280 vs 260 Sundancer

[Mark Smith]

Does anyone know about the rule of thumb for the tow ability of one vs the other? We are looking at getting one or the other, prefer the 280 for size but we will need to tow it some. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Check your state's rule regarding legal limits - most likely you only need to be concerned with width. Some states are 8', but I believe most are 8-1/2'. It can also vary based on day/time. Also check for reg's regarding brakes on all axles... although it'd be VERY wise to have brakes on all axles, even if it's not required.

 

[Mark Smith]

Check your state's rule regarding legal limits - most likely you only need to be concerned with width. Some states are 8', but I believe most are 8-1/2'. It can also vary based on day/time. Also check for reg's regarding brakes on all axles... although it'd be VERY wise to have brakes on all axles, even if it's not required.

Thanks!!

 

[JimG]

Although it depends on the year, most 260's are 8'6" beam where the 280's 9'+

Welcome to CSR!

 

[Mark Smith]

Although it depends on the year, most 260's are 8'6" beam where the 280's 9'+

Welcome to CSR!

Thank you!

 

[Madisose]

Mark,

If your asking opinion or looking for 280 owners who tow, we own a 280 and do tow it "some". If you are looking to trailer every weekend I would not buy either but if you are wanting to go on a trip or 2 I wouldn't be afraid of the 280 as I believe you get so much more in this model.

In addition the posts are correct, ours has a beam of 9.5 and my surrounding states all have a 8.5' limit with out permit. To be honest, I have hauled in multi states and never pulled a permit (I am not trying to start a debate on this just stating that I have not) when ours is sitting on the trailer in my opinion it does not look out of place or terribly different than any other 8.5' beam boat. To me trailering it is no different that any other boat, other than having to remove the TV antenna and fold the light down on the arch (my boat sits just below 13' tall on our trailer). Make sure it is a triple axle trailer with brakes on all axles in WORKING order. I would say expect the weight to be in the neighborhood of 12K, I have never weighed ours on scales but I had to do so with trailer to get tags and our steel heritage triple axle trailer is just under 3K pounds so add that to sea ray printed spec weight etc.

 

[Gord]

I have had both boats and both can be towed. I see you are pulling this with a eco boost half ton truck. I started to pull my 280 with that truck but found that the transmission would get hot and I did not feel safe with that truck. I believe the 280 should be pulled with a 3/4 ton truck. It will be much safer. We do pull our 280 all the time. We like to go to different places