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2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Kent Island, MD US
Built in 2004
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
See This Boat At Our New Display Lot, Docks & Offices Located At Harrison's Yacht Yard Behind The Fishermans Inn & Crab Deck Turquoise Buildings
The 280DA Was The Best Selling Boat In Its Class As The Layout Simply Was Nicer Then Others
Great Cabin And Cockpit For A 28' Boat
Single 496 Is In Great Shape & Cheaper To Own With Only One Drive And Engine To Maintain. No Loss Of Performance Either.
See This Boat At Our New Display Lot, Docks & Offices Located At Harrison's Yacht Yard Behind The Fishermans Inn & Crab Deck Turquoise Buildings
The 280DA Was The Best Selling Boat In Its Class As The Layout Simply Was Nicer Then Others
Great Cabin And Cockpit For A 28' Boat
Single 496 Is In Great Shape & Cheaper To Own With Only One Drive And Engine To Maintain. No Loss Of Performance Either.
2004 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 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its spacious and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways
Many highlight the boat's solid build quality and reliable performance, noting smooth handling and a powerful engine. The well-designed layout, including a functional galley and ample seating, receives positive remarks. Users also appreciate the stylish exterior and ease of maintenance. Some mention that the boat offers great value for its size and features, making it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts looking for a versatile cruiser.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance, making it a popular choice among boating enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a fully equipped galley, and a private head, making it ideal for overnight trips.
Performance: Powered by reliable Mercruiser engines, this model delivers smooth and efficient cruising with good handling and speed.
Cockpit Layout: The cockpit is spacious and versatile, with ample seating and a wet bar area, perfect for entertaining guests.
Build Quality: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, and the 2004 280 Sundancer reflects this with durable materials and finishes.
Easy Handling: Its size and design make the boat relatively easy to maneuver and dock, suitable for both beginners and experienced boaters.
Cons
Engine Maintenance: As with many boats of this age, engine upkeep can require attention, and maintenance costs may be higher depending on usage and care.
Limited Headroom: While the cabin is comfortable, headroom can be somewhat limited for taller individuals, which may affect extended stays.
Storage Space: Storage can be tight, especially for longer trips or larger groups, requiring efficient packing and organization.
Fuel Efficiency: The boat’s fuel consumption is moderate, which is typical for its class but worth considering for budget-conscious owners.
Age-Related Wear: Being a 2004 model, some components and systems may need updating or replacement to meet modern standards and preferences.
Made For
The 2004 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and stylish cruiser perfect for day trips and weekend getaways. It’s well-suited for small families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy comfortable cruising, entertaining, and watersports. With its spacious cockpit, cozy cabin accommodations, and reliable performance, this boat is great for those looking to explore coastal waters, lakes, or rivers in comfort and style.
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Kent Island, MD
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