2006 280 Sundancer 4.3 vs. 5.0

S

Starboard 6

New Member
Feb 6, 2010
41
Virginia Beach, VA
Boat Info
280 Sundancer, 2007
Engines
5.0 Mercruisers, Bravo III drives, 5.0 Gen
Hello all!

I am in the preocess of buying a 2006 280 Sundancer... I just had a 2007 fall through that had the 5.0's. The salesman was insistent that the 4.3 BIII would be a disappointment. Of course he only had the 5.0 and everyone else had the 4.3.

I have triplet 5 year old boys, a 7 year old girl and my wife; so it will always be 6 plus on the boat. We are in Virginia Beach at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. We will do all of the tubing and such, cruising, and I love to fish. Will there be any drawbacks to the 4.3MPI BIII from a performance perspective?

Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks!


Tom
 
Ya - we've definately beat this one to death several times - 496 vs T4.3 vs T5.0 but as a past owner of a T4.3 280 (not to mention a family of 4 and everything that goes along with it) the boat has PLENTY of power to do what you want to do - also, mine (as most do) had alphas - those motors with Bravos is a rare combo - I would go for the alphas as they are easier to maintain and cheaper to replace - have you considered Turtletone's '03 - I've seen it and its better maintained and cleaner than most boats 3-5 years newer (not mine of course)
 
Thanks to the both of you for the quick replies. I see this has been batted around quite a bit. The only options I have found for the 2006 and newer has been the BIII's with the 4.3. I think from what I have read that I a comfortable with that power option.

The only other use that I did not mention is overnighting to different locations up the Chesapeake and the longest run down to my parents in Sunset Beach, NC.

That brings me to my next question which I am sure there are plenty of opinions on as well. The boat that I am looking at now does not have a generator. The 2007 that fell through had the kohler 5.0. Is the generator a must? Can it be added if not configured that way originally vs. a portable generator.

Ididntdoit- What do you think? (I did not see Turtletones boat listed.)

Anyone else's opinion is also welcomed. This is my first boat and i want to get it right.
 
I have a 2002 280DA with the 4.3 and Alphas. There is plenty of power for what you need. Also, you sound like you are going to be doing a lot of cruising. The 4.3's will definitely be better on fuel.

As far as a generator being a must? In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY!!!! I would never buy a boat this size without one unless you plan on staying at the dock a lot. Being able to fire up the AC or cook something in the microwave sure is nice when you are out on the hook. Especially in the heat of Virginia. My buddy has a 280 without a genny, and he hates it. If this is a must have for you, I would look for a 280 that already has a genny on board. There are plenty of them out there.
 
Thanks Lope4946... I understand your thoughts and I do think we would like to use AC or microwave underway.

If I can not find the right boat w/ a genny locally, can it be added?
 
A genset can be added but plan on $8500-$10000 member presentation did this upgrade to his and there is a thread or two about it - as for using a portable - thats been beat to death here too - just search "Honda Generator" and you will be entertained for hours - My opinion would be to buy a boat exactly as you want it equipped - don't be affraid to open up your search area as shipping is not as bad as one would think (just got a quote to move my 300 1500mi for 2k) - this is a buyers market, there are a LOT of boats for sale - be patient and find the right one for you and your family - you can probably negotiate shipping costs in as part of the deal
 
You can look around, but there's not many 280's with Gen's, then figure in shape, there's not many 280's with Gen's that I want to own. I wouldn't think twice about 4.3's with alpha 1's. I specifically wanted that combination for economy and reliability. I also picked the 03' because it DIDN'T have the smartcraft junk, I mean stuff. If a gen is a must, you can have one added for about $7500. So if you find a great boat that you want to own, add a new Gen and you'll probably still be ahead of the game. It'll be new and you can put it where you want. with the 4.3's you might actually be able to get into the ER too. Personally I've never needed one on the 280 but then again I don't have kids. My batteries last about 4 days so the fridge and lights run, and we grill.

there's a lot of boats out there. Don't be afraid to go outside of your area. It costs about $1200 to have a boat shipped around 1000 miles.
 
4.3s are fine for this boat. The 5.0 will give about 5MPH on the top end and better hole shot but you lose space in the ER and will cost a bit more. I've heard the 5.0 set-up has better resale (more desirable?) but never confirmed this.

