2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Boat in Harbor Springs, MI 49740 US
Built in 2003
280 Sundancer
2 Engines (2x Mercruiser)
28 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Up for sale is a beautiful 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, one of the most popular pocket cruisers ever built. Perfect for day cruising with friends or weekend getaways with the family, this boat perfectly balances sleek styling, sporty performance, and comfortable accommodations. It has been a fresh water vessel that has been properly maintained and is ready for its next owner. The canvas cockpit enclosure was replaced two years ago and shows like new. Less than 300 hours of use on her upgraded twin Mercruiser 4.3L MPI (220 HP) engines with Alpha stern drives.
- Anchor chute with windlass, rope, chain, and foot switches at bow
- Stainless steel bow and stern eyes
- Stainless steel bow rail with welded stanchions
- 8 Stainless steel cleats 8" thru-bolted
- Black/Gold color scheme
- Deck fill plates
- 2 Brass-threaded Garboard drain plugs
- Arctic White gelcoat
- 2 Stainless steel transom handrails
- 20" x 20" deck hatch/vent, translucent with locks and sky screen cover
- Removable stern light
- Stainless steel navigation lights
- Stainless steel port lights (4 opening)
- PVC rub rail with stainless steel insert
- Anchor storage with gas-assisted hatch
- Transom wall storage for fenders and gear
- Extended swim platform with concealed stainless steel three-step ladder and grab handle
- Integral engine room vent system
- Tempered/tinted curved glass windshield with walk-thru and stainless steel supports
- Starboard windshield wiper
- 7 Beverage holders
- Snap-in carpet liner
- Carry-on cooler with designated storage
- Fiberglass cabin entry door with integral steps (sliding and lockable)
- Transom door
- Fiberglass self-bailing floor liner
- Gas-assisted engine room hatch
- Indirect lighting
- 12V accessory outlet
- 120V outlet GFI protected
- Aft bench seat (foldaway)
- Aft facing seating with fold-down sun pad - port
- Bucket seating with swivel, slider, flip-up bolster and rotocast shell - helm
- Lounger seating with forward facing backrest - port
- Molded fiberglass Sport Spoiler with overhead lighting
- Molded in boarding steps
- Side panel storage
- Cockpit table
- Wet bar with sink, faucet with pullout sprayer, built-in insulated cooler, beverage holders, stainless steel handrail and storage below
- Carbon monoxide monitor
- Deep pile carpet
- Sunbrella carpet runners
- 12V lighting
- 120V outlets GFI protected
- Accent pillows
- Clarion Stereo AM/FM single CD with 6-disc CD changer, amplifier, speakers (6) and digital cockpit remote control
- Cherry wood interior package Formica cabinets
Dinette:
- Filler cushions with dedicated storage
- Opposing dinette with storage below - converts to bed
- Drawer storage
- Gunwale cabinet storage
- Dinette table with Corian surface
Galley:
- Molded fiberglass countertop with Granite colored gelcoat, sink, faucet, and Corian sink cover
- Stainless steel handrail
- Dual-voltage lighting 120V/12V
- 120V Microwave
- 12V accessory outlet
- Dual-voltage refrigerator 120V/12V
- Upper and lower storage
- Recessed single-burner butane stove with Corian cover
- Under step trash receptacle
V-Berth:
- Privacy curtain
- Filler cushions with dedicated storage
- Hanging locker - port
- Mirrored rope locker forward bulkhead
- V-berth seating with storage below, converts to bed
- Cabinet storage with shelf - starboard
- Gunwale storage cabinets
- V-berth table with Corian surface and designated storage
Mid-Stateroom:
- Double bunk
- Privacy curtain
- Cabinet storage with mirrored door
- Sliding window with screen
Head:
- Stainless steel handrail
- VacuFlush head
- Enclosed head - full fiberglass with shower and curtain
- Mirror
- Medicine cabinet storage
- Upper shelf storage with stainless steel rail
- Vanity with sink, faucet with pullout sprayer and storage below
Control Station:
- Engine alarms - oil and water (audible)
- High water alarms - bilge and cabin
- Compass
- Horn
- Custom Sea Ray instrumentation, backlit with low-glare Blue night lighting and stainless steel bezels
- High gloss Burl instrument panel
- Shift and throttle levers with power trim switch
- Power assisted steering
- Tilt steering wheel
- Wood accent steering wheel
- Illuminated waterproof switch panels electronic with ISO symbols
- Power trim and tilt
Electronics:
- Lowrance 3500 depth sounder
- Icom IC-M412 VHF radio
- Bow-thruster with joystick controller
- Trim tabs
- Remote spotlight
Electrical System:
- 120V/60 Cycle battery charger/converter
- Dual battery switch
- Battery trays with mounts
- Waterproof breaker panels
- Galvanic isolator
- DC main breaker panel
- AC main distribution panel
- Shore power, 30 amp/120V/60 cycle with cord
- Color coded wiring with chafe protection
Engine Room:
- 12V automatic bilge pumps (high water, 1 bilge, 1 cabin)
- 2 12V bilge blowers
- Remote oil filter
- Automatic fire suppression with manual pull
- Gel-coated engine room
- Insulated engine room
- 12V lighting
Fuel System:
- USCG Type A-1 fuel lines
- Fuel tank with anti-siphon valve and electric sending unit
Water System:
- Freshwater washdown spigot
- Pressure water system with 12V pump
- Hot and cold cockpit shower
- 120V 6-gallon water heater with exchanger
- Dockside water inlet
- 28 gallon water tank
Waste System:
- VacuFlush head system
- Head holding tank level indicator
- 28 gallon holding tank with dockside pumpout
- Sump box with automatic pump
- Full canvas/isenglass bimini top and cockpit camper package (only 2 years old and in great condition)
- Gel-coated dash in Tan
- 9" TV/VCR combo, dual voltage 120V/12V with dockside inlet and antenna
- Windlass, rope, chain with foot switches
- 5" spotlight remote controlled
