Buying a Sundancer, undecided 260 or 280

[mfilippa]

Good afternoon,

I believe this is my first post here. I'm looking for a bit of guidance. I have just sold my '03 220 Select and decided to go for a cruiser. Main reason is that I'm going to a larger pond (St. Claire, MI) and wife DEMANDS a head.

So far we are torn between the 260 and the 280. Here is what we have gathered so far to help the decision:

For 260:
- Very good looking! Much nicer than 280 in two tone hull and two tone upholstery. Sea Ray did a fine job updating this Sundancer.
- It can be trailered, although not planning on doing it.
- Small enough for two persons, single engine, less maintenance
Against 260:
- Dealer claims a bit unstable due to narrower beam

For 280:
- More space in cabin, dining area seems really useful
- Twin screws, lots of power
- Larger boat, hence more stable in water
Against 280:
- Looks a bit dull compared to a 260

We would go to 260 for looks and simplicity, 280 for space and not having the need to upgrade to a larger boat in the near future.

Since we are 50/50 between these two, I have decided to weigh on the capability of holding value over time. Can someone give me some insight as to which one is a more popular boat? Which one is easier to sell in case of upgrade? Specifically comparing a '01 280 against a '05 260. Budget is $50k.

Thanks for your input
Mariano

 

[petern]

We bought the '06 260. We love the boat. No hard data, but if resale is an issue, the 06 is the way to go, all day.....great entry level cruiser, always a mkt for it......

 

[Brian 59]

I looked at both back in 2004, I liked the 260, but I had an 1988 230 weekender at the time and didnt seem to be gaining much. The difference in the beam is what got me. I am happy with my decision except for the 2 foot itis thing :grin:

 

[screamindemon]

Tough decision....I think in the long run newer is better, but a larger beam will definitely feel more stable. I went from a 290 to a 340 recently and we wished we had done it years ago!!!! (granted we moved up 2 sizes, you can't even compare the rides...) The four year gap between the two does make a difference, parts age, salt water does its 'thing' over time... If you can wait a few more weeks (as painful as that might be) towards the end of the summer you might find a newer 28 that meets your budget...who knows, that could be the best of both worlds!

 

[Voldad]

I love my 280, but it's between the 01-280 and 05-260. Would you be doing a lot of over nighting? The 280 is great for that - but the 05-260 is newer and the 01-280 may still have the old carb engines (not too much power). Drive the 260 to make sure you can deal with the tipsy feeling it has. Also - make sure the 260 has a large enough engine.

 

[Dave S]

I agree with most of your observations but given the water you will be boating in I would go for a twin engine 280DA. Twin engines provide you with some peace of mind if you have engine problems and the 280DA is a more stable boat than a 260DA. However if you have to tow it it requires permits because of it's wider beam.

As far as resale goes, the 280DA should offer a beter re-sale value as time goes on. It was produced for a long time in essentially it's original layout. Owners like them and there are not too many bad things you can say about them. I also believe this was Sea Ray's top selling cruiser as well.

Dave

 

[skolbe]

I really liked our - 260 granted it was 2000 - so different - but I had thought if we had bought a 280 with a generator - we may had less desire to move up.

 

[garryowen]

I agree with most of your observations but given the water you will be boating in I would go for a twin engine 280DA. Twin engines provide you with some peace of mind if you have engine problems and the 280DA is a more stable boat than a 260DA. However if you have to tow it it requires permits because of it's wider beam.

As far as resale goes, the 280DA should offer a beter re-sale value as time goes on. It was produced for a long time in essentially it's original layout. Owners like them and there are not too many bad things you can say about them. I also believe this was Sea Ray's top selling cruiser as well.

Dave[/quote



:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:


GO BIG OR GO HOME. well not realy but search the threads and see how many say- our boat has out grown us and we just cant live with it any more and are looking for a smaller boat.
not that many. on the other hand the forum is full of threads for members looking for advice on going bigger.

get the 280 and buy the time your looking to upgrade again, you can sell it to the guy that buys the 260 your looking at:smt043

 

[mfilippa]

Great replies! Thanks.

I agree with all of you. From what I read, the 280 seems like the right choice. I wish I could get a newer one, but my budget is limited to $50k.

Last week I went to the Sea Ray dealer and they have offered me this '01 Sundancer 280. The big plus of this one is that it fits my budget, twin V6 4.3L and only 120hrs (unsure if low hours due to no use or failed winterizing). Other than this, I have nothing and I could easily wait till end of summer for another deal.

What is your opinion on this? Do you think I could get a better deal on a 280 for $50k?

Edit: dealer sent wrong link (?), this one is 120hrs, asking $60k. Disregard the previous one.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I would go with a 2003 or newer 280. They have the MPI engines and the extra 20hp is nice. You should be able to find a nice 2003 for under $50k.

 

[joe and ali]

We had a 260 (2005) bought new & loaded with options. Here is the good and bad.
I bought it because it looked so sexy and loved the camper canvas ( a BIG plus on a boat- makes another room on rainy days that is unbeatable!)...
The layout of the cockpit, better even then boats much bigger (including the 280), that being said...
the things we did NOT like about the boat were mostly in the cabin.
1. A man can not stand up straight in the head; when a big guy sits on the head to do his 'biz' you can't wipe your butt w/out opening the door. For my wife, it was no problem.
2. Front bed was way too short for either male or female. I am 6ft., she's 5'4"... she always complained that her ankles hurt - ha. The bed ran "into" the kitchen counter and we had to always sleep on an angle.
3. the aft cabin was clostraphobic. good for small kids or storage.
4. We always ate on the cockpit, because having to change the bed to a dinette was/is too annoying. also, cooking area was to small anyway.

