Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Those were some of the shopping sites I was thinking about. Also The GPS store has good prices, but everything seems to say "in stock" when it actually isn't...so if you're in a hurry it might not be best. Also, don't forget the rebate on the GX 2200. $40 is $40.
 
On the trim around the hatch above the V-berth, there are 4 screws that hold it into the ceiling. Is anyone aware if the screws go up into the fiberglass of the deck? The forward screw hole on the port side of mine is stripped out and so the trim "hangs" lower there. I'm curious if anyone has taken the sliding screen/cover trim off and is aware of what is above there? I'd like to remove it and fill that hole then re-drill a pilot hole to mount it, just curious to know what I'm getting into here.

Thanks,
John
 
I bet I win!

I’ll go by location then what I keep there.
- V birth forward most compartment, collapsible telescoping 8’ ladder for when we beach, 5 collapsible campfire chairs, 3 person Colman rubber raft and two oars, 2 spare adult life jackets, 1 spare kids life jacket, 2 extension cords, 1 120V 20 Amp to 30 Amp adapter.
- V birth Starboard compartment – Foot pump, Obrien one person tube, tube rope, ski rope, 2 pair of ski gloves, kids beach toys
- V birth Port compartment – 4 ski vests (1 adult, 3 kids)
- We leave the forward V birth made into a bed. My wife and I each have duffel. We keep them under this table.
- Under the TV – kids videos, kid’s toys.
- Starboard shelf in V birth – when not in use, rear most camper canvas, two stern most camper canvas, rolled up so isinglass does not touch isinglass, no sheet needed.
- Upper starboard shelf in V birth – towels, rags, binoculars.
- Tiny upper most starboard shelf in V birth – when not in use, front middle cockpit isinglass rolled in a sheet.
- Port shelf in V birth – when not in use, 4 of the 5 cockpit isinglass panels rolled in sheets.
- Upper port shelf in V birth – towels, wetsuits.
- Tiny upper most port shelf in V birth – 2 marshmallow sticks, 2 fishing poles.
- Behind the TV – all needed documents for the boat, maps.
- Hanging closet – spare regular jackets, duffel bag for each kid
- Hanging between hanging closet and v birth curtain - wetsuit
- Every compartment in the galley, under the port table seat that does not have the A/C, the extra storage in the electrical panel below the stereo and the three storage compartments above the table is my wife’s domain for food / kitchen stuff.
- Under the trash can I keep my tools, spare parts, spare light bulbs, cable ties, fuses, hardware kit, a dirt devil vac + spare bags, flair kit, 12V hand held spot light, spare oil and drive oil, generator A kit, used plastic grocery bags that will be used as trash bags, spare flashlight batteries.
- In the mid birth upper section – behind the mirrors – if needed, extra galley storage.
- In the mid birth secret storage compartment – kids toys
- In the mid birth – during the day we keep the 5 sleeping bags. Sometimes we also bring a knee board and keep it here when not in use.
- Above the electrical panel in the cabin, my laptop and possibly a additional small duffel bag.
- In the cockpit under the sink, 4 standard orange life jackets, 2 ski vests, 1 throwable PFD. In the right side of the compartment, the triangle space I keep grill parts (mounting arm and hardware) and gas cans for the grill, two kids fishing poles, flashlights, fishing net, tackle box, pole for cockpit table when not in use.
- In the cockpit top storage tub, opposite the sink we keep beverages.
- On extended voyages we often do not use the cockpit sink as a sink, it becomes additional beverage storage.
Mr. P: Greetings from a new member. I’m reviewing the entire 280 thread and just came across this gem of yours. I have to ask. Were you ever in the submarine force? (BTW, we say “Sub-Ma-REEN-er, not “Sub-MAR-in-er). If you weren’t, you should’ve been. You’d make a great bubblehead. Your organizational skills and thought process are impressive. Thanks for the post.
 
Mr. P: Greetings from a new member. I’m reviewing the entire 280 thread and just came across this gem of yours. I have to ask. Were you ever in the submarine force? (BTW, we say “Sub-Ma-REEN-er, not “Sub-MAR-in-er). If you weren’t, you should’ve been. You’d make a great bubblehead. Your organizational skills and thought process are impressive. Thanks for the post.
How about that secret 'drawer' behind the cushion in the aft compartment.
 
Those were some of the shopping sites I was thinking about. Also The GPS store has good prices, but everything seems to say "in stock" when it actually isn't...so if you're in a hurry it might not be best. Also, don't forget the rebate on the GX 2200. $40 is $40.

FYI Westmarine is now matching internet pricing and if you ship to store there's no freight .
 
What is the original equipment windlass on the 03 280? May need to replace the finger and spring, and am not near the boat to check the model number.
 
