2011 280 Sundancer

[jfschmidt]

Hi Everyone -

I have been researching and "kicking tires" for the past year but still need some clarity. I really like the 280 DA in terms of size and budget. We live in the Houston area and spend most of our time boating in the Clear Lake area. I have read many of the threads in this forum which has been very helpful but of course raises more questions. Marine Max has 27, 2011 280 DAs in stock. They have sold 3 the past 8 months. It creates a potential buying opportunity but also leads me to wonder, is it just a matter of the poor economy or is this model less popular since it went from a twin to a single engine design. The leap to a 310 is out of the budget.

Whatever I end up with I would keep in one of the indoor dry stack storage units since I don't want trailer a boat that size.

I haven't really looked at the used market but for the money I am prepared to spend, maybe I am going the wrong direction with the 2011 280.

I would be interested in your thoughts!

 

[Ididntdoit]

Hi Everyone -

I have been researching and "kicking tires" for the past year but still need some clarity. I really like the 280 DA in terms of size and budget. We live in the Houston area and spend most of our time boating in the Clear Lake area. I have read many of the threads in this forum which has been very helpful but of course raises more questions. Marine Max has 27, 2011 280 DAs in stock. They have sold 3 the past 8 months. It creates a potential buying opportunity but also leads me to wonder, is it just a matter of the poor economy or is this model less popular since it went from a twin to a single engine design. The leap to a 310 is out of the budget.

Whatever I end up with I would keep in one of the indoor dry stack storage units since I don't want trailer a boat that size.

I haven't really looked at the used market but for the money I am prepared to spend, maybe I am going the wrong direction with the 2011 280.

I would be interested in your thoughts!

First - I think the '09 up 270/280 is a great boat - super use of space and nice hull design. A comparison to the '08 and down 280 is unfair. It is really between the 260 and ('01-'08) 280 in terms of size. The single makes it much more economical to run/maintain and the boat is much closer to being legally trailerable. The "new" 310 is the same size as the "old" 280 - If the '09-up 270/280 is not big enough, I would suggest locating a clean used '08-down 280 - the market is flooded with used boats and there are some great deals to be had

 

[Southpaw II]

My first Sea Ray was a new purchase. I kept it 6 years, and took a beating on it when I sold it. A few boats later, I bought a 7 year old boat, and now it's worth more than I paid for it. Unless I win the Lotto, all my boat purchases will be used from now on. It's still a buyer's market out there.

Don

 

[Quint4]

You guys are not helping the economy rebound with that advice. Somebody has to buy new sometime!

 

[mainstream]

I agree if yOu really like new you should try looking for left overs for example I bought an 09 350 for 175 which is the same as the 11 370 the 2011 370 is $450000 as equiped with my same options you could get the 2011 for 399 so I got a brand new boat for 200000 less then I would pay for the new modle year just my 2 cents do your home work and get the biggest boat that fits your boating habits for the least $$$$$$ it just takes time

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

What is the price of the new 280?
Ever consider the most recent 290? an '07 as a matter of fact. . . Hint hint check eBay ... Me thinks you can get a lot more boat for the money. :grin:

 

[mark guthrie]

I think we are in the same "boat"...sorry for the pun. I've been looking a long time as well and am more than ready to buy. Have you bought yet? I am strongly leaning to the Merc Bravo III single. How about you? Have you decided for sure on a Searay? I'm also looking at Maxum, Regals, Rinkers.....

 

[mark guthrie]

I am really confused on the models and it seems like you are really up on them. Can you offer me some guidance?
I am looking for a hull length (not including swim step) of 27 -30, stand-up salon and head (260s I have looked at aren't quite there).
Bravo III, single preferred.
I've been figuring this in putting me into a 270.

Any input in appreciated.

 

[jason78]

I am really confused on the models and it seems like you are really up on them. Can you offer me some guidance?
I am looking for a hull length (not including swim step) of 27 -30, stand-up salon and head (260s I have looked at aren't quite there).
Bravo III, single preferred.
I've been figuring this in putting me into a 270.

Any input in appreciated.

Depends on what model year range you are looking at. This thread was started in reference to a 2011 280 Sundancer which is the "new" version of the previous generation 260 Sundancer.

Unless we know what year(s) you are looking at it will be difficult to advise you based on model numbers. Based on your description, a 2002-2009 280DA , a 2008-down 260DA or an early 2000s 270DA might fit the bill.

 

[Gunn]

My first Sea Ray was a new purchase. I kept it 6 years, and took a beating on it when I sold it. A few boats later, I bought a 7 year old boat, and now it's worth more than I paid for it. Unless I win the Lotto, all my boat purchases will be used from now on. It's still a buyer's market out there.

Don

Buy used! The comparison in cost between the two is ridiculous; even if I won the lotto, I probably couldn't bring myself to buy a new one and realize all the money I just thew in the water when I pulled it away from the dealer.