Looking for first boat, 24-29'

adauphin said:

As my first post, wanted to say hi and looks to be a wealth of info and friendship here.

Been on boats many times, never owned one..mainly contributed to fuel costs and helping clean. We had a boat growing up but I was in grade school, later years were friends' boats.

I had my eye on a 240 Sundancer back around 2004, then we had kids..lol, now they are in middle school and we are interested in pursuing one again.

I've had my eye on a few 280 Sundancers, circa 2001-2003. Seen a few with very low hours, one has the factory generator and has about 100 hours on the boat. That one has the single 7.4 and has not been run in about 1 year so obvious maintenance is mandatory.

How would the single 7.4 compare to twin 4.3's? Are both way underpowered or slightly....or possibly adequate?

What should I look for in these boats in terms of wear?

I understand a 9.5' beam boat is better kept in the water, but trailering is a possibility but likely not worth it. We live within 10 miles from a few marinas and the extra cost of keeping in the water would make much more sense.

We may stay overnight on it on occasion, but mainly a full-day trip in the hot, humid Mid-Atlantic area which begins the debate of bow-rider or cabin. I think the cabin would be a more welcome boat, just a big boat if we are pulling a tube at times.

All input and criticism appreciated.

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