2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Colchester, VT US
Built in 2003
280 Sundancer
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28 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
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 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69,900 | $70,000 |
| Location | Colchester | Colchester |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 29' |
| Draft | 2' | - |
| Engine Make | - | Volvo Penta |
| Total Engine Power | - | 350 hp |
| Days on Market | 7014 | 735 |
| Get in touch |
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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 consistently praise the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its blend of comfort, style, and performance
Many highlight the spacious cockpit and well-designed cabin, which make it ideal for day cruising or overnight trips. The boat's reliable engines and smooth handling receive positive remarks, contributing to a confident and enjoyable ride. Owners also appreciate the quality of the build and the thoughtful layout, which maximizes usable space. Some note that with proper maintenance, the 280 Sundancer remains a solid and dependable choice in its class. Overall, feedback reflects satisfaction with this model’s versatility and enduring appeal.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Spacious Layout: The 280 Sundancer offers a well-designed interior with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a functional galley, and a roomy cockpit, making it great for weekend cruising.
Performance: Equipped with reliable twin Mercruiser engines, it delivers good speed and handling for a boat in this class.
Build Quality: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, and this model reflects that with durable materials and a quality finish.
Versatility: Suitable for day trips, overnight stays, and light cruising, providing flexibility for various boating activities.
Amenities: Features like a private head, a convertible dinette, and ample storage add to the overall convenience and comfort on board.
Cons
Engine Maintenance: As with many boats of this age, engine upkeep can be demanding and potentially costly if not properly maintained.
Limited Headroom: The cabin headroom is somewhat limited, which might be uncomfortable for taller individuals during extended stays.
Aging Systems: Some onboard systems and electronics may be outdated and could require upgrades or replacements to meet modern standards.
Fuel Consumption: The twin-engine setup may result in higher fuel consumption compared to single-engine boats of similar size.
Storage Space: While adequate for weekend trips, long-term cruisers might find the storage capacity somewhat limited.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts and families looking for a versatile and stylish cruiser. It’s ideal for those who enjoy weekend getaways on the water, offering comfortable accommodations, a spacious cockpit for socializing, and reliable performance. Whether you’re interested in day cruising, overnight trips, or entertaining guests, this boat provides a great balance of comfort, functionality, and ease of handling.
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Colchester, VT
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