2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Sold Boat in Bay City, MI 48706 US
Built in 2008
280 Sundancer
2 Engines (2x Mercruiser)
31 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
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 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $54,900 | $54,900 | $55,000 | $55,900 | $59,000 | $59,900 |
| Location | Bay City | Fair Haven | La Porte | New Baltimore | Harrison Township | Charlevoix |
| Nominal Length | - | 30' | 31' | 28' | 33' | 41' |
| Draft | 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Mercruiser | Volvo | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | Volvo Penta GSI | Crusader |
| Total Engine Power | 220 hp | - | 375 hp | 220 hp | 280 hp | 350 hp |
| Days on Market | 344 | 547 | 149 | 66 | 17 | 682 |
| Get in touch |
Other Sea Ray 280 Sundancer boats for sale in Michigan, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Michigan, United States
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/2/25 | Initial price | $54,900 |
2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer Video Tours
Sea Ray 280 Sundancer: BoatTEST 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 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Customers praise the 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer for its sleek design and comfortable layout, making it an excellent choice for weekend cruising and entertaining
Many highlight the spacious cockpit and well-appointed cabin, which provide a cozy yet stylish environment on the water. The boat's performance is frequently noted for being smooth and reliable, with responsive handling that enhances the overall boating experience. Owners also appreciate the quality craftsmanship and durable materials used throughout the vessel, contributing to its lasting appeal. Some reviews mention that maintenance is straightforward, and the boat holds its value well over time. Overall, the 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is celebrated for combining luxury, functionality, and performance in a versatile package.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of comfort, performance, and stylish design. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The 280 Sundancer offers a well-designed cabin with a comfortable V-berth, a convertible dinette, and a functional galley, making it ideal for overnight trips.
Smooth Ride and Performance: Powered by reliable engines, this model delivers a smooth and stable ride, suitable for coastal cruising and day trips.
Quality Construction: Sea Ray is known for solid build quality, and the 280 Sundancer features durable materials and attention to detail.
User-Friendly Layout: The helm and cockpit are designed for ease of use, with good visibility and ample seating for guests.
Good Storage Options: Plenty of storage compartments throughout the boat help keep the space organized.
Versatile Use: Whether for entertaining, fishing, or cruising, the 280 Sundancer adapts well to a variety of boating activities.
Cons
Limited Headroom: While comfortable for most, taller individuals may find the cabin headroom somewhat restricted.
Moderate Fuel Efficiency: As with many boats in this class, fuel consumption can be on the higher side, especially at top speeds.
Aging Electronics: Depending on the boat’s maintenance history, the original 2008 electronics and navigation systems may be outdated and require upgrading.
Smaller Cockpit Space: The cockpit area, although well laid out, might feel a bit tight for larger groups.
Maintenance Costs: As a 2008 model, ongoing maintenance and potential repairs can add up, so a thorough inspection is recommended when purchasing.
Made For
The 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is perfect for boating enthusiasts and families seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser. Ideal for weekend getaways or day trips on the water, it offers comfortable accommodations, ample seating, and modern amenities that cater to those who enjoy both relaxing and entertaining. Whether you're new to boating or an experienced captain, this model provides a great balance of performance, comfort, and ease of handling, making it suitable for couples, small families, or groups of friends looking to explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.
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Address
Other Information about Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Our Chicago office is located at the base of the Marina City complex on the north bank of the Chicago River, directly across from Chicago's Loop District. This downtown waterfront location includes 17 slips ranging from 31 to 78 feet. These slips allow for convenient viewing and sea trials of our first-class vessels. They are also available for year-round leasing and transient dockage to boaters.
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Boat Location
Contact Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales about 2008 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
Marina City Towers, 300 N. State Street, Chicago, IL, 60654
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