2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Pawcatuck, CT US
Built in 2003
280 Sundancer
--
28 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Boats For Sale in Connecticut, United States Similar to the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Compare with similar boats and find the perfect one for you.
No image available 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $46,500 | $44,900 | $49,000 | $49,900 | $49,900 | $51,000 |
| Location | Pawcatuck | Niantic | Norwalk | Mystic | Chester | Portland |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 33' | 31' | 32' | 33' | 35' |
| Draft | 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | - | Volvo Penta | Mercruiser | - | Volvo Penta | Mercruiser |
| Total Engine Power | - | 375 hp | 300 hp | - | 280 hp | 300 hp |
| Days on Market | 4412 | 86 | 1003 | 863 | 484 | 146 |
| Get in touch |
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in Connecticut, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Connecticut, United States
The 280 Sundancer was a very popular model for Sea Ray and was in production for 9 years. This boat is very clean and it shows bow to stern, top to bottom. The care this boat receives is impressive. Seller is motivated- moving up. Truly turn key, in the water and ready to go. All reasonable offers will be considered. If you are looking for a 28' cruiser this boat is a MUST SEE!
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION
The 280 Sundancer was a very popular model for Sea Ray and was in production for 9 years. This boat is very clean and it shows bow to stern, top to bottom. The care this boat receives is impressive. Seller is motivated- moving up. Truly turn key, in the water and ready to go. All reasonable offers will be considered. If you are looking for a 28' cruiser this boat is a MUST SEE!
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION
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 appreciate the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its versatile design, combining comfortable accommodations with strong performance
Many highlight its spacious cockpit and well-appointed cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways or day cruising. Owners often praise the boat's reliable engines and smooth handling, which contribute to a confident and enjoyable experience on the water. Additionally, the quality craftsmanship and thoughtful layout receive positive remarks, with users noting the ample storage and practical features that enhance convenience. Overall, the 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is regarded as a well-rounded cruiser that offers both comfort and capability.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to four people, including a V-berth and convertible dinette.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction, and the 280 Sundancer reflects that with durable materials and a stylish finish.
Good Performance: Powered by reliable engines, the boat delivers smooth handling and respectable cruising speeds, making it suitable for day trips and weekend getaways.
Amenities: The boat comes equipped with a functional galley, enclosed head, and ample storage, providing convenience for extended outings.
Cockpit Layout: The cockpit offers a spacious seating area with a wet bar and plenty of room for entertaining guests.
Cons
Limited Headroom: While the cabin is comfortable, the headroom is somewhat limited, which might be less comfortable for taller individuals.
Engine Access: Some owners note that engine access can be a bit tight, making maintenance tasks more challenging.
Aging Electronics: Given its 2003 model year, onboard electronics may be outdated unless upgraded by previous owners.
Fuel Efficiency: Like many boats in its class, fuel consumption can be relatively high, especially at top speeds.
Limited Freshwater Capacity: The freshwater tank size may restrict longer trips without frequent refilling.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts who want a versatile and comfortable cruiser. It suits small families or couples looking for weekend getaways on the water, offering ample space for relaxing, entertaining, and overnight stays. With its blend of performance, style, and practical amenities, it’s ideal for those seeking a reliable boat for day trips, coastal cruising, or exploring lakes and bays in comfort.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Address
Want to update the details or images for this boat? Claim this listing by getting in touch.
Contact the dealer about 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Pawcatuck, CT
Login with Google