which engine for 280 sundancer

O

On bizniz

New Member
Sep 22, 2009
6
getting ready to purchase new, 2008 sundancer...having narrowed our choices to either a 496 mag Seacore technology BR3 w/DTS OR twin 4.3L MPI A1....

both boats have ac/htg. and 5.0 generator...lots of upgrades and one boat is available at marinemax (close to home), the other is available at a small, private marina that's 4 hours away....

any help or comments would be greatly appreciated....thanks!
 
I'd go for the twins, even though the 496 is a great engine. You'll have much better maneuverability with twins on that thing. Good luck! :thumbsup:
 
Check the 280 thread for an abundance of information on this issue. I'd personally like some more info from you before I weighed-in on my opinion. lake or ocean? docking experience? maintenance costs an issue? top-end speed required? will it be in a marina (where more weight at the rear would make the boat more stable)? etc..

I've developed a strong preference for the Bravo over the Alpha. But I also have a preference for 2 engines given where/how we boat.
 
I just took delivery on a 2006 280DA this June. When shopping for the boat, my mechanic indicated that because of the weight (8,500 lbs), twins would the better choice. He went on to say that 5.0 would be better suited than 4.3's. I have twin 5.0 Bravo III's. Note that the 4.3's should be fine. I say go with the twins.
 
The folks with the single 496 seem to like it and no one can predict the future! I'd say go with twins because it will probably have a better resale value. I'd see if you can get some fuel burn numbers for the two combinations, but I doubt there is much difference. I'd definitely upgrade to the 5.0's if that were an option. More hp available which means the motors won't work as hard and longevity should improve.
 
Either choice had its benefits. Its a toss up. I'd say on that boat a 496 makes most practical sense.
 
ok, now i'm starting to see that most all of you think that we should go for the twin engines (4.3 MPI A1)...but many have asked where we're boating...primarily icw and near-shore gulf and choppy salt bays/rivers...5.0 L / bravo is not available...got to choose from the twin engines or the 496 seacore br3 dts...the dealer that is 4 hours away may break the deal on the 496 magnum due to serious inconvenience (as one reader kindly reminded us!)...the twins are at marine max in our backdoor...any comments about their service and support? thanks.
 
Twins. I owned a 280 with 4.3 twins and its a sweet setup. Plenty of power but fuel tank is samll for that boat (100 gallons). I know of somebody with a single and he can't give it away. Just my 2 cents
 
On bizniz said:
ok, now i'm starting to see that most all of you think that we should go for the twin engines (4.3 MPI A1)...but many have asked where we're boating...primarily icw and near-shore gulf and choppy salt bays/rivers...5.0 L / bravo is not available...got to choose from the twin engines or the 496 seacore br3 dts...the dealer that is 4 hours away may break the deal on the 496 magnum due to serious inconvenience (as one reader kindly reminded us!)...the twins are at marine max in our backdoor...any comments about their service and support? thanks.
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I suggest you slow way down here.

Have you have put yourself in the position that it must be one or the other?

You are going in salt water.

Do these boats have fresh water cooling?

I love the 280 Sundancer but if I were in a salt water location I think I would opt for a used boat, 1 or 2 steps larger with V drives and fresh water cooling.

Salt water and outdrives can co-exist however you really need to keep on the maintenance.
 
Are you planning on trailering, rack storing, or leaving it in the water all the time?
 
Presentation said:
I suggest you slow way down here.

Have you have put yourself in the position that it must be one or the other?

You are going in salt water.

Do these boats have fresh water cooling?

I love the 280 Sundancer but if I were in a salt water location I think I would opt for a used boat, 1 or 2 steps larger with V drives and fresh water cooling.

Salt water and outdrives can co-exist however you really need to keep on the maintenance.
Click to expand...
+1:thumbsup:
 
Why does this topic come up so often I ask myself rhetorically? Having owned a single 280DA and ridden in all three variations of power plants and having friends that to this day own all, I have some authority to speak. Though it is true that I still like the single best in a 280, if I am to be honest, I still have to ask myself why? The “why” can always be answered in the “how” and the HOW is all about the usage pattern of the owner. For me it was simple, inland lakes and rivers.

With you being in the Gulf it seems at first glance a twin might be the better choice, but wait, this is not 1976 any longer and the advancement of marine power plants have progressed so far that the concern over risk (engine and/or drive failure) is greatly diminished. For those of you who say a single is less safe (or has greater risk) than a twin may be right, or you may be wrong, nobody knows for sure. Unfortunately there are no authoritative statistics I know of that could prove one configuration over the other like in general aviation (the old argument that a twin engine airplane is safer than a single – statistically incorrect by the way – not trying to carry a comparison between the two here so beg your pardon).

So if the risk concern is put aside, then what else is there given the performance numbers are about the same? Well, yes it is true as many have pointed out that close quarters maneuverability is tougher with a single (I can attest to that), but that alone certainly can’t justify twins can it? Then you have the challenges with corrosion in salt water both for the underwater gear and the engine. In this case the single is arguably better with the closed cooling and single drive. What about pure economics then, should that have a high weighted value because we know that one engine should cost less than two, right? And how about resale value, is the single really of less value than the twins (maybe, that could be proven, but in my market, singles sell for just as much as twins on the used market). I think the evidence suggests that on average, a single 280DA is just as good of a choice in general than its twin counterpart.

People are passionate about what they believe and I don’t expect anyone will change their mind but the question and the many answers does prove, yet again, these things always come down to personal preference and informed choices.

Good luck Mr. “On bizniz” with your new boat, I promise you are going to LOVE it!

