2004 SeaRay Sundancer 280 Transformation-Good Read

Given the demand for boats during these times, we decided to “refresh” our ‘04. The vessel is in great shape, just feeling a bit tired most topside and in cabin.

The very first project was to remove EVERY single piece of carpet in the cabin. This was honestly the most difficult job I’ve done to date. Shear blood, sweat, tears and agony. After removing the carpet, I removed anything else cloth relating (curtains, wall padding, etc) and tossed in the trash. I left nothing in the cabin that will retain major moisture or mold.

Secondly, I had the floor sanded to remove carpet residue) and gel coated the entire cabin floor and walls (where carpet beneath steps, etc). I had the entire cabin cushions reupholstered from cloth to vinyl. Finally, I removed one of the cabinets (above dinette table) that was moldy and tossed as well. Had that wall and ends reupholstered as well to vinyl. Topside reupholstery in progress. This is also painstakingly given the lounges, backrests and other things literally glued to the hull. I have professional help on this one. Finally a waterproof cabin, no stinky, wet carpet and smell when opening cabin door. People laugh when I say the cabin is “drier than a popcorn fart.”

Thirdly, I had SeaDek out to measure both cabin, topside and swim platform. Replaced with a beautiful teak style flooring.

Fourth, I literally re-caulked the entire boat. Given the FL sun, and the boat being 16 years old it was time. This would also ensure she would stay nice and tightly sealed during our daily storms. Not a fun job either.

Finally, I just had replaced today the entire EIM system from Flounder Pounder. Steep price to have done but my electrical system has been slowly failing for years. There is no getting around this replacement if your going to keep an older SeaRay. Unfortunately the original touchpad design not reliable. My tech tells me the same follows for new boats with touch pad elections and EIMs that electronically switch down in the bilge.

All in all, my total budget when finished with all of the above will be about $20K. I have taken meticulous care of this vessel, and will have many years of enjoyment to come. My upholstery guy told me when he started, “you know this boat is worth it to spend money.” New boat prices are very high, supply is low. These SeaRays were built well, and if maintained can be freshened up like a home or vehicle. Enjoy a few pics! More than happy to answer questions or to share any other lessons learned.

Looks great! The white gelcoat inside really pops, how was it applied? Did you rebuild the dinette seat bases and divider walls or replace them, if rebuilt, what method? How nasty was the floor sanding? I plan to replace my floor carpeting with non-carpet, like how the sea deck looks against the white gelcoat!

Thanks! I kept the existing boxes. They had to be removed, sanded down and built up with gel coat. I ended up having them wrapped in vinyl as well as they looked better. Floor sanding was nasty, of course poor ventilation in cabin so lots of fans and mask protection. The existing floors were solid so mostly just sanded to remove leftover carpet resin. Gel coat was applied with rollers and brushes, similar to paint. Painting might have been an option as well but that the gel coat would be most durable and provide a nice base for the SeaDek to bind to. It is one of those projects where once you start, have to commit and go the distance.

Thanks, inspired me to continue my refreshing, will definitely redo my seat bases in white. Where are you in FL? I'm in Tarpon Springs.

Treasure Island.

Forgot to answer the dividing walls, stripped the old liner that was stained and nasty, had them reupholstered as well, pic of above of my guy working in the cabin to replace.

Nice work! I'm about to embark on the same painful carpet residue sanding job! lol

Have to say, never been a fan of sea deck inside the cabin, but these pics are making me reconsider. Great work

Finally all upholstery finished topside. Almost an impossible task to remove all of the sections. Plan on cutting headliner below in two sections to get to the port side through bolts that hold front passenger lounge section. There are at least 15 through bolts, SeaRay built this vessel like a tank. Please enjoy the pictures. This boat was well worth the restoration.

Finished