As far as genset, you need to consider 1) your need and 2) impact on value of the boat. I have the genset and DO NOT need it. I've used it maybe 10 hours in 5 years. It is a maintenance pig to boot. We are usually hanging at the dock with friends, or go with larger boats when we travel and raft up. It is nice to have and sure does impact the 'value' of the boat however as you look at resale value. My .02 is that if you don't think you'll use it and plan to keep the boat for 4+ years, don't worry about it and get one without it. You'll get a better deal on the one without genset and can always get a portable one if you so desire. I would NOT put $7k into a 4-5 year old 280 that's for sure...

I do have a strong preference for the BIIIs however. Cone clutch, more metal, dual props, impeller location in ER, additional anodes, etc. I never understood how some on this board think that the Alpha (which are FINE for this boat, btw) are 'better' than the BIIIs...? I haven't seen a 280 with 4,3 and Bravos but I believe it was an option. (Every 280 with BIIIs I've seen had the 5.0 engines)
 
I picked up a 2004 290 Sundancer just this November with no gennie. Complete genset $8000. I had them put in a westerbeke, and I think it's worth it just for the peace of mind. Especially with younger kids who may get bored and want to watch movies or play video games on a long weekend or trip. Good luck and enjoy your boat when you get it! BTW look around I pick mine up for pennies on the dollar....
 
Thanks for all of the feedback! This is a great group of people... not always the case with forums. I appreciate the different perspectives and feel like we are close to the right boat. I will have to consider whether the genny is a deal breaker or if I feel comfortable putting the additional money into an '06.

Again, thanks for the feedback and keep it coming. I will surely have more questions in the next week as we are supposed to see the boat on the 18th and make an offer.
 
Good luck - either way you will get a hell of a boat with the 280. It is (unofficially) the longest running model (FRP mold) to be sold in the Sundancer brand (9 years) Searay tried to kill it a few times but kept it alive due to demand...
 
I have an 03 with a genny and wanted one for resale but I don't use it much. The lake we boat on is a good size but we are usually back at a dock for the night. Fortunately it is usually just the wife, myself and our chocolate lab. The one question I am wondering is about the size for the number of children. I have had another couple stay with us at different times and it works, but with the amount of "junk" we keep on the boat it seems like it would start to get crowded with 4 children onboard always. Doug(Presentation) might be able to handle this question well as he has 3 children. I know whenever we have people stay with us and they go home we always have a sigh of relief about how nice it is with just us onboard. Even with just us we are looking at 340's for the extra space, but we spend alot of time on it. Last summer was 55 nights and 75 days. Good luck on your search.
 
gerryb said:
4.3s are fine for this boat. The 5.0 will give about 5MPH on the top end and better hole shot but you lose space in the ER and will cost a bit more. I've heard the 5.0 set-up has better resale (more desirable?) but never confirmed this.

As far as genset, you need to consider 1) your need and 2) impact on value of the boat. I have the genset and DO NOT need it. I've used it maybe 10 hours in 5 years. It is a maintenance pig to boot. We are usually hanging at the dock with friends, or go with larger boats when we travel and raft up. It is nice to have and sure does impact the 'value' of the boat however as you look at resale value. My .02 is that if you don't think you'll use it and plan to keep the boat for 4+ years, don't worry about it and get one without it. You'll get a better deal on the one without genset and can always get a portable one if you so desire. I would NOT put $7k into a 4-5 year old 280 that's for sure...

I do have a strong preference for the BIIIs however. Cone clutch, more metal, dual props, impeller location in ER, additional anodes, etc. I never understood how some on this board think that the Alpha (which are FINE for this boat, btw) are 'better' than the BIIIs...? I haven't seen a 280 with 4,3 and Bravos but I believe it was an option. (Every 280 with BIIIs I've seen had the 5.0 engines)
Click to expand...
I don't think I said Alphas were better than Bravos........Hell, I have 2 of them on my boat.........As you stated they are not needed on this boat - therefor as I said I would go for the alphas......
 
Thanks for the continued feedback... I have triplet 5 year old boys and a 7 year old girl. I am sure it will always feel like a lot going on, but you could say that about our house and it's a hell of a lot bigger than the 280!:smt001 We will probably end up like everyone else and need a bigger boat in a couple of years, but budget is budget.
 