If we would have got the 280 we would have kept the boat much longer. I think you'll find the extra space is very important for livability.
The handeling of the 260 is very heavy for it's small footprint. YOu are constantly playing with the trim. It looked to me like the 260 you are looking at has no AC, you will have trouble with resale with no air.
good luck,
joe

 

[agreico]

$60,000 seems a bit high. I purchased a 2006 280 Sundancer with twin 5.0 Bravo III's, 5.0 generator, camper canvas and most opions for $68,000 lst year. Very low hours. I think it is time to negotiate.

 

[Nehalennia]

GO with the 280DA. If you don't plan to trailer it's a no brainer.

 

[Hellman Huddle]

Couple things that have not been discussed. First, is the cost of maintenance. Two engines means twice the maintenance costs. Second, two engines means twice the fuel costs as well. This being your first cruiser I recomend the single engine from a cost aspect. Most people look at the purchase price and not how much it costs to operate. I would hate for you to buy a boat that has to sit at the dock. I have a 2005 260, I love this boat,yes it is a little small in the cabin, but don't let the tipsy bit get you. You will quickly learn how to operate this boat. But you definitely need AC and a generator. THese are necessities when anchoring. My next boat will be a 280, but I will get one with a single engine. If you get Tow Boat US or SeaTow for $150/year you don't need a second engine. I have friends with 290's and 280's with single engines and the gph are very much the same as my 260.

 

[Scottzzzy]

We went from a 220SD to a 340DA and looked in between. I think if you are out on rougher waters you will notice the 260 seems to be a little "tippy" for most. The 280 is much more stable and makes the step up worth it in my opinion. Now I have 3 kids so I needed even more room, but as far as layout the 280 sems to be where you start to get the true cruiser feel for me.

BTW, I would go ahead and look at boats around 60 K and show up with cash in hand to close the deal quick. You figure a dealer is adding some money as broker fee anyway.......

 

[At Ease]

Couple things that have not been discussed. First, is the cost of maintenance. Two engines means twice the maintenance costs. Second, two engines means twice the fuel costs as well. This being your first cruiser I recomend the single engine from a cost aspect. Most people look at the purchase price and not how much it costs to operate. I would hate for you to buy a boat that has to sit at the dock. I have a 2005 260, I love this boat,yes it is a little small in the cabin, but don't let the tipsy bit get you. You will quickly learn how to operate this boat. But you definitely need AC and a generator. THese are necessities when anchoring. My next boat will be a 280, but I will get one with a single engine. If you get Tow Boat US or SeaTow for $150/year you don't need a second engine. I have friends with 290's and 280's with single engines and the gph are very much the same as my 260.

Are all of those 260's in your pic?

 

[Turtlesboat]

Couple things that have not been discussed. First, is the cost of maintenance. Two engines means twice the maintenance costs. Second, two engines means twice the fuel costs as well. This being your first cruiser I recomend the single engine from a cost aspect. Most people look at the purchase price and not how much it costs to operate. I would hate for you to buy a boat that has to sit at the dock. I have a 2005 260, I love this boat,yes it is a little small in the cabin, but don't let the tipsy bit get you. You will quickly learn how to operate this boat. But you definitely need AC and a generator. THese are necessities when anchoring. My next boat will be a 280, but I will get one with a single engine. If you get Tow Boat US or SeaTow for $150/year you don't need a second engine. I have friends with 290's and 280's with single engines and the gph are very much the same as my 260.

Not entirely accurate. the 280 with 4.3 mpi's burns just a little more than a big block. The alpha 1 drives are easier to work on, has less problems, and costs half as much as a B3 drive. what does cost double is manifolds, elbows, risers, fuel filters, oil filters. The weight distribution on a twin engine makes for a much more stable ride which means little or no tabs needed which equals less fuel burn. I'm not knocking single engine 280's, they are perfectly fine boats. But if you're in heavy seas and an engine goes, I'd rather be limping home on one engine than being tossed about for hours waiting for sea tow to come tow me back.

I should also note that a twin engine boat is more maneuverable in tight spaces which gives you the courage to take her out in less than favorable conditions. My experience, the bigger the boat, the more you use it.

 

[Hellman Huddle]

Are all of those 260's in your pic?

No, there is a 290 in the middle holding all five boats, next to the 290 are two 260's and on the outside are two 240's, all anchored out for the night.
A good time was had by all! We were outside Savannah GA

 

[Hellman Huddle]

Not entirely accurate. the 280 with 4.3 mpi's burns just a little more than a big block. The alpha 1 drives are easier to work on, has less problems, and costs half as much as a B3 drive. what does cost double is manifolds, elbows, risers, fuel filters, oil filters. The weight distribution on a twin engine makes for a much more stable ride which means little or no tabs needed which equals less fuel burn. I'm not knocking single engine 280's, they are perfectly fine boats. But if you're in heavy seas and an engine goes, I'd rather be limping home on one engine than being tossed about for hours waiting for sea tow to come tow me back.

I should also note that a twin engine boat is more maneuverable in tight spaces which gives you the courage to take her out in less than favorable conditions. My experience, the bigger the boat, the more you use it.

You do have to factor in where you will be boating. On a lake, ICW, or out in the Ocean. Lake, ICW, or occasional journeys outside, I say you don't need two engines. If you spend a majority of your time outside, then yes. But, I don't know many people that do that in my area.

 

[At Ease]

No, there is a 290 in the middle holding all five boats, next to the 290 are two 260's and on the outside are two 240's, all anchored out for the night.
A good time was had by all! We were outside Savannah GA

Great pic!