2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Brick, NJ US
Built in 2003
280 Sundancer
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28 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in New Jersey, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in New Jersey, United States
NEW LISTING!!!
Those looking for a small midcabin family cruiser will find a lot
to like in the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. The styling is crisp-a
Sea Ray trademark these days-and the interior makes the most
out of available space with berths for four adults (and two kids),
decent headroom, a full galley, and a V-berth that converts into a
second dinette. Built on a deep-V hull with a moderate beam and
an integrated swim platform, the Sundancer's curved radar arch
is an appealing design touch that's showing up on a good many
express boats these days. The single-level cockpit is arranged
with a sun pad opposite the helm, an aft-facing bench seat, wet
bar, and a retractable rear bench seat that folds up into the transom
when it's necessary to get into the engine compartment. A
large storage locker is built into the transom, and molded steps
at the helm provide easy access to the walk-through windshield.
Powered with twin 220hp MerCruiser sterndrives, the 280 Sundancer
will cruise in the mid-to-high 20s and reach a top speed in the
neighborhood of 40 knots.
NEW LISTING!!!
Those looking for a small midcabin family cruiser will find a lot
to like in the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. The styling is crisp—a
Sea Ray trademark these days—and the interior makes the most
out of available space with berths for four adults (and two kids),
decent headroom, a full galley, and a V-berth that converts into a
second dinette. Built on a deep-V hull with a moderate beam and
an integrated swim platform, the Sundancer’s curved radar arch
is an appealing design touch that’s showing up on a good many
express boats these days. The single-level cockpit is arranged
with a sun pad opposite the helm, an aft-facing bench seat, wet
bar, and a retractable rear bench seat that folds up into the transom
when it’s necessary to get into the engine compartment. A
large storage locker is built into the transom, and molded steps
at the helm provide easy access to the walk-through windshield.
Powered with twin 220hp MerCruiser sterndrives, the 280 Sundancer
will cruise in the mid-to-high 20s and reach a top speed in the
neighborhood of 40 knots.
2003 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 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its spacious and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways
Many highlight the boat’s reliable performance and smooth handling, especially in coastal waters. The well-designed cockpit with ample seating and a functional helm station receives positive remarks for enhancing the boating experience. Owners also appreciate the quality craftsmanship and stylish interior finishes. Some note that maintenance is straightforward, and parts are readily available, contributing to overall satisfaction.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance that makes it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to four people, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Quality Construction: Sea Ray is known for solid build quality, and this model is no exception, offering durability and reliability on the water.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with reliable engines, the 280 Sundancer delivers smooth handling and good speed, making it suitable for cruising and watersports.
Comfortable Cockpit: The cockpit area is designed for socializing and relaxation, with ample seating and convenient amenities like a wet bar and cooler.
Versatile Layout: The boat includes a functional galley and head, providing the essentials for extended trips without sacrificing space.
Good Resale Value: Due to its popularity and reputation, the 280 Sundancer tends to hold its value well in the used boat market.
Cons
Limited Headroom: While the cabin is spacious for its size, taller individuals may find the headroom a bit restrictive.
Fuel Consumption: The powerful engines, while providing great performance, can result in higher fuel consumption compared to smaller or less powerful boats.
Aging Electronics: Being a 2003 model, the onboard electronics and navigation systems may be outdated and could require upgrading.
Maintenance Costs: As with any older boat, maintenance and upkeep can be more frequent and potentially costly, especially if previous owners have not kept up with regular servicing.
Storage Space: While adequate for short trips, storage may be limited for longer voyages or for those needing to carry extensive gear.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and stylish cruiser ideal for day trips and weekend getaways. It suits small families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a comfortable and well-appointed boat with ample seating, a cozy cabin, and reliable performance. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the water, entertaining guests, or exploring coastal destinations, this model offers a great balance of convenience, comfort, and ease of handling.
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Brick, NJ
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