2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
$39,500
Boat in Annapolis, MD 21403 US
Built in 2005
280 Sundancer
2 Engines (2x MerCruiser)
31 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is just the boat you've been waiting for. Beautiful. Sleek. Comfortable. With room to sleep six, she's just right for families who hate to leave the water when darkness falls. Twin Mercruiser 4.3L Bravo III stern drives. Genset and Air Conditioning.
Under total 500 hours - Major overhaul on both motors 390/400 hours
2021 STBD Engine: Remanufactured Jasper block, New Risers, New Manifolds
2021 PORT Engine: New Risers, New Manifolds
2022 PORT Engine: Remanufactured block
Key Features include:
- Kohler Generator
- Air conditioning
- Simrad GPS/Fish-Finder
- Enclosed head with Vac-flush Toilet
- Hydraulic trim tabs
- Battery Charger
- Fuel Management gauge
- Windless Anchor
- Sunbrella cockpit cover (2021)
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/18/25 | Initial price | $39,500 |
2005 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 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its blend of comfort, performance, and stylish design
Many highlight the spacious and well-appointed cabin, which offers ample seating and sleeping accommodations, making it ideal for weekend getaways. Users appreciate the boat's reliable and smooth handling, noting it performs well both in calm waters and choppier conditions. The cockpit layout is frequently mentioned for its functionality and comfort, providing an excellent space for entertaining or relaxing. Overall, owners value the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for delivering a quality boating experience with a balance of luxury and practicality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers 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 engines, it delivers smooth handling and good speed for a boat of its size, suitable for cruising and weekend adventures.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, which is evident in the 280 Sundancer’s fit and finish.
Cockpit Layout: The cockpit is spacious with ample seating, a wet bar, and good visibility from the helm, enhancing the onboard experience.
Versatility: This model is versatile enough for day cruising, entertaining, and overnight stays, appealing to a wide range of boaters.
Cons
Storage Space: While adequate for short trips, storage can be limited for extended cruising or larger groups.
Engine Access: Some owners note that engine access can be somewhat restricted, making maintenance a bit more challenging.
Fuel Efficiency: Like many express cruisers, the fuel consumption can be on the higher side, especially at top speeds.
Age Considerations: As a 2005 model, potential buyers should be mindful of wear and tear or the need for updates to electronics and systems.
Made For
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort, performance, and ease of handling. Ideal for small families, couples, or groups of friends, this boat offers ample space for day trips, weekend getaways, or coastal cruising. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the water, entertaining guests, or enjoying water sports, the 280 Sundancer provides a well-appointed cabin, a functional cockpit, and reliable performance to suit a variety of boating lifestyles.
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750 Boucher Avenue, Suite 205, Annapolis, MD, 21403
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