srt8mag
Member
Going to look at the first 280 in my search. It's a low hour 2006 with 4.3's and generator. Any common problems to look for or known red flags with these boats?
2006 280da
- Thread starter srt8mag
- Start date
Steps Ahead
New Member
- Apr 22, 2007
- 93
- Boat Info
- 450 Express Bridge 2000
Raymarine E120
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA-8.3 Diamonds (450HP)
srt8mag -
OK, I'll start off - our previous boat was a 2006 280DA - depending on where you will be boating (you do not indicate your location), you need to consider corrosion on the outdrives. Zincs and a working Mercathode(s) are critical on Bravo IIIs, especially in salt/brackish water. Also, you may want to inspect for spiders/cracking in the fiberglass on the dash in the vicinity of the cabin door and on the swim platform.
Water leaks around the base of the windshield, although not terribly significant, can be an annoyance - the water runs around either side and onto the throttles and the port side lounge. Also, check the operation of the sliding window serving the mid-berth.
Overall, we LOVED our 280DA - it is an outstanding blend of performance and efficiency. Our biggest reason for trading was to get more space when staying on the hook with our kids/guests.
Good luck!
- Scott
OK, I'll start off - our previous boat was a 2006 280DA - depending on where you will be boating (you do not indicate your location), you need to consider corrosion on the outdrives. Zincs and a working Mercathode(s) are critical on Bravo IIIs, especially in salt/brackish water. Also, you may want to inspect for spiders/cracking in the fiberglass on the dash in the vicinity of the cabin door and on the swim platform.
Water leaks around the base of the windshield, although not terribly significant, can be an annoyance - the water runs around either side and onto the throttles and the port side lounge. Also, check the operation of the sliding window serving the mid-berth.
Overall, we LOVED our 280DA - it is an outstanding blend of performance and efficiency. Our biggest reason for trading was to get more space when staying on the hook with our kids/guests.
Good luck!
- Scott
- Oct 3, 2006
- 4,404
- Boat Info
- 280 Sundancer, Westerbeke MPV generator
- Engines
- twin 5.0's w/BIII drives
Have you done a search and read thru the posts about the 280 Sundancer at this forum?
srt8mag
Member
Thanks Scott. I'll be sure to check over those items.
True. Well critiqued boat.
There has been so much talk about this boat, I almost want to take a look at one as a replacment for my 280SS. . . ..
A few thoughts
1) If you run in salt, look for a fresh water boat or one with Fresh Water cooling. Note that risers/exhausts are wear items on salt water boats.
2) Many like 4.3L engines in this boat. But I suspect many would be "happier" with 5.0L engines. I couldn't say.. . as I have a different boat.
There has been so much talk about this boat, I almost want to take a look at one as a replacment for my 280SS. . . ..
A few thoughts
1) If you run in salt, look for a fresh water boat or one with Fresh Water cooling. Note that risers/exhausts are wear items on salt water boats.
2) Many like 4.3L engines in this boat. But I suspect many would be "happier" with 5.0L engines. I couldn't say.. . as I have a different boat.
Steps Ahead
New Member
- Apr 22, 2007
- 93
- Boat Info
- 450 Express Bridge 2000
Raymarine E120
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA-8.3 Diamonds (450HP)
When evaluating the 4.3 v. 5.0 set-ups, the issues seem to boil down to performance and economy.
The 5.0s have greater output but weigh more - you will have to test drive both to determine if these offset one another, and whether there is an appreciable performance advantage with one setup over the other. Our 280DA had the 4.3s and BIIIs.
I think that there is general agreement that the 4.3s provide modestly better fuel consumption, which may translate into somewhat lower fuel costs and better range.
There is one additional factor that you may wish to consider. Particularly when equipped with a generator, there is more space available in the engine room with 4.3s. If you only ever have someone else climb down in, this may not be a significant factor.
As the others have accurately pointed out, the 280DA is a very popular model and its attributes have been well vetted.
- Scott
The 5.0s have greater output but weigh more - you will have to test drive both to determine if these offset one another, and whether there is an appreciable performance advantage with one setup over the other. Our 280DA had the 4.3s and BIIIs.
I think that there is general agreement that the 4.3s provide modestly better fuel consumption, which may translate into somewhat lower fuel costs and better range.
There is one additional factor that you may wish to consider. Particularly when equipped with a generator, there is more space available in the engine room with 4.3s. If you only ever have someone else climb down in, this may not be a significant factor.
As the others have accurately pointed out, the 280DA is a very popular model and its attributes have been well vetted.
- Scott
srt8mag
Member
The search function sucks.
