290DA vs 280DA vs 310DA

BrentJones

BrentJones

Member
Oct 4, 2006
405
Fenton/Lake Ozark, MO
Boat Info
2005 240 Sundeck
Engines
6.2L
Ok, I've been very adamant on choosing an earlier model 280DA (2001 - 2003 model) for my next boat, but I'm starting to open my mind more. I've been looking at the 2000-2001 290 and generally like it too. I do think the 280 has softer lines and arch than the 290, but that is becoming less of an issue for me. What I have decided I like about the 290 over the 280 is the wider beam. It seams like there is a bit more space on the 290, in the cockpit and the cabin. A small thing I like too is the double helm seat versus the bucket seat. Its like having the bench seat in the pickup truck, the wife or kid can sit up there next to you while cruising.

One drawback about the 290 is that there are a lot with white interior. I've been trying to get over this, but I don't like white cabinets at all. There are a few out there I've seen that have the cherry color, but not many. The other concern is that it doesn't have a walkthrough windshield. I'm not sure how much space there is to walk around, I haven't actually been on a 290, but it doesn't seem like much. The 290 price wise has been very similar for more boat. And while looking at the 290, I'll occasionally come across a 2000-2001 310 that is in the 70-80k price range and I start to think that may be a good option. But then I fear the burn cost of pushing a 310 vs the 290 or 280. Somebody mentioned that there is no such thing as an effiecient boat, but still, the 290 and 280 will be less of a gas strain than something larger. So with that said, what are some suggestions or other things to think about in deciding on my next boat???
 
I wouldn't worry too much about the fuel burn on the 310. It won't be that much more than the 280/290, and you will gain a fair amount of space, stability, and rough water performance. Also, easier engine access if you stick with outdrives, and an outstanding cabin layout IMO.
 
the beam on the 280 vs 290 is one inch difference, the length is identical.

I looked very closely between the 280 and 290, did not feel that I could afford the 310 so I didnt look beyond the 290. Keeping in mind that I was looking at new only, the 290 was about 20K more. I liked the cabin and cockpit layout in the 280 over the 290, no comparision. I agree the bench captain seat is nice, but I have a large family and need the layout that the 280 brings. If I had only one or two kids, I may have liked the 290 more. The 280 just fit our needs, and so far I have no regrets.
 
smanier said:
the beam on the 280 vs 290 is one inch difference, the length is identical.

I looked very closely between the 280 and 290, did not feel that I could afford the 310 so I didnt look beyond the 290. Keeping in mind that I was looking at new only, the 290 was about 20K more. I liked the cabin and cockpit layout in the 280 over the 290, no comparision. I agree the bench captain seat is nice, but I have a large family and need the layout that the 280 brings. If I had only one or two kids, I may have liked the 290 more. The 280 just fit our needs, and so far I have no regrets.
Click to expand...

Actually I'm looking at the older model 290 which has a beam of 10' 2" vs. the newer that has the 9' 6" beam.
 
smanier I think Brent is talking about the previous generation of 290 and 310.... comparing to current rev of 280.... Brent I have not personally had the opportunity to run or the pleasure to take a ride on a 290 or 310.... so I can't comment.... other than a very wise man once told me that a foot in beam is like 5 feet in length... I would guess that if the additional beam is not eaten up in the walk around (290)..... that the boat may be surprising roomy inside. As for the interior... if you could work a very good deal....a re-model inside may be kinda cool......

Looking at some 2000-2001 290DA's online for sale... it seems they are very very similar to the 280 design and have the sharp lines like Frank's 450.... which I like. I also noticed not all the interiors are white.... some have the cherry finish.... so you may be able to find what you want if you look hard enough.

Please let us know if you get to run either a 290 or 310 and your thoughts on them.
 