Marq
 
marqbloq said:
Why does this topic come up so often I ask myself rhetorically? Having owned a single 280DA and ridden in all three variations of power plants and having friends that to this day own all, I have some authority to speak. Though it is true that I still like the single best in a 280, if I am to be honest, I still have to ask myself why? The “why” can always be answered in the “how” and the HOW is all about the usage pattern of the owner. For me it was simple, inland lakes and rivers.
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Marq, I agree with most of what you said. The exception is the safety margin of two engines. Wait until the IAC goes wacky on the single engine and explaining to your wife, daughter, guests, etc. that there is a change in plans while waiting for a tow. I lost an engine last summer due to the IAC demon and it sure felt great to get her home safely and without too much fuss. The engines are MUCH better than 1976 but they do have issues: sometimes I think we have swapped mechanical problems (carb jets clogged) for electronic ones (dirty relay on IAC valve).
 
marqbloq said:
Why does this topic come up so often I ask myself rhetorically? Having owned a single 280DA and ridden in all three variations of power plants and having friends that to this day own all, I have some authority to speak. Though it is true that I still like the single best in a 280, if I am to be honest, I still have to ask myself why? The “why” can always be answered in the “how” and the HOW is all about the usage pattern of the owner. For me it was simple, inland lakes and rivers.

With you being in the Gulf it seems at first glance a twin might be the better choice, but wait, this is not 1976 any longer and the advancement of marine power plants have progressed so far that the concern over risk (engine and/or drive failure) is greatly diminished. For those of you who say a single is less safe (or has greater risk) than a twin may be right, or you may be wrong, nobody knows for sure. Unfortunately there are no authoritative statistics I know of that could prove one configuration over the other like in general aviation (the old argument that a twin engine airplane is safer than a single – statistically incorrect by the way – not trying to carry a comparison between the two here so beg your pardon).

So if the risk concern is put aside, then what else is there given the performance numbers are about the same? Well, yes it is true as many have pointed out that close quarters maneuverability is tougher with a single (I can attest to that), but that alone certainly can’t justify twins can it? Then you have the challenges with corrosion in salt water both for the underwater gear and the engine. In this case the single is arguably better with the closed cooling and single drive. What about pure economics then, should that have a high weighted value because we know that one engine should cost less than two, right? And how about resale value, is the single really of less value than the twins (maybe, that could be proven, but in my market, singles sell for just as much as twins on the used market). I think the evidence suggests that on average, a single 280DA is just as good of a choice in general than its twin counterpart.

People are passionate about what they believe and I don’t expect anyone will change their mind but the question and the many answers does prove, yet again, these things always come down to personal preference and informed choices.

Good luck Mr. “On bizniz” with your new boat, I promise you are going to LOVE it!

Marq
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+1 Nice writeup.
 
gerryb said:
Marq, I agree with most of what you said. The exception is the safety margin of two engines. Wait until the IAC goes wacky on the single engine and explaining to your wife, daughter, guests, etc. that there is a change in plans while waiting for a tow. I lost an engine last summer due to the IAC demon and it sure felt great to get her home safely and without too much fuss. The engines are MUCH better than 1976 but they do have issues: sometimes I think we have swapped mechanical problems (carb jets clogged) for electronic ones (dirty relay on IAC valve).
Click to expand...


Not trying to gang up on you Marq, but I TOTALLY agree with this statement. Its worth every penny to have a second power plant. I have had issues many times even leaving the dock, while saying I'm not ruining my boat day just because I'm down one engine. I simply stayed closer and traveled slowly. Day salvaged!!! Yes, I know leaving on one is never good, but we all make choices... Once its loaded with gear and people, its hard to turn back. Depends on the issues at hand and weather conditions for me personally.

Also, simple issues that arise(and they will, its a boat!) end up being smoother and more relaxed problems. Not sure if you have been towed in ever. Its sucks!!! Towing coverage or not. Add kids to the mix... Hell, my wife might not return to boating with them if we were towed in at this point.

Now, regarding the AIC. I personally think someone should be working to find the problem on these motors. There is no way that both end up failing within hours of each other time and time again. I have said it before, I believe there is some common power surge or situation that damages these right before they fail completely. I guess Sea Ray and Mercruiser are off the hook till someone figures it out. Till then we will all change two at a time, and keeps spares on board at 80 bucks a pop. (unless you have a single engine, then you save 80 bucks, but you have to change it on the water or swim!)

I too have been on all three, I personally think that both twin versions are more weight stabilized while cruising, and just floating.

Happy shopping!! Its a great boat all three ways!!!
 
sounds like twins win....and off we go!

by the way, it's mrs. not mr. :smt038

thank all of you for helping with your 2 cents...this website is going to be a great help...we're upgrading from a 2001 Sea Pro Fish and Ski purchased new in 2002....boy do we have a learning curve ahead! :smt101
 
I've owned my 02' 280 from day one. I have twin 4.3 MPI with alpha drives. After 7+ yrs with my boat and over 900 hrs you need to be close to a good dealer like Marine Max which I really like. Once in their system your info can be pulled up from any other marine max location. very helpful when traveling. You will need to service the engines, outdrives, and misc trim items that always seem to break or need adjusting. Expect to get the gas tank cleaned at some point b/c of the ethanol in the fuel. Once every 5 yrs. You can do a lot of maintence on your own but there a few electronic sensors that will require a computor to reset and diagnos. I take very good care of my boat but it always goes in one a year for something. One regret is that I wish I had gone larger with a boat with inboard drives. docking the 280 with IO's is always a difficult especially on the intercoastal with currents
 
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