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2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Kent Island, MD US

$52,500

Used
We will let you know when another 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is available in Kent Island, MD
builtBuilt in 2005
Year the boat was built
model

280 Sundancer

Boat model
engine

--

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material

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The Image of Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 - 02005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Price$52,500$53,950$54,950$54,950$50,000$50,000
LocationKent IslandWest RiverTracys LandingTracys LandingAnnapolisAnnapolis
Nominal Length28'29'35'33'37'37'
Draft3'-----
Engine Make-BetaYanmar-UniversalUniversal
Total Engine Power-25 hp30 hp-40 hp40 hp
Days on Market470233010523687759
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Nominal Length
28ft
Length Overall
28ft
Beam
9ft
Max Draft
3ft
Dry Weight
8500lb
Fresh Water Tanks
28gal
Fuel Tanks
100gal
Holding Tanks
28gal
Hull Material
fiberglass

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Kent Island, MD

Sea Ray 280 Sundancer: BoatTEST Review

Reviewed by Jeff Hammond

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.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Overview from around the web 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Customers praise the 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its spacious and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways

Many highlight its smooth handling and reliable performance on the water, appreciating the powerful engine options that deliver both speed and efficiency. The boat’s well-designed layout, including a functional galley and cozy sleeping quarters, receives positive feedback for enhancing onboard living. Additionally, users often mention the quality craftsmanship and stylish design typical of Sea Ray, noting that the 280 Sundancer strikes a great balance between luxury and practicality. Overall, owners find it to be a versatile and enjoyable cruiser suitable for both day trips and extended excursions.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, performance, and style. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: Offers comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to four people, with a well-designed layout including a V-berth and convertible dinette.

Quality Construction: Built with solid fiberglass hull and high-quality materials, providing durability and a smooth ride.

Powerful Performance: Equipped with reliable MerCruiser engines that deliver good speed and handling for cruising and watersports.

Functional Galley: Includes essential amenities such as a stove, microwave, sink, and refrigerator, ideal for weekend trips.

Ample Storage: Plenty of storage compartments both below deck and on the cockpit for gear and supplies.

Comfortable Cockpit: Features a spacious and well-appointed cockpit with seating, a wet bar, and a swim platform for easy water access.

Cons

Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom may feel restrictive for taller individuals, which can affect comfort during extended stays.

Aging Electronics: Depending on previous ownership, onboard electronics and navigation equipment might be outdated and could require upgrades.

Fuel Consumption: As a mid-sized cruiser with powerful engines, fuel efficiency may be moderate, leading to higher operating costs.

Maintenance Needs: Being a 2005 model, some components such as upholstery, plumbing, or engine parts may need refurbishing or replacement.

Limited Privacy: The open layout of the cabin offers limited privacy, which might be a consideration for multiple guests.

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 friends looking to enjoy day trips or weekend getaways on the water, this boat offers ample living space, a well-designed cockpit, and reliable features that make it great for both relaxing and entertaining. Whether you're into fishing, watersports, or simply cruising coastal waters and lakes, the 280 Sundancer provides a balanced blend of functionality and luxury for those who appreciate quality and convenience in a mid-sized express cruiser.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Sea Ray cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 44,625
Total Payment$79,787.84
Monthly payment
$332.45/mo

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Sea Ray cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
510152025
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 44,625
Total Payment$79,787.84
Monthly payment
$332.45/mo

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