2004 w/87 hours or 2011 w/55 hours

[thines009]

Hi Everyone - I am trading up from my 2003 210 Sundeck and am considering two boats:2011 280 Sundancer350 / Bravo III55 hoursNo Trailer$72,0002004 280 Sundancer496 / Bravo III87 hoursTrailer$54,000I plan to keep the boat for maybe 3 - 4 years. I will primarily be using the boat on Lake St. Clair, MI but would like to take it up north once or twice a year. Based on my calculations the difference in monthly payment would be about $125 (20 year loan). I like to additional horsepower that comes with the 496 and $54,000 price tag but also like the idea of a newer model that may hold its value more when I try to sell it. Being new to boating, I would like to hear what others might say and let me know anything else I should be thinking about.Thanks.

 

[BleednBlue]

A 2004 with 87hrs. Is that correct? I would stay away from that one. As far as boat value depreciation, it's terribly high the first 4 yrs for most boats. But what helps decrease depreciation is engine option - bigger the better.

 

[Ididntdoit]

two totally different boats - the 01-08 280 is one of sea rays most popular boats ever - it is far bigger than an '09 270 or '10 up 280......most early 280s had twins for manuverability at the docks and reliabilty away......the later boat did not have twins offered as it is closer to the size of an earlier 260da.....spend time on both and decide which is right for you......then test it loaded as you would use it to make sure it performs up to your expectations.......good luck, both are great layouts!

 

[bbwhitejr]

I was on a 2013 280 2 weeks ago and was astonished to see that it is exactly the same as my boat only a few inches wider.

Bennett