2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER Boat in Bay City, MI US
Built in 2012
280 SUNDANCER
1 Engine (MERCRUISER)
28 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Beautiful 2012 SeaRay 280 Sundancer for sale! Powered by a Mercruiser 8.2L I\O engine and with only 374 hours on the engine, this boat is ready to go! Equipped with air, heat and full camper canvas along with a lot of other extras so you will be fully comfortable when you come aboard this vessel! Boat is onsite and available for showings. Call today!~
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/23/25 | Initial price | $69,995 |
2012 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 2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER
Customers consistently praise the 2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER for its sleek design, spacious interior, and excellent performance on the water
Many highlight the comfortable seating and well-appointed cabin, making it ideal for both day trips and overnight stays. The boat's handling is often described as smooth and responsive, providing a confident ride in various conditions. Additionally, owners appreciate the quality craftsmanship and reliable engine, which contribute to an overall satisfying boating experience. Maintenance and upkeep are generally reported as manageable, adding to the boat's appeal for enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish cruiser.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2012 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer is a popular express cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Layout: The 280 Sundancer offers a well-designed interior with comfortable seating, a full galley, and a cozy cabin, making it ideal for weekend cruising.
Performance: Powered by reliable engines, it delivers smooth handling and respectable speed for a boat of its class.
Quality Build: Sea Ray is known for solid construction and attention to detail, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
Amenities: Features such as a wet bar, enclosed head, and ample storage enhance onboard comfort and convenience.
Versatility: Suitable for day trips, overnight stays, and light coastal cruising.
Cons
Size Limitations: While spacious for a 28-foot boat, the cabin may feel compact for extended stays or larger groups.
Fuel Consumption: Performance comes with moderate fuel usage, which is typical for express cruisers but worth considering for frequent use.
Maintenance Costs: As with many boats of this class and age, upkeep and maintenance can be costly over time.
Limited Headroom: Cabin headroom might be restrictive for taller individuals, affecting overall comfort below deck.
Made For
The 2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER is perfect for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile and stylish vessel for weekend getaways, day cruising, and entertaining family and friends. Ideal for small groups or couples, this boat offers comfortable accommodations, ample seating, and modern amenities, making it suitable for those who value both performance and comfort on the water. Whether you're exploring coastal waters or enjoying a relaxing day on the lake, the Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER is designed to deliver an enjoyable and memorable boating experience.
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 2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $69,995 | $69,900 | $74,900 | $79,995 | $89,000 | $49,900 |
| Bay City | New Baltimore | Muskegon | Harrison Twp. | Saint Clair Shores | Saint Clair Shores |
| 28' | 31' | 34' | 32' | 31' | 28' |
| MERCRUISER | MerCruiser | MerCruiser | Mercruiser | MerCruiser | MerCruiser |
| 380 hp | 220 hp | 370 hp | - | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| 225 | 10 | 107 | 233 | 133 | 247 |
Other Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER boats for sale in Michigan, United States
Other Sea Ray boats for sale in Michigan, United States
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Contact SkipperBud's Bay City about 2012 Sea Ray 280 SUNDANCER
Bay City, MI
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