BrentJones

We’re facing similar dilemma with my wife. One thing we know for sure that we’re infected with the 4footer disease. By looking at several options first think comes to mind is what Frank and other had suggested, “get the biggest boat you could affordâ€. I do agree that in the long run it’ll save us money. But, finding the one is where it gets tricky. I assume you trailer your boat and one of the biggest questions I ask if we’re ready to loose the mobility by upgrading to anything bigger than our 240. So, I guess you’ve maid that decision, unless you have a big pickup truck to tow 280 or bigger. In our case upgrading the towing vehicle is out of the question. Since you have the Sundeck model, I want to share with you what we’ve experienced as a “transmission phaseâ€. We used to own a 175BR and the usual routine was, most likely the same as yours, daily trips. Take the boat to whatever destination you pick and enjoy the day on water. That had changed when we moved up to 240 Sundancer, which offers many comforts we didn’t have. So, what I call a “transmission phase†is that we’ve learned that it’s much more enjoyable to have the boat in a slip all season and use it as a “mobile summer house†with an option of trailering it anywhere we’d like. So, I you’ve probably guessed, it didn’t take too long to realized that 240DA is a bit too small for a family of four (we’ve got 2yr old and 10yr old kids). The next question is what do we upgrade to? Ever since our little one was born our trailering (long distance) trips are cut down to only couple per year. And we see it like this for the next 2-3 years until he gets older to be able to handle long hours ride. In the meantime we’re squeezed every weekend and need more room and other comforting features like A/C with genset. So, the upgrade is on the radar, with having cruising trips in mind to compensate for lose of trailering abilities.

Which boat to get? 280DA was the first option, but we didn’t think that such a big change would be justified by 280 mostly room wise. We looked at it many times and here’s my opinion on it:

What we liked:
1. The changed design having the arch is great.
2. Cockpit floor plan is very user-friendly and IMHO is well thought. It’s pretty much the same as we have on our 240DA.
a. L-shape lounge for admiral is her favorite spot with kids when underway.
b. Almost U-shape sitting around the table allows you accommodate larger crowds.
3. It has important features that we don’t have (A/C-heat, genset, windlass, remote spotlight). First 3 slowly work their way up from nice to have to must have items.
4. This must be the most economical boat of a good size with twin engines. I don’t think I would consider moving to this size and have a single engine. With having various cruises in mind twins give you much more comfort level. Also, learning from other posts (I can’t be sure if this was related to 300DA) but, I think T-5.0 with BIIIs is the best performance package. But, I think our 280 owners can give us much better info on this.
5. Walk-through windshield. This is the last (biggest) DA that has this option, which is important and used extremely often.

What we didn’t like:
1. Just by moving from 240DA we would see a big change in $$$ but not such drastic change in the upgrade. 2002 would be the oldest we would consider. If I recall correctly this was the model change year with cherry wood galley, the arch and other features.
2. The v-berth, for this size we would hope to get the bed of a nice size, which doesn’t need to be assembled for every use. But, I’ll tell you that with this inconvenience it has more room than bed in 300 (at lease it feels like to us and we tried both).
3. Beam, it would be nice if the boat was wider. It would make the boat look and feel much bigger. Very interesting 280 SeaRay stated that 1’ of beam = 5’ of length.
4. The ride, again just comparing to our 240 the difference is not what I’ve expected.
5. Sitting arrangement in the galley and the aft cabin (crawl-space), but I guess you can’t ask for a lot in a boat of this size.

So, moving to the next boat. 290DA. 2001 is the last year (for fresh and affordable) I found for Sundancer. It’s nice and would give you more for the money but we really don’t like white interior. It makes the boat look a lot older than it actually is. For the same reason we had to rule out 310DA. In addition, when comparing 310 to 300 we really like the kidney shape lounge in the galley. Thus, skipping 290 and 310, the 300 was the next option we’ve looked at.

What we’ve liked about 300DA:
1. This is the boat that made us feel the difference from our 240.
2. Same as for #3 for 280 (a/c, genset….)
3. Galley, roomy and the new style lounge is very nice.
4. Aft make the world of difference. It opens the cabin so much.

