2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
$37,000
Boat in Pensacola, FL 32507 US
Built in 2005
280 Sundancer
2 Engines (2x Mercruiser)
28 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Reason for selling is "Illness forces sale".
ANY and ALL offers will be put in front of our seller! Submit your offer today!
280 Sundancer with twin Mercruiser and newer upholstery
If your needs align with an Express Cruiser with a mid-ship berth for the kids, this 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer may be for you.
From aft, the large swim platform has a telescopic swim ladder, and there is trunk storage. A freshwater showerhead washes the sand away.
The cockpit includes a fold-down bench seat, aft and forward-facing companion seating, a wet bar, and EVA flooring.
At the helm are Smartcraft gauges, Standard Horizon VHF, beverage holders, and a Lowrance Elite 5 combo machine.
Through the companionway is a mid-ship berth to port, and a galley that includes a refrigerator, stove, sink, and microwave.
The seller installed a Rockville stereo.
A U-shaped dinette has newer upholstery, and a Vizio flat TV is nearby. Forward is a V-berth with a hanging clothes closet.
On the bow is full-width EVA flooring and an electric windlass.
Power is supplied by twin Mercruiser 4.3 MPI gas engines coupled to Alpha One Mercruiser drives.
The seller is motivated! Bring reasonable offers!
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 Mobile, Navarre, Ferry Pass, or Wright 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 12/4/25 | Initial price | $37,000 |
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 spacious and comfortable cabin, making it ideal for weekend getaways
Many highlight its reliable performance and smooth handling, which provide confidence both for novice and experienced boaters. The boat's well-designed layout, including ample seating and a functional helm, receives positive remarks. Owners also appreciate the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail typical of Sea Ray. Some mention that with proper maintenance, the 280 Sundancer remains a durable and enjoyable cruiser even years after its release. Overall, the 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is valued for blending style, comfort, and performance in a versatile package.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its versatile design and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Cabin: Offers a well-designed interior with sleeping accommodations for up to four people, including a V-berth and convertible dinette.
Comfort and Amenities: Equipped with a galley, enclosed head, and ample storage, making it suitable for weekend cruising.
Performance: Powered by reliable Mercruiser engines, providing solid performance and handling on the water.
Cockpit Layout: Features a comfortable cockpit with seating for entertaining and a wet bar, ideal for socializing.
Build Quality: Known for Sea Ray’s quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in construction and finish.
Trailerable Size: At around 28 feet, it is easier to trailer and store compared to larger yachts.
Cons
Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom may feel somewhat restricted for taller individuals.
Engine Access: Engine compartment access can be tight, which may complicate maintenance tasks.
Fuel Efficiency: Like many boats of this size and power, fuel consumption can be relatively high.
Aging Systems: As a 2005 model, some onboard systems and electronics may be outdated and could require upgrades.
Limited Outdoor Space: While the cockpit is comfortable, outdoor deck space is limited compared to larger cruisers.
Made For
The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser. Ideal for small families or couples, it offers comfortable accommodations for weekend getaways, day trips, or overnight stays. Its blend of performance, spacious cockpit, and cozy cabin makes it well-suited for those who enjoy both relaxing on the water and entertaining guests. Whether you're new to boating or an experienced captain, this Sundancer model provides a great balance of comfort, functionality, and classic Sea Ray quality.
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 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,000 | $37,000 | $36,900 | $34,900 | $39,400 | $49,500 |
| Pensacola | Miami | Saint Petersburg | Fort Lauderdale | Spring Hill | Englewood |
| 28' | 29' | 28' | 25' | 30' | 37' |
| 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mercruiser | Mercruiser | Mercruiser | Mercruiser | Mercruiser | Mercruiser |
| 220 hp | 240 hp | 210 hp | 300 hp | - | 375 hp |
| 20 | 20 | 8 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in Florida, United States
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Pop Yachts about 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
5717 Bessie Drive, Sarasota, FL, 34233
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