27' | 26' | 28' | - |
| Engine Make | - | - | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | Mercury | - |
| Total Engine Power | - | - | 300 hp | 300 hp | 375 hp | - |
| Days on Market | 378 | 106 | 391 | 133 | 15 | 1 |
| Get in touch |
Other 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer For Sale in Illinois, United States
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in Illinois, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Illinois, United States
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/28/25 | Initial price | $34,990 |
2001 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 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for weekend getaways and day cruising
Many highlight the boat's reliable performance and smooth handling, appreciating its solid build quality. The well-designed cabin layout, including a cozy berth and functional galley, receives positive remarks for enhancing onboard comfort. Additionally, owners often mention the stylish exterior and ample deck space as standout features. Overall, the 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is valued for combining practicality with a sleek design, offering an enjoyable boating experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, performance, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The 280 Sundancer offers a roomy cabin for its size, featuring a comfortable V-berth, a convertible dinette, and a well-equipped galley, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Performance: Powered by reliable twin engines, this model delivers solid cruising speeds and responsive handling, suitable for both coastal cruising and inland waters.
Cockpit Layout: The cockpit is designed with socializing in mind, featuring ample seating, a wet bar, and easy access to the swim platform.
Build Quality: Sea Ray is known for quality construction, and the 280 Sundancer holds up well over time with durable materials and solid craftsmanship.
Amenities: Includes features such as a fully enclosed head with shower, air conditioning, and entertainment options, enhancing onboard comfort.
Cons
Engine Maintenance: Like many boats of this age, the engines may require diligent upkeep and potential repairs, which can add to ownership costs.
Fuel Consumption: Twin engines provide good power but can be less fuel-efficient, leading to higher operating expenses.
Limited Headroom: While spacious for a 28-foot boat, taller individuals may find the cabin headroom somewhat restrictive.
Aging Systems: Electrical and plumbing systems might need updating or replacement depending on prior maintenance.
Storage Space: Storage can be limited, so careful organization is necessary for extended trips.
Made For
The 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and stylish vessel for day cruising, weekend getaways, or entertaining friends and family on the water. Ideal for small groups or couples, it offers comfortable accommodations and user-friendly features, making it suitable for both experienced boaters and those new to boating. Whether you're looking to explore coastal waters, enjoy water sports, or relax in a cozy cabin, this boat provides a great balance of performance, comfort, and classic Sea Ray quality.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Address
Other Information about Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Our Chicago office is located at the base of the Marina City complex on the north bank of the Chicago River, directly across from Chicago's Loop District. This downtown waterfront location includes 17 slips ranging from 31 to 78 feet. These slips allow for convenient viewing and sea trials of our first-class vessels. They are also available for year-round leasing and transient dockage to boaters.
Want to update the details or images for this boat? Claim this listing by getting in touch.
Boat Location
Contact Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales about 2001 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Marina City Towers, 300 N. State Street, Chicago, IL, 60654
Login with Google