280DA Model Year and Differences

Just For Fun

Just For Fun

Member
Feb 16, 2019
150
Southern California
Boat Info
Searching for a 2004 - 2006 340 or 360 Sundance w/twin T-496 Magnum MPI, 5.0 KW generator
Engines
Oars for now!
I'm in the market for a 280DA - 2000 to 2006 - preferably with the twin 5.0. With or without trailer, but prefer a trailer. I'm in the southern CA area but will travel as far as TX for "the right one!" Whatever the hell that really means.

But my specific question is in regard to the model years and the differences, improvements, etc. I'm definitely NOT asking for a debate on which year(s) is better/best. But rather:
1. What are the differences
2. What are the improvements during this production run
3. What year did the model design changes (to the 2006 style)
4. Purchase price is obviously better for the older models but probably more costly over time as the engine, gages, electronics, etc. age. Repair cost will also be dependent on how well its been cared for, etc.

If this has already been posted, please direct me.

Thanks
 
The 280 was one of Sea Rays most popular models. I has an 03 up until the past November when I finally moved up to a 320 after 13 years of ownership. The introduction of Smartcraft in 2004 changed the gauge structure, but other than design changes is seat cover colors and cup holders nothing really changed during the entire run. I guess this one held true if she ain’t broke don’t fix it. Good luck with your search and keep it to fresh water boats only.
 
DTS was added in the later years. Not sure exactly when. It is a major improvement over the direct cable system.
 
2008 was the first year for DTS. 2009 was the last year of the 31.5 ft 280.
 
Just For Fun said:
I'm in the market for a 280DA - 2000 to 2006 - preferably with the twin 5.0. With or without trailer, but prefer a trailer. I'm in the southern CA area but will travel as far as TX for "the right one!" Whatever the hell that really means.

But my specific question is in regard to the model years and the differences, improvements, etc. I'm definitely NOT asking for a debate on which year(s) is better/best. But rather:
1. What are the differences
2. What are the improvements during this production run
3. What year did the model design changes (to the 2006 style)
4. Purchase price is obviously better for the older models but probably more costly over time as the engine, gages, electronics, etc. age. Repair cost will also be dependent on how well its been cared for, etc.

If this has already been posted, please direct me.

Thanks
Click to expand...
You might try the 280 specific thread here. Over 300 pages - but if you're going for a 280 lots of info will be useful. FYI I have a 2005 - 280 with twin 5.0's. Gauges are in fine shape. I did replace the vhf and chartplotter but otherwise I though it was a great deal when I bought it last year. So don't discount older 280's.
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-280-sundancer-thread.10064/
 
Last edited:
Thanks Captn TJ. Not necessarily discounting any years except maybe the 2000 to 2003. Of lesser interest due to age and use. But obviously the prices are much more agreeable.

In my mind... you'll only know if it was a "great deal" is how you feel once you've sold it!!!!
 
dtfeld said:
The Sea Ray website has a model archive that allows you to download the spec sheets for every model back to 1960. You can compare length, beam and engine options to name a few. I printed off a bunch when I was looking and it helped me narrow down what model/year I wanted to concentrate on.

https://www.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/162289/Owners-Resources.aspx#ModelArchives
Click to expand...
dtfeld:
I'm committing to the 280DA based on size and trailerability. I've had much larger boats in Lake Michigan and missed the ability to change boating spots at will. the 280 gives me the versatility and livability I want for the price I' willing to pay.

But thank you for the link. Every little bit helps in my reeducation!!!
 
Captn TJ said:
You might try the 280 specific thread here. Over 300 pages - but if you're going for a 280 lots of info will be useful. FYI I have a 2005 - 280 with twin 5.0's. Gauges are in fine shape. I did replace the vhf and chartplotter but otherwise I though it was a great deal when I bought it last year. So don't discount older 280's.
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-280-sundancer-thread.10064/
Click to expand...

Been reading through this thread... more like a manuscript!!!! After a week of reading and copying and pasting pertinent info, I'm up to three pages of "8 tp." type!!! And I'm only on page #15 of this thread!!! My eyes are getting blurry. But I'm creating a "280DA Knowledge Document" with all of this concatenated info should anyone want a "Cliff's Notes" edition!!!!
 
Just For Fun said:
Been reading through this thread... more like a manuscript!!!! After a week of reading and copying and pasting pertinent info, I'm up to three pages of "8 tp." type!!! And I'm only on page #15 of this thread!!! My eyes are getting blurry. But I'm creating a "280DA Knowledge Document" with all of this concatenated info should anyone want a "Cliff's Notes" edition!!!!
Click to expand...
A doc. like that would a great contribution to the 280 thread and CSR in general. Please post it when complete and I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated.
"Cliff's Notes" I love it!
Welcome aboard and thanks in advance.
 
Just For Fun said:
Been reading through this thread... more like a manuscript!!!! After a week of reading and copying and pasting pertinent info, I'm up to three pages of "8 tp." type!!! And I'm only on page #15 of this thread!!! My eyes are getting blurry. But I'm creating a "280DA Knowledge Document" with all of this concatenated info should anyone want a "Cliff's Notes" edition!!!!
Click to expand...
That's awesome! I can relate since the thread was up to 299 pages when I bought our 280. Pleasssse pass along your doc when you're done - it'll be a great service to us 280 owners.
 
I'll gladly share!!! But understand that I'm only on page 15 of some 399 pages!!!!!!!!!!! :eek::D:p:(:(:(
 
Not true.

This is from the 2010 280 User's Manual:
(A) Overall Length With Std. Swim Platform .........28' 8" 8.74 m
(B) Beam (Width) ...........................8' 10" 2.69 m
(C) Draft (Stern Drive Down) .........41" * 105 cm* Draft (Stern Drive Up) .............24" * 61 cm*
 
That is not the 280DA we are speaking of. The 280 DA ran from 2002 to 2008. The 290DA came into production while the 280 DA was still being produced. The same holds true for the 300 and the 310. We are talking about the 280DA that was 31’ with a 9’5” beam.
 
Just For Fun said:
Not true.

This is from the 2010 280 User's Manual:
(A) Overall Length With Std. Swim Platform .........28' 8" 8.74 m
(B) Beam (Width) ...........................8' 10" 2.69 m
(C) Draft (Stern Drive Down) .........41" * 105 cm* Draft (Stern Drive Up) .............24" * 61 cm*
Click to expand...

I was referring to the 280 before they re-badged everything. The 2001 thru 2009 was the same hull and one of if not the longest production run on a single hull. In 2010 everything got re-badged and SR started counting the LOA as part of the model designation. So a 280 (31' LOA) became the "new" 310... and so on and so on. The 280n you are referring to is not the same 280 the OP was inquiring about
 
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