280 or 290 Sun dancer

[Tonka Boater]

No turf war at all. Just didn't realize that your port lounger was that big. It has taken some getting use to not having a seat over there but overall I think I prefer the side cabin entry. So, to each their own. So, where is that perfect boat anyway?!?!?

Yep, to each his own. There are times that I would like more floor space though (Amberjack comes to mind). I just think the 280 offers the optimal seating arrangement for the size. But then we spend 90% of our time topside. What I envy on the 290 is the double helm seat. We cruise a lot and it would be nice to sit side-by-side.

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[Bam073]

We love the layout of the 260, it's just a little too tipsy in windy conditions on the bay in NJ. How do you like yours ?

Also, we noticed some oil in the bilg, turned out to be low "drive lube". Any problems there ?

I had a 245 Weekender so there is a big difference. I think because of the radar arch it does get blown around in the wind, which is always kicking around where we boat. Like I said in an earlier post I should have went right to a 300 Sundancer from the Weekender. The 260 is too small for our needs, feel like the kids are always getting in the way when I need them to sit down. Also when we have guests on, which is usually a family of 4 it gets way too crowded. Live and learn I guess. Which is why I'm holding out for the next one. Although the anxious side of me keeps saying we can get a late model 280 for $70k and I could live with the size of a 280!

 

[marqbloq]

Re: 280 or 290 Sundancer

Well you piqued my interest here as these discussions tend to do. Some of the folks here have suggested going beyond the size of a 280/290. Let me start there by saying as a current 320 owner, I find there are few advantages to a larger than 280/290 boat and multiple major disadvantages. With the possible exception of a 300/310, I would not go higher unless you spend a few hours on those bigger boats and really weigh the pros and cons. Take a look at the Amberjack 290 as well, now there is a fine boat with a good beam and unique accommodations.

As far as the 280/290 decision goes, well, I have spent some time on the 290 and spent hundreds of hours on the 280 and for my needs, found the 280 to be a better choice. The upside to the 280 is huge, starting with a classic design that has great resale value even given their vast numbers on the market. Boat ownership is not forever and you need to take serious account of the value your choice will be in two, three or more years and the 280 is the winner there.

If I were going to step back down in size, and if my boys were off to college (only 6 more years) and my wife and I were effectively DINKS again, then I would buy another (used) 280. One reason we traded up was the dinette was too short to sleep on and wanted more sleeping accommodations for five.

Good luck with your choice, do your homework and ask lots of people lots of advice. The best thing to do of course is spend time on the boats, scenario several usage cases and get a real idea for real world ownership – then make your call and pull the trigger. Again, my advice, buy the 280 and the winds of happiness will always blow in your face (comments rowdies???). And by the way, if you really want a 320, I have a gently used 2007 for only $149K (pm me).

Marqus

 

[Tonka Boater]

Re: 280 or 290 Sundancer

The best thing to do of course is spend time on the boats, scenario several usage cases and get a real idea for real world ownership – then make your call and pull the trigger.

All good comments...especially the one above. I absolutely love our 280 and have zero regrets........BUT, we do not use it like we thought we would. Having a one month trial would have been ideal to try out real world scenarios.

For example, it would have been nice to know in advance that my wife gets unbearably nauseous if she's below deck for more than 5 minutes :smt009. We still love it, we just use it differently than expected.

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