- Butane single burner stove
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/14/26 | Initial price | $39,000 |
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 combination of comfort, performance, and versatile functionality
Many love the spacious interior, which features a well-designed layout ideal for both day outings and weekend getaways. The cabin offers ample seating, a fully-equipped galley, and convenient sleeping arrangements, making it perfect for family adventures or entertaining friends. The performance of the 280 Sundancer is often highlighted, with marine enthusiasts noting its smooth handling and impressive power, thanks to its twin engine configuration. Owners also appreciate the boat’s stability and ease of maneuverability, whether in calm waters or choppy conditions. Feedback often mentions the ample storage space, which contributes to a clutter-free experience on board. The cockpit area is frequently noted for its comfortable seating and accessibility, making it a great social hub during outings. Additionally, many customers point out the attractive aesthetics of the Sundancer, with its sleek design and quality finish that stands the test of time. Overall, the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is recognized as a reliable choice for those seeking a blend of style, comfort, and performance on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular choice among boating enthusiasts for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with ample headroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six people. Its layout includes a galley, dining area, and a private head compartment, making it suitable for weekend getaways.
Performance: Powered by twin engines, the Sundancer offers good speed and excellent handling on the water. The responsive steering and smooth ride enhance the overall boating experience.
Versatile Cockpit: The cockpit is designed for entertaining with ample seating, a wet bar, and a convertible sun lounge. Its open layout allows for easy movement and interaction among guests.
Quality Construction: Sea Ray is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the 280 Sundancer is built with durable materials designed to withstand the elements, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Available Features: The 2003 model comes with various optional features and upgrades, including a generator, air conditioning, and advanced navigation systems, catering to diverse boating needs.
Cons
Fuel Consumption: Twin engines can lead to higher fuel consumption compared to smaller or single-engine boats. It’s important to consider operating costs for extended trips.
Size Limitations: While the 280 Sundancer is spacious, it may feel cramped for larger groups, especially on longer outings. It's essential to evaluate your specific needs for recreational activities.
Maintenance Needs: Like any boat, maintenance is crucial. Twin engines and additional systems could result in increased maintenance costs and efforts compared to simpler models.
Storage Space: Although there is some storage onboard, it may not suffice for extended trips, especially with gear and provisions for a larger group. Planning and organization are key.
Market Competition: While the 280 Sundancer is a solid choice, there are many other boats in the same category that might offer different features or modern amenities that appeal to specific buyers.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who seek a blend of comfort, performance, and versatility. This mid-sized express cruiser caters to families and small groups looking for weekend getaways or day trips on the water. Its spacious layout is ideal for entertaining, making it an excellent choice for social gatherings, family outings, or spontaneous adventures. With a well-designed cockpit and ample seating, the 280 Sundancer accommodates both relaxation and dining al fresco, while the cabin offers cozy sleeping arrangements, a head with shower, and a fully equipped galley. Cruising couples will appreciate the boat’s efficient performance and easy handling, while young families can enjoy the safety and stability it provides. This model is also suited for those who appreciate modern amenities without sacrificing the classic style that Sea Ray is known for, creating a comfortable and enjoyable boating experience for a variety of users. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a newcomer to the water, the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer delivers an exciting and memorable experience on the waves.
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 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,000 | $39,900 | $35,000 | $45,900 | $29,999 | $25,900 |
| Location | Harbor Springs | Grosse Ile | Harrison Township | Charlevoix | Whitehall | Harrison Township |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 28' | 26' | 34' | 28' | 28' |
| Draft | 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Mercruiser | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | - |
| Total Engine Power | 220 hp | 220 hp | 260 hp | 380 hp | 300 hp | - |
| Days on Market | 28 | 117 | 84 | 97 | 70 | 82 |
| Get in touch |
Meet the Broker
Address
Other Information about Irish Boat Shop
Irish Boat Shop has provided services to recreational boaters in Harbor Springs since 1961, Lake Charlevoix since 1971, and Traverse City since 2018. Our family-owned operation, modern facilities, and breadth of experience is why we're considered the boating experts in Northern Michigan.
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Boat Location
Contact Irish Boat Shop about 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
400 E Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
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