What we didn’t like:
1. L-shape lounge is gone. Admiral has lost her best spot. This is worst than our 240. When we ride we sit together in the same area. It’s crazy that in boat 8’ longer we have to be spread apart. Even if my wife would take the sit next to me what about the kids? We don’t feel comfortable leaving them behind us. On the same talking I don’t this I would want kids sitting next to me so close to controls when underway. My little guy has to play with every button.
2. The v-berth, we’re not big people at all. But, I want to see the engineer of this bed. He and his wife must be under 5’ 120lb. We feel much more comfortable in our assembled bed on 240 (and 280 must be even bigger). They gave you cabin room but cut down on critical item.
3. This boat weights a lot more (over 4000lb) than 280 and obviously the same package will burn more fuel.
4. The ride, although it’s nice and comfy, but for the boat of the size I thought it would be smoother.

So in the end, due to the major items we didn’t like in 300 DA we also looked at 320DA. I did mentioned that we’re infected write? :lol:

320- everything that we didn’t like in 280 and 300 was fixed in the 320. So, the only problem is the $$$$$ for purchase, use and maintenance. Too thick for our pockets at this time. So, for now we’ll keep dreaming about it and go back to reality.

This is not an easy choice and I whish you lots of luck.

It would be nice to hear other owner’s opinions.

P.S. I hope I didn’t offend any owners of models mentioned. It’s only my personal observation. Every product is for different client.

Thanks,
Alex.
 
Alex,

You are right, it will drive you crazy looking for a boat. Atleast I know I have ruled out the 300 and 320, both too thick for my pocket. I feel the same way about the white interior that you do, I prefer cherry. I remember someone telling me that Sea Ray thought the white was a better choice in the smaller cruisers to brighten them up. Probably the case, but they have changed their mind since then. Although I guess with the ligher wood tone in the boats now, they have kind of achieved it w/o going with white.

I believe the 2001 was the first body year for the new body style for the 280. When searching, I have kept my search open for 2001s also. That is when I started looking at the 2001 290s. I've seen quite a few of these with the cherry interior, but I can't remember is I've seen any 2000 models with cherry interior.

The walk through windshield was a concern, but nothing that would prevent me from going to a 290. I generally like the cockpit layout of the 290, but I haven't boarded one. I like the helm seating better than the bucket seat. I'm only 5'8", but I always thought the v-berths seamd small. It is important because I plan on sleeping on the boat while it is in slip, or maybe on the hook. I'm not sure if the aft berth in the 290 is comparable to the aft berth in the 280, but based on the 280, I would probably use that berth to sleep in.

I don't trailer, so I plan on keeping it in a wet slip where I keep my current boat. For that, I have to decide if I want to put it on a lift or keep it in the water.
 
Iam glad to know that I was not the only one going through the same problem. My story is very simular to the above. Long story short, we ended up getting a 2000 310 SD. I to wanted the cherry int. and the cresent shaped lounge below and I also liked the softer lines of the 280 & 300. Then we ran acrosss this one for about the same price as a newer 280. As my family continues to grow, the 310 should accommodate us for years to come.
We have only been out a few times but I will say that I really enjoy the captain chair and the foward facing bench along the front. My whole family can sit up there and I can keep an eye on them at all times. It is priceless to watch my young girls faces as we cruise across the lake.

Enjoy your search and you will know when the right one comes along!
 
My needs were very atypical.

What is most important is to really understand HOW you will use the boat. What you WILL use it for and what you WON'T use it for.

I went boat crazy for awhile. . . looking at 22' bowriders. I ultimately stepped back from the edge and really THOUGHT about what was important, and IMAGINED how the boat was going to be used.

I lost an entire season because I shelved the whole boat project . . . .and only started looking again when I found the right boat (a 28 cuddy), and KNEW exactly how I was going to use it. I have had this boat about a year. . . .and have no desire for upgrade.
 
my thoughts on the 280 after 4 months.

cons:

1) I would like a wider beam. first month I thought the boat was to big. 4th month the boat is too small. :lol:

2) V berth is too small for two people and a dog. I need a good 1/4 bottle of scotch to get to sleep.

3) aft bunk is only good for storage

4) I could do with a few more inches in height in the cabin

5) I would like a double wide captain chair.

