Official 280 Sundancer Thread

rhodyboater said:
Does anybody use a (bow) sunpad on their 280? I'd like to get one for my wife but needless to say, it would be right in the way of walking to the anchor.
Also, how would it stay in place?
Or should I forget it....
Click to expand...

Best keep the admiral happy! We just use a couple of thick towels and a cushion. Not fancy, but it works...
 
We bought 2 high back lounge chair cushion thingy's at west marine for $40 each and they work great. either flat as a sunpad or up like a lounger.
 
Same here....we picked up a cushions for chaise lounge patio furniture at Target and they work great. They also roll-up nice for easy storage.
 
Yep, but they have two kinds, the low back and the high back. get the high back. they also have a rubber bottom on them and won't slide on the deck. They have a ratchet hinge thingy to adjust the back from flat>up. Oh, and they float, at least for a little while, so if they drop over they won't sink.
 
Last edited:
I just had my impellers replaced on both engines along with the typical 100 hr service done. I noticed before I brought the boat in the belts were a little frayed. Needless to say I had them replaced. I get my bill and there is a charge on there x 2 for installing the new belts. Am I crazy? Don't you have to pull the belts off in order to replace the impellers on the 5.0's anyway. According to the dealer they don't and the charge stays on the bill. Anyone know? I'm a bit confused.
 
Bossa Nova said:
Looking for feedback on continued problems with the IAC's in my 280's twin 4.3 liter MPI's. Marine Max Miami (79th Street) replaced them for free only twice. They claim that my 5 year Passport extended warranty only covers them once. Well, they go bad every year. I keep changing the IAC plus the muffler, but keeps going bad after a year or less on both engines.
Click to expand...

I just had one go on my starboard engine. This is now the second time in 6 or 8 months. Apparently the more you idle the quicker they go. I was told if in an idle zone kick the throttle up about 100 rpm over idle and this will disengage the IAC's allowing less use and longer life. I was told for all us people in extended no wake areas this is a very common problem.
 
TurtleTone said:
Yep, but they have two kinds, the low back and the high back. get the high back. they also have a rubber bottom on them and won't slide on the deck. They have a ratchet hinge thingy to adjust the back from flat>up. Oh, and they float, at least for a little while, so if they drop over they won't sink.
Click to expand...


Better hang tight on to those. They don't sell them anymore.
They now have a "second generation" whick costs 79.00,
 
I am not using the camper top right now but the other cover (name)? Its bleeding onto the top of the aft seat cushion. Has anyone else had this problem and, if so, what did you do?
 
JimT said:
I am not using the camper top right now but the other cover (name)? Its bleeding onto the top of the aft seat cushion. Has anyone else had this problem and, if so, what did you do?
Click to expand...

The cockpit cover is bleeding into the cushion? Never heard of that happening. Not that it matters, but what color is your canvas? Is there any chance it's just dirt build up?

.
 
Tonka Boater said:
The cockpit cover is bleeding into the cushion? Never heard of that happening. Not that it matters, but what color is your canvas? Is there any chance it's just dirt build up?

.
Click to expand...

The canvas is blue. Its leaving a hazy purplish stain.
 
The cockpit cover should have (at least ours does) a softish cloth sewn into the inside where it lays on the back bolster. This protects the cushion from abrasion. But I guess it would also protect it from dye bleed through. If you don't have this it shouldn't be too hard to find a canvas shop to sew one in for you.

Henry
 
Last edited:
Bleeding from the canvas into the vinyl is caused by excess plasticizer in the vinyl. As it gasses out, it will actually redissolve the dyes. Over time it will stop, but in the interim, you must put something like a white terry cloth or towel or any dye free fabric between the contact areas. You might try sewing this to the back of the cockpit cover.

You need to stop this immediately because it takes years for the dye to fade.
 
Hi guys, i'm looking into my first Sundancer. I've been reading through this thread about the 280 (almost done). Today my fiance and I looked at a 300 since no 280's were available.

Besides the specs available on searay's website between the two, what are your thoughts on the 280 vs 300,310,320 for an additional $10-15k ?

Here's another thread i've started regarding this in the general area: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?p=261623#post261623
 
I've thought at times about and upgrade, so I have a pretty good mental list of what you get in the 30'+ Sundancers that you don't get in the 280:

1. Fuel capacity. 100 gallons in the 280 limits cruising range significantly.
2. Helm seating. A double seat would be nice so the wife could keep me company up front. The other seating on the 280 does not provide a view over the bow, so my wife ends up in back.
3. Sleeping area. The mid-cabin berth is pretty small on the 280.
4. Bow pad. Nothing comfortable to sit on on the bow of the 280 when at anchor.
5. Electronics mounting. I have an E80 on my dash on a U-bracket, but it does get in my line of sight. There is more flushmount space on the bigger Sundancers.

Those are the things on my list.
 
Beauport, interesting list. On the other hand, one could make a case that the 280 is the "perfect" compromise of the dancers, given that it has twin engines, decent mileage, easy single person maneuverability and comfortable for a weekend.
As they go up in size, you tend to get more "house" and less "boat"...don't you think?
I see you have twin 5.0B3's....drool!....I get along with my 4.3 A1's :(
 
Absolutely - all boats are a compromise, and the 280 is a damn good one. Notice I have thought about upgrading...but never done it. I like the size and don't need to burn any MORE fuel than I do already. The 280 is a great boat.

Race you for pink slips?
 
Thanks for the list, bport. Those are what i've noticed as well, however the gas storage isn't as big a deal for me on a lake as opposed to ocean. Still trying to get into a 280 to take a look around, but so far the interior seems like the major difference to us.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,247
Messages
1,429,244
Members
61,127
Latest member
Ants84245srv
Back
Top