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2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Red Wing, MN 55066 US

$57,900

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

280 Sundancer

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (--)

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Gas

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$57,900$59,500$59,900$59,900$54,900$54,900
LocationRed WingKnife RiverWabashaInver Grove HeightsRed WingWayzata
Nominal Length28'35'35'34'31'31'
Engine Make-Mercruiser-7.4 L MPI MerCruiserMerCruiser-
Total Engine Power--320 hp310 hp330 hp-
Days on Market103231110105858
Get in touch
Nominal Length
28ft
Beam
9ft
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Fuel Type
gasoline
Total Power
440.0 hp

Contact River Valley Marine – Red Wing

3859 Hwy 61 West, Red Wing, MN, 55066

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 sleek design, spacious cockpit, and comfortable cabin layout

Many highlight its reliable performance and smooth handling, making it ideal for both day cruising and overnight trips. Owners appreciate the quality craftsmanship, ample storage, and well-equipped helm with user-friendly controls. Some note that the boat’s size strikes a perfect balance between easy maneuverability and enough space for family and friends. Overall, the 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer receives positive feedback for combining style, comfort, and functionality on the water.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer offers a great blend of comfort, performance, and style, making it a popular choice for weekend cruisers and day boaters. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a well-designed cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a small galley, and an enclosed head, making it suitable for overnight trips.

Performance: Powered by reliable MerCruiser engines, it delivers smooth handling and good speed for a boat in this size range.

Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, and the 280 Sundancer is no exception, with a stylish interior and durable fiberglass hull.

Versatile Layout: The cockpit area is spacious with plenty of seating and storage, ideal for entertaining guests or family outings.

Easy to Handle: At 28 feet, it’s manageable for new boaters yet still offers many features found on larger yachts.

Cons

Limited Headroom: While comfortable, the cabin headroom is somewhat limited, which may feel cramped for taller individuals during extended stays.

Fuel Efficiency: The boat’s performance comes with moderate fuel consumption, which can add up on longer trips.

Aging Electronics: Being a 2005 model, some onboard electronics and navigation systems may be outdated and could require upgrades.

Maintenance: As with any older boat, ongoing maintenance is necessary to keep the systems running smoothly, and some components may need replacement due to age.

Made For

The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser that combines comfort with performance. Ideal for small families, couples, or groups of friends, it offers ample space for day trips, weekend getaways, or coastal cruising. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the water, entertaining guests, or exploring new destinations, this boat provides a blend of convenience, quality craftsmanship, and reliable power to enhance your boating experience.

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 Power 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$ 49,215
Total Payment$87,994.59
Monthly payment
$366.64/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 Power 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$ 49,215
Total Payment$87,994.59
Monthly payment
$366.64/mo

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3859 Hwy 61 West
Red Wing, MN 55066

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