Advice on 280 purchase

Mcole1170

Member
Jul 24, 2017
126
Long island
Boat Info
2006 sundancer 280
Engines
4.3 alpha
hi all need some advice on purchasing a 280 and which would you suggest. Both have same basic standard options and canvas.

2003 280 with 5.0 bravo 3 530 hours no smartcraft gauges. One owner has all documented maint records. Mint and Meticulous maintained

Or 2007 280 4.3 alphas 200 hours. Maintained no records. Has bow thruster.

Without knowing all features may be hard to compare but am i better off with the newer 2007 than the older 2003.

Thanks
 
Smart craft on the 2007?

That is a nice feature. How about the condition of the canvas and upholstery.
 
Yes smartcraft on 2007. Upholstery nice on both but mint on 2003. 03 has mooring cover as well. Both have camper top, 2003 also brand new carpet.

Thanks
 
price difference? as a newbie you'll love the thruster.....4.3 alphas are plenty on that boat (i owned one) and alpa drives are way cheaper to repair/replace......dont be hung up on smartcrap though.....just somthing else to add to the complexity...how is the canvas on each boat? electronics? does either have a colored hull?
 
Hello, I haven't posted here for a while as life's circumstances have been hitting me hard! I now have custody of my Grandchildren and wife no longer wishes to spend nights on the 280 with the kids..lol. I have done so much to to this wonderful vessel and it really pains me to get rid of her. The 280 does fine with the 4.3's and does even better when they are brand new! I just installed 2 new Jasper engines and everything else I could replace while engines out including replacing water heater with stainless steel marine unit as well as fresh white gel coat in bilge. If you look back at my threads and posts you can track my progress with her. There is not a cleaner 280 ANYWHERE, I guarantee it or I will give it to you! Trailer has new Maxxis tires load range E and new surge brake actuator! Brand new Lumitec Sea Blaze full spectrum color changing under water LED's and so much more!
https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/d/cleanest-2005-sea-ray-280da/6261123277.html
I am a little negotiable on price. She has been kept inside for last 5 years. I don't use much and engines have less than 10 hours on them as they were just recently installed. They carry a 2 year warranty and are still in the period where the warranty can be extended! My canvas are mostly new, front isenglass changes to stratoglass for clarity and the list just keeps going. She is the most turn key out there including almost full of marina non ethanol gas.
 
price difference? as a newbie you'll love the thruster.....4.3 alphas are plenty on that boat (i owned one) and alpa drives are way cheaper to repair/replace......dont be hung up on smartcrap though.....just somthing else to add to the complexity...how is the canvas on each boat? electronics? does either have a colored hull?

both white hull-10k price difference. the 03 has mint canvas and new carpet. 07 front panel needs replacing. 500 hours on 03, 220 on 07,

I like the 03 more but ive heard the bravo 3's dont do well in salt and they are quite a bit more to maintain when repairs are needed/? tremendously more?
 
Hello, I haven't posted here for a while as life's circumstances have been hitting me hard! I now have custody of my Grandchildren and wife no longer wishes to spend nights on the 280 with the kids..lol. I have done so much to to this wonderful vessel and it really pains me to get rid of her. The 280 does fine with the 4.3's and does even better when they are brand new! I just installed 2 new Jasper engines and everything else I could replace while engines out including replacing water heater with stainless steel marine unit as well as fresh white gel coat in bilge. If you look back at my threads and posts you can track my progress with her. There is not a cleaner 280 ANYWHERE, I guarantee it or I will give it to you! Trailer has new Maxxis tires load range E and new surge brake actuator! Brand new Lumitec Sea Blaze full spectrum color changing under water LED's and so much more!
https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/d/cleanest-2005-sea-ray-280da/6261123277.html
I am a little negotiable on price. She has been kept inside for last 5 years. I don't use much and engines have less than 10 hours on them as they were just recently installed. They carry a 2 year warranty and are still in the period where the warranty can be extended! My canvas are mostly new, front isenglass changes to stratoglass for clarity and the list just keeps going. She is the most turn key out there including almost full of marina non ethanol gas.

beautiful looking boat but over my budget for my first boat and im in NYC so getting it here would be another issue
 
The 03 with V8's and Bravo 3's will have a lot of power and handle better.
The corrosion issues were resolved by 03.
Bravo 3's bite the water better and back down better with the duo props.
If it was me V8's and Bravo 3's definitely.
I had a 290 with 4.3's and Alphas it was definitely underpowered.
Maintenance that can be proven with records is definitely a plus.
Theres a lot of junk out there.
Of course a survey from a reputable surveyor should be done.
There's a member in my club selling an 05 280 with a generator and camper back canvas
located in Northport Long Island PM me If you would like me to get info for you.
 
Do the V8s have a closed cooling system? To me that would be a big plus for a 2003 boat. I heard there are steering pin issues with the bravos. You may want to research that issue.
Otherwise, I had an '04 with 4.3 and alphas. She performed great and left some room to work in the bilge. Also the drives are relatively cheap if you needed to replace one.

Good luck...
 

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