6) Not enough room on the panel for any goodies

7) Boat overall isn't big enough for ocean cruising, comfortably.

8) not really big enough to have a dinghy mounted on the swim platform


Pros:

1) Dinette is GREAT. we can keep the v-berth set for sleeping

2) I've seen the bigger boat fuel up, not something I wish on anybody.

3) In my area, anything bigger and the price for everything jumps up. slip, insurance etc...

4) price is right

5) small enough to take out a lot.

6) Overall, great size for two people for long weekends.

7) walkthrough windsheild is really nice

8) Takes 2 people 1 hour to completely wash and clean the boat.

9) Really easy to squeeze in at a crowded fuel dock

10) Very easy to handle.

11) not big enough to have a dinghy mounted. saved money.


Would I like a bigger boat???? you bet. would I like all the costs associated ??? No way. So until I win the lottery, I'm going to enjoy my 280.

:lol:
 
Four Suns said:
Shoot... keep going... you'll be getting a 480 DB in no time...

:grin:
Click to expand...

Hey Gary, I really hope to be in the position ASAP :grin: I'm dreaming on taking a real cruise with our boat to some trapical paradise. Despite the fact that I already took my boat and cruised Florida's coasts it's still very different since we didn't leave the landsite and stayed close enought to keep admiral calm :thumbsup:

Alex.
 
Turtletone,

I agree with most of the pros and cons except for the aft bunk, we placed a mattress pad over the mattress ($25 from Fred Meyer). I sleep great and very comfortable. Plenty of room for a couple, ( I am 6'1", not enough to add a dog though. Also, the dinghy set up that I have with weaver davits is perfect. I couldnt boat in the San Juans without one. So I guess it is all preference. The platform works great for a dinghy.
 
TurtleTone said:
my thoughts on the 280 after 4 months.

cons:

1) I would like a wider beam. first month I thought the boat was to big. 4th month the boat is too small. :lol:

2) V berth is too small for two people and a dog. I need a good 1/4 bottle of scotch to get to sleep.

3) aft bunk is only good for storage

4) I could do with a few more inches in height in the cabin

5) I would like a double wide captain chair.

6) Not enough room on the panel for any goodies

7) Boat overall isn't big enough for ocean cruising, comfortably.

8) not really big enough to have a dinghy mounted on the swim platform


Pros:

1) Dinette is GREAT. we can keep the v-berth set for sleeping

2) I've seen the bigger boat fuel up, not something I wish on anybody.

3) In my area, anything bigger and the price for everything jumps up. slip, insurance etc...

4) price is right

5) small enough to take out a lot.

6) Overall, great size for two people for long weekends.

7) walkthrough windsheild is really nice

8) Takes 2 people 1 hour to completely wash and clean the boat.

9) Really easy to squeeze in at a crowded fuel dock

10) Very easy to handle.

11) not big enough to have a dinghy mounted. saved money.


Would I like a bigger boat???? you bet. would I like all the costs associated ??? No way. So until I win the lottery, I'm going to enjoy my 280.

:lol:
Click to expand...

TurtleTone,

I was under the impression that most cruisers have the same size of the swimming platform (3'). I've seeing some nice setups with weaver davits. We just got ourselves the dingy (6.5') and looking to mount it. Looks doable though.

Alex.
 
I'm looking for a dinghy that I can mount on the platform. I really want one. what kind on engine and where do you put it? I think maybe a 7' would work on mine, but where to put the engine (gas) is my concern. :smt021
 
Alex F said:
......I was under the impression that most cruisers have the same size of the swimming platform (3')...... Alex.
Click to expand...

Of the aforementioned boats the 280DA has the biggest swim platform from a depth standpoint. Its 2 ½ feet. Most others are 2 feet.



Since we are talking width here, using 280 SeaRay’s 1’ of width = 5’ rule the platform is 2 ½ feet wider then the rest.
:smt043 Just Kidding Jeremy. :wink:
 
Turtletone,

I have a 9 foot zodiac mounted on the weaver davits. I just order the weaver leaver to mount a 4HP Tohatsu. I'll post some pictures when I'm done.
 
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