280da 2010

[Turtlesboat]

Saw the new 280DA today. this is not the 280DA I know. this is a 260DA with a new badge. has a nice interior and some cool things, but not a 280DA. looks just like a 260DA with some SS vents added. Saw the 310DA, this is the 280 repackaged. But at a list price of $240k, boat show price of $170k, I'll pass. Again has some cool features, but at 4 times the cost of a good used 280DA? I don't like to look into the new hull windows and see the fabric staples on the backs of the window outlines.

Went on the new 450 and 500DA's. has anyone else noticed that you can clearly see where the skin is attached to each rib? looks almost like seams down the side of the boat.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sort of, kind of, but not quite. The 2010 280DA is last year's brand new 270DA, which completely replaced the '05-'09 260DA.

Some "sort of, kind of" interesting reading: :smt001

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26428

 

[Turtlesboat]

yeah, I agree with dave's last post. the new 280 is the OLD 260 minus the SS vents.

i guess my point being that the new sea rays are NOT the sea rays of a few years ago. both in size and finish.

 

[offduty]

Sea Ray's quality initially took a nosedive when Brunswick bought them and Bayliner. They became Sea Liners and Bay Rays within a year. The quality came back up in the late 90's and now it appears they are regressing again which is a shame

 

[Alex F]

Very sad, but I've noticed the same trend of relabling and loosing the quality standards we're use to.

 

[Tonka Boater]

i guess my point being that the new sea rays are NOT the sea rays of a few years ago. both in size and finish.

I agree about the size thing but not so much about the finish. Compare the Sea Ray to others in it's class and the finish still blows them away. Sea Ray can't complete with the likes of Cobalt and Chris Craft though.
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[Lazy Daze]

yeah, I agree with dave's last post. the new 280 is the OLD 260 minus the SS vents.

i guess my point being that the new sea rays are NOT the sea rays of a few years ago. both in size and finish.

Not to distract from the original point, but just to be clear - the new 280DA (last year's 270DA) is an entirely different boat than the '05-'09 260DA. It is wider than the 260DA, and most noticeably it has a port-side entrance to the cabin. Basically, what happened was Sea Ray introduced the 2010 260DA (last year's 250DA) as a bit smaller than the '05 260DA and the new 280DA as a bit bigger than the '05 260DA.

But, I do agree that the quality has, in some ways, taken a downturn. Almost like some things have been allowed to "slip by". In comparison to most other direct competitors, I do think they're still leading the way. But, there are things that can certainly be improved. That's not me as a "dealer" talking, that's me as a boat owner.

For example, anyone open up the port-side, cockpit storage compartment lid on the new 260SD? There's a freaking 2' long SS bar that holds it up. Good in theory, just don't bend over to get something 'cause you're very likely to bang your head on - it sticks almost straight out at you! Someone definitely dropped the ball on that design feature. :smt013

 

[Rocket]

i guess my point being that the new sea rays are NOT the sea rays of a few years ago. both in size and finish.

Turtle - I agree - I walked on that new 450da and dont think it is as appealling as the 40da that it has replaced. Add on the pricing and it is hard to commit to a new SR. I believe the 500da(48da) still is the lone survivor from the older styling which is hard to beat. The 34, 40, 44, and 48 2004-2008 dancers are beautiful boats. I love the reverse sheer line at the bow.

 

[Stray Cat]

Not long ago, Sea Ray owned this category for years http://www.jdpower.com/Boats/ratings/express-cruiser-ratings
Looks like Regal has gained some balls...see what happens in 2010
After a 2nd look, not sure why it was a tie?

 

[Tonka Boater]

Looks like Regal has gained some balls...see what happens in 2010

I used to appreciate Regal but I've changed my mind after spending some time inspecting them in person. They photograph well and look great in the brochures but the quality of the materials is far inferior to Sea Ray. Not to mention that they have much less interior sq. ft. than comparable Sea Rays. Tap on the hull and you can feel it's not as solid as a Sea Ray and overall the deck and cabin feel "rattly" -- if that's a word. If you put it next to a Sea Ray, the Sea Ray just feels solid. Four Winns was a lot like Regal, lots of eye candy but not solid or well crafted.
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