2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Shady Side, MD US
Built in 2003
280 Sundancer
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28 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in Maryland, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Maryland, United States
HUGE 10k price reduction......There's always a lot to like in this very popular Sea Ray. A small family cruiser with many amenities offers huge value for a twin engine stern drive boat. Cockpit features facing seating around a cockpit table. Single helm seat to STBD and L shaped companion seat to PORT.
Below decks, a full galley is across from facing dinette style table which converts to a small berth. Generous mid cabin and V- berth complete the sleeping arrangements.
Powered by MerCruiser 4.3L MPI T-220hp engines with 108 operational hours and ALPHA outdrives, this 280 will cruise in the mid to high 20's and reach top end at over 30kts. A Kohler 5.0Kw Generator provides comfort while underway or on the hook.
Camper canvas and cockpit cover complete the offering which is a solid value for those looking for a first family cruiser. Call today for an appointment, the owner wants this boat GONE......
HUGE 10k price reduction......There’s always a lot to like in this very popular Sea Ray. A small family cruiser with many amenities offers huge value for a twin engine stern drive boat. Cockpit features facing seating around a cockpit table. Single helm seat to STBD and L shaped companion seat to PORT.
Below decks, a full galley is across from facing dinette style table which converts to a small berth. Generous mid cabin and V- berth complete the sleeping arrangements.
Powered by MerCruiser 4.3L MPI T-220hp engines with 108 operational hours and ALPHA outdrives, this 280 will cruise in the mid to high 20’s and reach top end at over 30kts. A Kohler 5.0Kw Generator provides comfort while underway or on the hook.
Camper canvas and cockpit cover complete the offering which is a solid value for those looking for a first family cruiser. Call today for an appointment, the owner wants this boat GONE......
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 spacious and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways and day cruises
Many highlight the boat’s stylish design and quality craftsmanship, noting the well-laid-out helm and ample seating both inside and on deck. Users appreciate the reliable performance of its engine, offering smooth and enjoyable rides. The boat’s amenities, including a functional galley and a cozy sleeping area, receive positive remarks for enhancing onboard comfort. Overall, owners commend the 280 Sundancer for combining luxury and practicality in a manageable size.
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 Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers a well-designed interior with a roomy cabin that includes a comfortable berth, a compact galley, and an enclosed head, making it suitable for overnight trips.
Good Performance: Equipped with reliable twin engines, it delivers solid cruising speeds and smooth handling, ideal for coastal cruising and day boating.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and quality materials, and the 280 Sundancer reflects this with durable fiberglass hull and well-finished interiors.
Versatile Layout: The cockpit area is spacious with ample seating and a convertible sunpad, providing a great space for entertaining or relaxing.
Easy Handling: Its manageable size and responsive helm make it beginner-friendly while still offering plenty of features for experienced boaters.
Cons
Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom can feel a bit cramped for taller individuals.
Aging Electronics: Being a 2003 model, the onboard electronics and navigation systems may be outdated and could require upgrades.
Fuel Efficiency: Twin engines provide good power but can lead to higher fuel consumption compared to single-engine boats of similar size.
Storage Space: Storage compartments are adequate but may be limited for extended cruising or larger groups.
Maintenance: As with any older boat, upkeep and maintenance can be more intensive, especially if the boat hasn't been regularly serviced.
Made For
The 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and comfortable cruiser. It’s perfect for small families or couples who enjoy weekend getaways on the water, offering ample space for relaxing, entertaining, and overnight stays. Whether you’re interested in day cruising, fishing, or exploring coastal waters, this model combines performance, style, and convenience to suit both new and experienced boaters looking for a reliable and enjoyable boating experience.
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Shady Side, MD
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