2002 280 questions ...

[Hai Nhi]

For some reason I didn't see this Newbie Lounge when I first posted questions about boats I'm looking to buy. :grin:

Now I narrow down to a couple of options, I came across one of the 2002 280. I read some of the posts in here saying most people are happy with their T4.3L for these year range, in terms of performance. Can people please comment on any complaint at all if the setup is underpowered?

This is how I envision my use of the boat:

- 50%: Just us 2 (250 lbs) with 2 kids (toal 150 lbs). So that's a no brainer!
- 30%: with additional 2 more adults (from 250-350 lbs, depending on guest's weight, hahaha)
- 20%: Occasionally would add 2 more adults (another 250-350 lbs), making 6 adults, 2 kids.
- For sport probably inner tub/sport tub towing only. Maybe some wakeboard down the road (we haven't mastered the sport yet. :smt001 )

Reason I asked is on iBoats.com forum, when asked about the Regal 2760/Sundancer 270 having the T4.3L V6, some people say sometimes planning takes times, and when loaded it might not perform great.

Oh, this one has a generator too. Usually how heavy is that?
It's single prop.

If everything is in great shape, what's a fair price around CA. Asking ~$44k.

Thank you.

Nhi

 

[Jetmart]

I had an 04 with twin 4.3's without a genny and never had problems getting on plane with full fuel, 1/2 water and 6 adults. Start with tabs and drives down. I think max RPM was 4800 rpm and if I remember correctly it was close to 40 mph. Pulled a 3 person tube as well. Never tried the wake board.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Cool :thumbsup: That's good to hear.

Do most people trailer your 280? Or storage/dock? It's pretty big & heavy :grin:

Nhi

 

[floriduramax1]

I trailer and keep inside one of my storage units at my shop. I only have issues planing when I'm loaded for a long trip like to Bimini. And believe me when I say "loaded"! We were approx 14500lbs on the trailer! I am looking at switching to 4 blade props because I don't need the 47mph top end with the canvas down. When we just go out for a weekend she planes out decent. When loaded to the max, I just drop the tabs down and she comes up. Been a great boat for the size.

 

[Hai Nhi]

The truck probably can handle that load no problem. But would its GCWR gets maxed out, and possibly be illegal? (it's GCWR is 16000 right?)

How your ... heart rate when towing? How far? I'll be changing to a new truck (older year) from my regular cab (2012 F250 gas). Most likely to a diesel this time, so mostly likely not gonna be a Ford either because I still heard lots of problems with Ford diesel unless you do the bullet proof thingy.

I think the one I'm gonna be looking at tomorrow has single props. So what's the advantage of a 4 blade vs 3 again? I think I've seen it posted somewhere but please refresh my memory.

I just checked the spec, and the 2002-2005 (and possibly newer too) 4.3L's are all 220 HP vs the 2000 in the Regal 2760 I looked at last weekend, which is only 205HP. So that's a plus for sure.

I was about to finalize that deal, but was thinking: if I am to tow a 2760 @ 9'11" @ 7800 lbs, might as well check out a 280 @ 9'5" & 8000 lbs. Right?

Again, If I like getting on the Bay (salt of course), I'd be towing only about 15-30 minutes max from home (with big backyard for storage) most of the times. Then 2:30-3hr (each way) trips couple times a year max (1-3 times). To the CA Delta area medium number of times (maybe once a month on peak season) hopefully, which varies about 1hr - 1:30 (each way).

Nhi

 

[Hai Nhi]

I had an 04 with twin 4.3's without a genny and never had problems getting on plane with full fuel, 1/2 water and 6 adults. Start with tabs and drives down. I think max RPM was 4800 rpm and if I remember correctly it was close to 40 mph. Pulled a 3 person tube as well. Never tried the wake board.

Jetmart,

I like your flooring. Is that an upgrade? or add-on?

Nhi

 

[Hai Nhi]

Does anyone know how much 4.3L engine & outdrive and a Kohler generator weight? Just curious.

floriduramax1, what trailer do you use for your boat? What's the break setup? Did you weight the whole rig on a regular trip, or is it ~14500 everytime? That too exceeds your truck max too, doesn't it?

I just wanna have a feeling if I go with diesel, should 250 good enough or 350. 4x4 or not, brand (GMC/Dodge, if Ford, is there a year range that doesn't have the Ford diesel problems).

Nhi

 

[Hai Nhi]

I've just done viewing the 2002 280.

Exterior is in great shape, except really minor crack on the swim platform. Outdrive just dirty and a bit paint peeled off, no biggy. Bimini and enclosure is in clean & good shape in general. Cockpit Upholstery is clean, but show signs of cracks on benches' corner. It's stored inside most of its life, so no sun burnt marks or anything else. Cabin upholstery is in fair condition, light stain marks showing good use over the 10-11 years of use. But not abused.

Engines look fair, with some oil and debris on floor. Boat suspected to be sitting outside at the seller shop for 1-2 years, no use. He swears by his engines to be no known problems (subject to survey of course). Oil is probably leaked from one of the bottle sitting on the side (don't ask me what. Hahaha). Used in salt water on the early stage of its life, but the manifold & elbow (??) been replaced 5-6 years ago. After that strictly fresh water boat (lake Tahoe). I do see some rust at the joists showing though, but might be just normal.

So first impression was: nice, HUGE! Hahaha. Definitely can use a 1T diesel truck, 4x4 even. (I'm checking on Craigslist now too). Hahaha. Isn't shopping fun? Not sure how I'm gonna come up with all the funding at once, yet!!! :grin:

15k aluminum trailer w disc breaks on all three axles.

So, decision, decision, decision!!! Gotta probably sleep on it.

1) Regal 2760: like the cockpit layout. But brand recognition is not as good as SR, at least in my area. I know for sure already. Older too (2000 vs 2002 for SR). But it's cheaper: no trailer for $28k
2) SR 280: forward radar arch - kinda like this better than the rearward on the regal I think. But no radar. ~1 foot longer, but 6" narrower, couple hundred pound heavier. Up to this size I think they're all pretty much the same thing, +- couple hundreds lbs. Advantages: newer, higher value for sure (books show ~$10k different compared to 2000 regal). $38k-39k with trailer.

I know most of you SR owners would vote for the SR. But if unbiased, is there any chance the regal would win over?

nhi