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2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Ship Bottom, NJ US

$54,900

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

280 Sundancer

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (2x MERCRUISER)

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Gas

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material

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2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Price$54,900$59,995
LocationShip BottomToms River
Nominal Length28'-
Draft3'-
Engine MakeMERCRUISER-
Total Engine Power520 hp-
Days on Market37905
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Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in New Jersey, United States

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
Engine 1
Engine Make
MERCRUISER
Engine Model
5.0L MPI BR3
Total Power
520hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine 2
Engine Make
MERCRUISER
Engine Model
5.0L MPI BR3
Total Power
520hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
gasoline

**** PRICE REDUCTION **** 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. Standard power is a MerCruiser 496 Magnum Bravo III stern drive. But this very nice and clean 280 Sun dancer has the upgraded power twin MerCruiser 5.0l 260HP with Bravo III outdrives!!

Contact Patrick Lhota

214 West 9th St, Ship Bottom, NJ, 08008

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 and overnight trips

Many highlight its smooth handling and reliable performance on the water, appreciating the powerful engine options that provide both speed and stability. The boat’s well-designed layout, including a functional galley and ample seating, receives positive remarks for enhancing the overall boating experience. Additionally, users often mention the quality craftsmanship and stylish design that Sea Ray is known for, noting that the 280 Sundancer offers excellent value for its size and features. Some also appreciate the ease of maintenance and the availability of parts, which contribute to its longevity and enjoyment.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer offers a great blend of style, comfort, and performance, making it a popular choice for boating enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Spacious Cabin: The 280 Sundancer features a roomy cabin with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a well-equipped galley, and a private head, perfect for weekend getaways.

Stylish Design: Sleek lines and a modern profile give this boat an attractive, sporty look.

Performance: Powered by reliable engines, it delivers smooth handling and good speed for a boat in its class.

Cockpit Space: The cockpit area is well-designed with ample seating, making it ideal for entertaining guests.

Build Quality: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and durable materials, and the 280 Sundancer maintains that reputation.

Cons

Limited Storage: While the cabin is spacious, storage compartments may be somewhat limited for extended trips.

Fuel Efficiency: Like many boats in this category, fuel consumption can be on the higher side, especially at top speeds.

Aging Systems: Being a 2005 model, some onboard systems and electronics might be outdated and could require upgrades or maintenance.

Engine Access: Engine access can be a bit tight, which may make routine maintenance more challenging.

Made For

The 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance. It’s well-suited for small families or couples looking for a versatile cruiser that can handle day trips, weekend getaways, or coastal cruising. Its spacious cabin and user-friendly layout make it a great choice for those new to boating as well as experienced boaters who appreciate quality craftsmanship and reliable amenities on the water.

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 Sports 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$ 46,665
Total Payment$83,435.29
Monthly payment
$347.65/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 Sports 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$ 46,665
Total Payment$83,435.29
Monthly payment
$347.65/mo

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Meet the Broker

Patrick Lhota

Address

214 West 9th St
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

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