Anyone have issue with the rear facing seat unfolding. Is there a latch that would prevent that from happening. ?
There should be a knob like the one in the attached picture.
4AAD8C3A-6BAB-41F4-AF0D-3E32FBE913B2.jpeg

I installed the GX 2200 in mine earlier this year. Love the radio. Regardless of the model you will need to make a backing plate which replaces the gray raymarine plate. Additionally don't bother with the Standard Horizon flush mounting bracket as it won't fit (the dash is too thick. I made my own with <$5.00 worth of hardware store parts. You'll find pics on this tread if not I can email them to you.
Hi Captn TJ,
Well I got my GX 2200 installed. I used the existing RAY marine backing plate and Dremmeled the opening to accommodate the new radio. I also removed the Clarion remote head and fabricated a mic cradle by cutting a piece of powder coated steel and attaching it to a piece MDF I cut using a hole saw of the same diameter as the Clarion. I’ll probably go back and add a piece of black rubber underneath for good measure, but I’m happy with the result.
 

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Glad to hear you got the radio installed.

Thanks for the pic on that knob - I don't have one so will try to figure out what to secure it with. Picture = 1000 words thx again
 
Thanks for the pic on that knob - I don't have one so will try to figure out what to secure it with. Picture = 1000 words thx again

You may be able to buy it through your dealer, but you coukd make one from a bolt or allthread and a plastic knob from a hardware store. Just be sure to use a brass/bronze or stainless.

Now, if your seat is stuck... either the old knob broke off or the tracks are jammed/corroded. Fix accordingly.
 
Glad to hear you got the radio installed.

Thanks for the pic on that knob - I don't have one so will try to figure out what to secure it with. Picture = 1000 words thx again
FWIW, the knob is threaded and I think when screwed in, it prevents movement of the rail that extends the seat. I think the threads might be 1/4 20, but I can pull it verify if you like. Have you looked in that general area to see if the previous owner just installed a 1/4 20 (or whatever size) bolt to keep it in place?
 
There should be a knob like the one in the attached picture. View attachment 57723

Hi Captn TJ,
Well I got my GX 2200 installed. I used the existing RAY marine backing plate and Dremmeled the opening to accommodate the new radio. I also removed the Clarion remote head and fabricated a mic cradle by cutting a piece of powder coated steel and attaching it to a piece MDF I cut using a hole saw of the same diameter as the Clarion. I’ll probably go back and add a piece of black rubber underneath for good measure, but I’m happy with the result.

What did you use to attach the radio instead of the SH mounting bracket in the back, the same as Captn TJ?
 
I purchased a new 22lb anchor for my '03. But the problem is it does not seat well when retrieved. Right now it is stuck in the roller until I can get back to the boat with an appropriately sized hammer. Not sure what I did wrong with ordering the new one. Just a simple 22lb plow anchor. How hard can this be?
 
What did you use to attach the radio instead of the SH mounting bracket in the back, the same as Captn TJ?
I used the grey backing plate used for the Ray Marine. I used a Dremmel tool with a cutting wheel to widen the vertical clearance needed for the SH. The backing plate has two tabs bent at 90 degree angles that attached to the Ray Marine, which is wider than the SH. So I just added spacers to make up the difference. I used the same four screws to secure it to the instrument panel. I did like TJ's approach to eliminate the screws but frankly I just wanted to get it in and operational. I may go back and use his technique at some point.
 
I purchased a new 22lb anchor for my '03. But the problem is it does not seat well when retrieved. Right now it is stuck in the roller until I can get back to the boat with an appropriately sized hammer. Not sure what I did wrong with ordering the new one. Just a simple 22lb plow anchor. How hard can this be?
Had that issue before. Seems that the Kodiak it came with has a slightly different angle to it.
 
What is the original equipment windlass on the 03 280? May need to replace the finger and spring, and am not near the boat to check the model number.
My 2001 has a Lofran Marlin series.. I recently replaced the spring and as a warning 2 studs sizes were used an 8mm and 9mm, you probably have a 9 since it's "newer" but I was an 8mm the nut on the top should tell you.

https://www.p2marine.com/lofrans-marlin-parts
 
Had that issue before. Seems that the Kodiak it came with has a slightly different angle to it.
How did you resolve the issue? Can I adjust the roller, or do I need a different anchor??
 
How did you resolve the issue? Can I adjust the roller, or do I need a different anchor??
The Kodiak was just a cheap piece of crap and it kept bending in adverse anchoring conditions. After trying to replace it with a higher quality one I had the same outcome as you are dealing with, wouldn't deploy. Stuck with the Kodiak, had to rebend that thing at least a half dozen times over the 6 years I owned that boat.
 

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