Starboard 6 said:
Thanks for the continued feedback... I have triplet 5 year old boys and a 7 year old girl. I am sure it will always feel like a lot going on, but you could say that about our house and it's a hell of a lot bigger than the 280!:smt001 We will probably end up like everyone else and need a bigger boat in a couple of years, but budget is budget.
Click to expand...
If you are already in the mind set that you will probably need a bigger boat in a couple years I would look now. Not sure the price of the 260 you are looking at but there are alot of great deals out there. I saw an 05 340 for 119k and an 05 320 for 89k. I agree with the budget part but if this is all you can budget now in 2 years the situation might be the same and you are stuck in a boat that feels small. Not trying to talk you out of anything. Again my kids are bigger and when we spent alot of time boating it was on a 18ft open bow. Good luck on your search.
 
I have a 2006 with T4.3 Alphas and performs great with a family of 5 (3 adults and 2 12 year olds). Has more than enough power for all our watersports and cruising needs. Dont have a genny and have not found a great need for it yet. After a while you will crave a larger boat having 5-6 on it all the time. You never can get too big!
 
Thanks to everyone who has followed this thread and given their perspective and advice. Trust me when I tell you every bit was considered.

You know we had a 2007 280 w/ 5.0s, BIII's, 5.0 Genny fall through a couple of weeks ago. Well, the buyer backed out and we bought it!!!:smt038

It is a beautiful Arctic White new 2007, unsold inventory, from my local Sea Ray dealer. It has full warranties for everything that does not start until I take delivery. We are scheduled to put her in the water April 1st. Thanks again, all the input made me very comfortable with my decision... it only took me 10 years (4 kids) to pull the trigger!

Tom
 
Star,

First, my complements to you. You are getting into a hobby that in my opinion is a great family activity.

Let me pick and choose a few of the comments in this thread.

#1) Do you need a generator? It depends on how you use the boat and your comfort tolerance. We boated with this boat for 1 season without the generator and it worked but I was hot many nights, wanted the generator for air conditioning mostly, heat occasionally and power for the microwave, stove, charging the batteries on the boat plus my laptop, cell phones, kids I-touch’s, etc. We use the generator a lot but we often sleep onboard away from the marina. If you are marina people, and there is nothing wrong with that, then a generator may not be as important to you.

#2) Can you add a generator? Yes, we did. I made a video about it here:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kywpWBdMQ[/youtube]


#3) Is the 280 Sundancer big enough for a family of 6, mom, dad, + 4 kids? Our oldest is a 13 year old teenager and there are days that the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas (largest cruise ship in the world) would be too small. Seriously, it depends on you and your family. Do you see your entire family sleeping onboard often? If yes, where are you going to sleep?
Wife and I sleep in the front V-birth. If you do this, we found adding a memory foam topper added a lot to the comfort. I purchased a square one for a king bed and cut it to fit then put it in a mesh breathable bag and covered it with a fitted bed sheet.
1 kid at the port dinette that is covetable into a bed.
2 kids in the mid birth. At 5 years of age you may be able to put 3 in that mid birth for a season or two. After that, someone is on the cabin floor or in the cockpit.

#4) My suggestions I’d recommend you look for a boat with a generator already installed if you see yourself as the type that will overnight away from the dock. Also, if you plan to sleep onboard many nights I’d suggest you step back 3 years to an older boat that has depreciated more and jump up 2 sizes to a 320 Sundancer with V-drives. This will give you the room you are seeking, get you away from outdives and the cost that comes with maintaining them and give you more room for overnights.

When looking at your budget, keep in mind that depreciation is your biggest expense, bigger than all other expenses combined. I don’t know if it was always that way but today it sure is. Gas at 1.37 MPG is less than 20% of our annual budget versus boat depreciation that I have estimated at 54%. If the economy dramatically improves that my change but today it is what it is.

Of course if you plan to day boat only then you could go smaller, say a 260 Sundancer, and reduce your spend.

We love our 280 Sundancer. We slept onboard 39 nights over the summer of 2009. It’s a small big boat, or a big small boat.

Did you find this post helpful? Do you have any follow up questions?
 
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