Cruiser decisions

[BrentJones]

I've been debating to myself and in my head about moving up to a 280DA. I know the motto here is buy as much as you can afford. Well I'm pretty sure I'll have no problem with the 280, but there are two things that make a big difference in price. First though, the two reasons I am wanting to move up is to have a quiet place for my son to take a nap when we are on the hook. I've mentioned in another thread this concern with my current boat. The other reason is of course the footitis disease. Now to my two questions, which I'm sure has been debated since the Vikings cruised the seas.

1. How important is it to have a genny, or a better question, how bad is it not to have one? i realize it would be nice, but if I don't have it, will I really regret it?

2. One engine vs. two engine. Am I really going to miss having a 2nd engine, or at this size is it as big of a deal?

Ideally I'd love to have both, but which can I live without. In my experience so far in life, there has been things that I thought I just couldn't do without, then later I realize I could. Are some of these things that? With spring coming up, I want to decide if now is the right time, or wait for another year or two.

 

[mark buckwalter]

I can tell you, without a doubt, if you intend on spending time on the hook you will need a generator.
It's one of those things you say you can live without and the first 90 degree night you are kicking yourself for not getting it.

If I were you, I think I would be looking for one with twins. I know my Crownline (27') had a 7.4 BII and it was just enough motor for that boat. I wouldn't even want a 280 with the modern 496mag. (unless I could get two of em)

Good Luck in your search

 

[TheAcademy5]

A generator is a preference, I didn't have a generator on all four sailboats. The 340 just happened to have one. Many summers in the North Channel on hook without it. I personally don't think its a huge deal, but these days I guess it's pretty standard.

 

[chuck1]

Brent,

Have you sea trailed a 260 or 280 yet? I took a 260 out a month or so ago and it help to make up my mind that I'm not ready to give up the SD ride yet. Have you seen the 290 Sun Sport. I'm trying to find one to sea trail. Sounds like it has the best of both worlds :thumbsup:

 

[Dave S]

I would get a genny...........you will want air conditioning on the hook so you need one. First come the naps when they are little then comes the toys, DVD's, i-pods, video games, etc as they get bigger. With a genny he will always have a place to go if he tires of being in the cockpit.

As far as engines go, a single would be my choice for boating on inland lakes or twin v-6's for ocean boating or any big water boating for the security of the extra motor. The single engine version is the 496 big block which is plenty adequate. It'll be easier to work on your engine and your maintenance costs will be lower with the single. Fuel cost may be a bit lower than twin V-6 but that shouldn't be the deciding factor.........where you plan to boat should be.

 

[BrentJones]

Brent,

Have you sea trailed a 260 or 280 yet? I took a 260 out a month or so ago and it help to make up my mind that I'm not ready to give up the SD ride yet. Have you seen the 290 Sun Sport. I'm trying to find one to sea trail. Sounds like it has the best of both worlds :thumbsup:

It would be hard to give up the SD, that is why I could see putting this off for a couple of years. But I have always wanted a cruiser since I can remember. And with the boy going on 1, I'm also trying to make my lake time as enjoyable as possible. I'm definately a 'take it slow' type of personality when I'm out in the boat. I haven't trialed a 260 or a 280. Actually the biggest boat I've driven is a 2000 310DA. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure I'd enjoy a 280 too. I have considered a 260, but they are hard to find with a genny. Some of the ones I have found with a genny have been priced really close to the 280s. I also really considered the Sun Sport, but again, no genny.

 

[Bottom Line]

Brent....Being a fellow Missouri boater...I would opt for the genny. My kids are 12 and 16 and it is great and more enjoyable to have the option for them to get out of the sun. There were several times last summer, when they would get tired of the sun...we fired up the genset, turned on the air and put in a movie..and then all was well. Most of the time they would end up falling asleep.

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

Brent ..........Having spent summers since 1978 on Lake Michigan on a number of different boats (13 but not counting)
I would always opt for 2 engines and a genny
My son was raised on the boat, I have a picture of him on my lap at the helm at 4 months old. On long trips across the lake for 1-3 weeks at a time the genny made life bearable a lot of times. Many a time crossing in 90+ degrees and the helm and flybridges were just too much for the little guy.
He's 18 this summer and ready to head out on his own.
Enjoy the times, they go fast!

 

[sbw1]

I would take a good look in the bilge and see how much room you have. Bigger boats than the 280 are very difficult to service because of the lack of room. If two engines and a genny fit and you still have room to perform routine maintenance then it may be a good deal. If no other boats in your market have this set up then it will be tough to get your money back when it is time to sell. Of course the reverse is true as well. If room is a real issue, I would opt for a 496 and a genny. A/C is a must in a hot and humid cruising ground. Many people will find the genny a very nice feature when you sell, and you will enjoy too.

 

[AndersonAcres]

If you plan to boat nearly 100% at LOTO, then 1 engine and the genset.

