2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in League City, TX 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 | $42,995 | $44,900 | $47,500 | $37,900 | $48,499 |
| Location | League City | Kemah | Kemah | Kemah | Kemah |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 20' | 32' | 33' | 32' |
| Draft | 3' | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | - | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | - | 13 hp | 27 hp | 27 hp | 27 hp |
| Days on Market | 5114 | 222 | 355 | 335 | 586 |
| Get in touch |
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Texas, United States
PRICE JUST REDUCED 12/2017. SELLER'S LEAVING THE COUNTRY ! Boaters everywhere will cheer all 28 beautiful feet of the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, from the stainless steel rail to the extended platform. The standard fiberglass sport spoiler only adds to her distinctive profile. With room to sleep six, she's just right for families who hate to leave the water when darkness falls. New lower units on outdrives. Complete with Generator.
PRICE JUST REDUCED 12/2017. SELLER'S LEAVING THE COUNTRY ! Boaters everywhere will cheer all 28 beautiful feet of the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, from the stainless steel rail to the extended platform. The standard fiberglass sport spoiler only adds to her distinctive profile. With room to sleep six, she's just right for families who hate to leave the water when darkness falls. New lower units on outdrives. Complete with Generator.
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 stylish design, comfortable layout, and reliable performance
Many highlight the spacious cockpit and well-appointed cabin, which make it ideal for weekend cruising and entertaining. Owners appreciate the smooth handling and powerful twin-engine setup, providing confidence on the water. Additionally, the quality craftsmanship and durable materials used in this model receive positive remarks, contributing to its reputation as a dependable and enjoyable cruiser. Some users also note that maintenance is straightforward, making it a practical choice for both new and experienced boaters. Overall, the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is valued for combining comfort, performance, and classic Sea Ray quality.
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 pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers a roomy interior for a 28-foot boat, including a comfortable V-berth, convertible dinette, and a well-equipped galley.
Performance: Powered by reliable MerCruiser engines, it delivers smooth handling and good cruising speed, making it suitable for coastal cruising and day trips.
Quality Build: Sea Ray’s reputation for solid construction and attention to detail ensures durability and a quality finish.
Amenities: Features such as a full head with shower, air conditioning option, and cockpit seating with a wet bar enhance onboard comfort.
Easy Handling: The boat is known for being relatively easy to maneuver and dock, which is great for weekend boaters and newcomers.
Cons
Limited Headroom: While spacious, the cabin headroom may feel a bit low for taller individuals.
Fuel Efficiency: Like many express cruisers of this size and era, fuel consumption can be on the higher side during extended cruising.
Aging Systems: Being a 2003 model, some onboard systems and electronics may require updating or maintenance.
Storage Space: Storage can be somewhat limited, so planning and efficient use of space is necessary for longer trips.
Cockpit Exposure: The cockpit is open and may need additional canvas or enclosure for protection in adverse weather.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who want a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort with performance. It's ideal for small families or couples looking for a weekend getaway on the water, offering ample seating, a cozy cabin, and modern amenities. Whether you enjoy day cruising, fishing, or entertaining friends, this boat provides a reliable and enjoyable experience for those seeking both relaxation and adventure on the water.
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League City, TX
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