2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
$36,999
Boat in Bayside, NY 11360 US
Built in 2004
280 Sundancer
1 Engine (Mercruiser)
28 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Reason for selling is "down sizing".
ANY and ALL offers will be put in front of our seller! Submit your offer today!
2004 SEA RAY 280 SUNDANCER, well maintained, excellent condition
The 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is arguably one of the most popular models at Sea Ray. It is the perfect size for a Family boat and is also great for couples.
This one is powered by a" New" single 496 Mag 375 hp motor, which quickly gets this boat up on plane. With Only one engine to worry about, maintenance is a breeze. The engine compartment is tremendous, with plenty of room to service all components.
On deck, comfortable seating throughout the cockpit has enough room for up to nine people.
Belowdecks, this boat can comfortably sleep six people. The Forward V berth converts into a dinette and sleeping arrangements for two adults. With a fully functioning galley, meal prep is a breeze. The traditional dinette also converts to a double berth and the aft cabin is quite roomy for two adults.
While we will always attempt to provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market, during any purchase from Pop you will be encouraged to schedule an inspection from an independent, accredited surveyor and every purchase WILL ALWAYS BE subject to your satisfaction with the results from your independent survey and your own personal trial run.
We have several more Chaparral, Regal, Bayliner, and Rinker vessels for sale. If you're in the New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan areas, please contact us to let us know what you're looking for and we'll get back with you today about any other express cruiser options we have locally that may meet your needs.
You have questions? We have answers. Call us at (941) 538-7803 to discuss this vessel today.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/16/25 | Initial price | $36,999 |
2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Video Tours
Boattest.com 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 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2004 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 both day cruising and overnight trips. Owners appreciate the boat’s smooth handling and solid build quality, noting that it offers a great balance of power and efficiency. The vessel’s amenities, including the galley and entertainment options, receive positive feedback for enhancing the overall boating experience. Some users mention that maintenance is straightforward, contributing to its reputation as a dependable and enjoyable cruiser.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, performance, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Layout: The 280 Sundancer offers a roomy cockpit and a well-designed cabin with sleeping accommodations for up to four people, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Comfortable Amenities: Features like a full galley, enclosed head, and ample storage provide a comfortable onboard experience.
Performance: Powered by reliable engines, the boat delivers smooth handling and good cruising speeds, suitable for both coastal cruising and day trips.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and quality materials, contributing to the boat’s durability and resale value.
Versatile Use: Its size and design make it versatile for fishing, entertaining, or relaxing on the water.
Cons
Engine Maintenance: Like many boats of this age, engine upkeep can require attention and investment to maintain optimal performance.
Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom may feel a bit restricted for taller individuals.
Fuel Efficiency: The boat’s fuel consumption may be higher compared to smaller or more modern vessels, impacting operating costs.
Aging Electronics: Original onboard electronics and systems may be outdated and could need upgrading for enhanced navigation and entertainment.
Storage Space: Although there is good storage for a boat of this size, it might be limited for extended trips or larger groups.
Made For
The 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts and families seeking a versatile and comfortable vessel for day cruising and weekend getaways. Its spacious design and well-appointed cabin make it perfect for those who enjoy spending time on the water, whether it's for relaxing, entertaining, or exploring coastal destinations. This model suits both experienced boaters and those new to boating who want a reliable and stylish boat with excellent performance and amenities.
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 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,999 | $36,500 | $39,000 | $32,400 | $32,250 | $32,000 |
| Bayside | Brooklyn | Port Jefferson | Central Square | Wantagh | Brooklyn |
| 28' | 26' | 28' | 26' | 28' | 24' |
| 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mercruiser | Mercruiser | MerCruiser | Mercury | Mercruiser | Mercruiser |
| 375 hp | - | 210 hp | 300 hp | 220 hp | 260 hp |
| 20 | 20 | 164 | 297 | 20 | 20 |
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Contact Pop Yachts about 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
5717 Bessie Drive, Sarasota, FL, 34233
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