If you venture to larger water like the Great Lakes or even the Mississippi, I'd get twins and the genset.

Hot & humid = a/c, which requires genset.

 

[sbw1]

If you plan to boat nearly 100% at LOTO, then 1 engine and the genset.

If you venture to larger water like the Great Lakes or even the Mississippi, I'd get twins and the genset.

Hot & humid = a/c, which requires genset.

We boated for years on Lake Michigan and even the Mississippi on boats with a single engine and never had an engine failure. Same thing with single engine airplanes, never flew a twin (although I would never cross Lake Michigan in a single engine). It really gets down to performing the preventive maintenance. Singles are fine. Twins are nice to have. But remember, you still have to get into the bildge. It's nice to be able to do that without coming up bloody.

 

[Idaho spud]

I have been in your exact position. When we jumped from the ski boat to a cruiser we went with the 260. In a year we found out the 280 was a better fit because of more cabin space and we liked the dedicated dinette. We did not get a generator because it does not get that hot or humid in the north so we just use shore power to run the A/C when we spend the night on the boat.

Regarding the engine package I spent a lot of time evaluating that. Bottom line, get the twin 4.3's with the alpha drives. The handling particularly in close quarters or in windy conditions is a cut above the single drive boat. In addition the ride is more stable given the power is spread accross the stern rather than coming from one point. Gas consumption is not noticably different and while you have a bit more maintence due to two drives it is worth every penny. Finally you have a safety factor. If one engine fails, you can still make it back to port without a tow. Avoid the twin bravos. The larger drive takes away both performance and handling.

Lastly, one foot of beam and two feet of length does not seem like much but the ride is totally different. We love the 280 and feel it is the perfect match of size, comfort, handling and operating cost for us. You can cruise and it will also work for tubing. We do all of our boating on a large lake but are considering a trip to the San Juan islands on her this summer.

 

[Oh Me!! - 280 DA]

We have the 280 with a genny and twins and LOVE IT! The boat before this was a 240 with no genny and a single engine. The move up has been perfect! The kids (9 & 13) get tired after awhile and will go in turn the ac on, watch a movie, cook in the microwave, all while we are on the hook! This is the perfect boat for us, as we keep her in a slip, we also have a trailer and can go wherever we want!

 

[Scholarship]

I second Oh Me!! We have the generator and the twin V-6's in our 280 and think its a great combination. We lake tested both the single 496 and the V-6's before we took the plunge and bought the one with twins. Both engines performed great out on the lake but the twins were far superior around the dock. While the single does provide for more space in the bilge, the twin V-6's, even with the generator, do leave you with a fair amount of space. Good luck in your search and let us know if we can help.

 

[chuck1]

Oh Me!!,

Does your 280 still have that top heavy feeling that the 240/260s seems to have. What with the extra foot in the beam and the twins was wondering if it still had it?

 

[Oh Me!! - 280 DA]

No it does not! Our 240 did not have it either, with one engine! We went through some mean weather on the TN river on our 240 and it was fine. The 280 can handle the worst of weather on the Lake Lanier along with the masses of boats on a pretty day in the main channel. Sometimes the main channel on Lake Lanier has white caps and a mess of people (while some of the people are not all there) and we have carried a easy feeling while crossing. Honestly, we have really enjoyed the 280, as we can still trailer (that is of major importance to us) and still have all the luxurys of a much bigger boat!! It works for us. I would go for a bigger boat if I was willing to be land locked to Lake Lanier, which I am not!

 

[keokie]

For me I would get the gen. Also, I would get the twin 5.0's (actually, I would really want the 6.2's, but Sea Ray doesn't offer them) with Bravo III's, as I would want the power of the V8's and the handling and performance of the Bravo III's. If I were to keep the boat in salt, I would get the Alpha's because of their greater resistance to corrosion and lower replacement cost. To me, the V6's and the single 496 are underpowered. Tell us what you decide.

 

[Idaho spud]

The extra foot of beam and the twins makes a big difference in the top heavy feel. I went from the 260 to the 280 so I have a perfect comparason. The ride is greatly improved. It is still not a malibu ski boat but it is as close as you are going to get in a cruiser. We pull the kids on tubes doing figure 8's with no problem.

 

[Alex D]

If you go with a 300 dancer or larger don't make the mistake of not getting a genny, even if you rarely use it. First I think you will eventually kick yourself for not getting one and second your resale value for a larger xpress cruiser without genny will be much lower and getting it sold will be very difficult. Alone for this reason I would not consider a boat without a genny. On a 260 or even 280 it might not be such a big deal, but it is on a 300 and up. A 340 without genny will not sell in the market and often sellers had to install one to be able to sell the boat.

