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2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Newington, NH US

$34,900

Used
We will let you know when another 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is available in Newington, NH
builtBuilt in 2003
Year the boat was built
model

280 Sundancer

Boat model
engine

--

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
28ft
Length Overall
28ft
Beam
12ft
Max Draft
3ft
Fuel Tanks
100gal
Hull Material
fiberglass

*Low hours
*powered by Twin 4.3 Ltr 220 hp Mercruiser MPIs with Alpha I Outdrives

This 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer has been stored out of water for a few years with very little use and has everything you need to cruise in style and comfort.

The spacious cockpit offers a foldaway transom bench and a removable table that safely stows in the engine compartment allowing the aft facing cockpit bench to be folded down into a sun lounger. To starboard, a wet bar sink with molded-in cooler provides easy access to cold drinks.

Additional seating can be found in the large companion lounge to port, including a swivel helm seat with flip up bolster.

At the helm, she has beautiful wood paneled gauges and instrumentation.

The cabin has a large forward dinette that easily converts to a double berth and a second port side dinette that converts to a single berth.

Her well designed galley features Corian countertops, sink, electric stovetop with cover, microwave, refrigerator, and plenty of storage.

An additional berth is easily accessed to port, entering the aft cabin double berth, and she also has a private enclosed marine head with sink, shower, and Vacuflush toilet with pump out.

Lightly used but a little detailing will make her look fantastic. Come take a peek, make an offer. The owners want this boat sold prior to winter layup, do it now!

Contact

Newington, NH

Sea Ray 280 Sundancer: BoatTEST Review

Reviewed by Jeff Hammond

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.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Overview from around the web 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Customers consistently praise the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its excellent combination of style, comfort, and performance

Many highlight the spacious and well-designed cabin, which offers a cozy retreat with ample sleeping accommodations and a functional galley. The helm station is often noted for its user-friendly layout and good visibility, making navigation straightforward and enjoyable. Owners appreciate the boat's solid construction and reliable engines, which provide smooth and responsive handling both in calm waters and choppier conditions. The cockpit area receives positive remarks for its comfortable seating and versatility, ideal for entertaining or relaxing on the water. Overall, the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is regarded as a dependable and stylish cruiser that balances practical features with a touch of luxury, making it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts seeking a midsize express cruiser.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, style, and performance. Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers a well-designed cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a small galley, and an enclosed head, making it ideal for weekend cruising.

Performance: Powered by reliable engines, this model delivers solid performance and handling, suitable for coastal cruising and day trips.

Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for quality craftsmanship, and the 280 Sundancer features durable construction and good attention to detail.

Amenities: Comes equipped with useful features such as a swim platform, cockpit seating, and entertainment options that enhance onboard comfort.

Versatility: Its size and layout make it versatile enough for families or couples who want a mix of day boating and overnight capabilities.

Cons

Engine Maintenance: Like many boats of this age, engine upkeep can be a concern; potential buyers should ensure proper maintenance records and possibly budget for engine servicing.

Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom is somewhat restricted, which may be less comfortable for taller individuals during extended stays.

Storage Space: While adequate for short trips, storage might be limited for longer voyages or those requiring more gear.

Fuel Efficiency: Being a cruiser with moderate horsepower, fuel consumption can be higher compared to smaller or more modern vessels.

Aging Electronics: Original onboard electronics and navigation equipment may be outdated and could require upgrading to meet current standards.

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 to enjoy weekend getaways on the water, offering spacious accommodations and easy handling. Whether you're into day cruising, overnight trips, or watersports, this boat provides a great balance of functionality and luxury.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Sea Ray cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 29,665
Total Payment$53,039.92
Monthly payment
$221.00/mo

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Sea Ray cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 29,665
Total Payment$53,039.92
Monthly payment
$221.00/mo

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Address

Newington, NH

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