 

[280 SeaRay]

Brent.... as you know we moved from our 220 Select to our 280DA.... I can say it was a great decision and I don't miss much if anything about our 220. Don't get me wrong the 220 was a great boat but the 280 is really fun. Please don't take my biased word for it... as I think the fact that the good folks at the Knoxville Plant churn out more 280's than anything other boat that is made there speaks for itself.


1. Genset. While a genset is not needed (a boat is not needed for that matter) it sure does make things easier. Here are examples.

Hot water heater is powered by genset. Now I know the non-genset boats get their heat from the engine but usually the hot water sitting overnight is not hot in the morning. I would rather run the genset at .5 gallon an hour than the engine to get hot water in the morning.

Electric cooktop is powered by genset. We use our cooktop more than we ever imagined..... I realize they have butane cooktop models but I have never actually found a boat with one installed.

AC/Heat is powered by genset. Boy is the AC and Heat nice.... and works very well. Not only does it make for a very pleasant place for one to take a nap it can also make or break a weekend out when someone feels a little under the weather or not in the mood for a hot sunny day (or cold windy day). The cabin can be a nice 7X degrees in no time... We had the in laws on the boat labor day weekend. The MIL had knee surgery recently and had a great time on the boat Friday and Saturday... on Sunday she realized that she over did it a bit and the knee was a little sore.... she felt like just watching a movie.... we did not have to cut the trip short... the cockpit was a nice 95 degrees, sunny and clear for FIL, wife, and I. The cabin a nice 72... with movies all day for MIL. Everyone was happy.... The AC/Heat also has a really cool humidity control feature which gets rid of the shower humidity nicely.

Battery charger is powered by genset. While the first couple of items are nice to haves... this one can get you out of a "situation". Lets say you are out on the hook for a weekend... Saturday was an awesome day of fun in the sun and water.... as the sun sets the lights come on.... the little one wants to watch a movie.... burgers on the grill.... you hear a rustling in the bushes.... awesome... a bunch of deer have come to the waters edge... you have the little one man the spot light to "watch the deer" for nealry an hour.... maybe another movie.... fridge is running.... and your chatting with an incoming friend making getting in late to raft up for the night beside you. Chatting with good friends.... under the cockpit lights... a good wine, etc. You turn in for the night and awake the next morning.... you realize for one reason or the other your batteries are dead and will not turn over your motor(s).... ah.... but in many cases it is easier to turn over the lawn mower engine (genset) than your main(s)..... so you flip on the charger (AC Converter) while the fam takes showers.... cooks up a little bacon on the cooktop.... your batteries get enugh juice to turn over the engine(s) and your off.... no one knew there was an issue :smt001 No genset... call Sea Tow or carry a jumper battery thing. The same labor day weekend.... a friend in a 300DA had a very similar thing happen... he had enough juice to turn the genset.... not the engines.

Last but not least.... you cannot forget that curling irons, hair dryers, etc (you know the essentials) also prefer the 120 volt stuff....

We spend quite a good majority of time on the hook versus at a marina or dock.... and thus we get quite a bit of use out of the genset.... it really allows you to do most anything without the need to be at the dock.... giving you lots of freedom. Maint is pretty easy and pretty small when compared to the value you get for the unit. The genset is fairly well positioned on my 280....



2. Twins versus Single.

I would recommend test driving (if possible) a single 280 and then a twin 280. You will likley see a very distinct difference as I did. The standard 496 has a decent amount of power (375 HP).... and pushes the boat along well..... but it is in close quarter situations and docking where the benefits of the twins really pay off. The boat can also come equipped with twin 4.3 MPI's (220 HP each) or twin 5.0 MPI's (260 HP each). The 4.3's can come with either alpha's or BIII's..... the 5.0's with BIII only. I was lucky enough to get to run the single... the twin 5.0 and the twin 4.3 w/alpha before making a decision. I was unable to see much difference between 5.0's and the 4.3's while running the boat.... the 5.0 and 4.3 planed at about the same speed..... likely due to the extra weight (308 lbs total extra) of the 5.0/BIII combo versus the 4.3/Alpha combo. The 5.0 also seemed to sit slightly lower in the water.... but that could just be me. The biggest differences I saw between the 4.3 and 5.0 where fuel consumption and engine compartment space. The 5.0 ate more fuel and are physically longer and wider than the 4.3's thus making a small compartment even smaller. With my 4.3 Alpha 1 setup I can easily get down into the compartment and access all service areas nicely. I am a big kid at 6' 1" and 285lb. With the 4.3 Alpha setup we will see 47-48 mph (at WOT) with the GPS which is plenty fast for this boat IMHO. She is unbelieveably smooth at WOT... :grin:

The 280 is a superb boat, a great layout with timeless looks. Even as I walk through boat shows today... I find myself even more satisfied with my purchase. The boat is very easy to trailer thus allowing a ton of freedom and your choice of waterway. If I had to change anything it would be the following

1. Add cockpit fridge (measurements are underway)
2. Add dedicated space for a plotter on the dash. I am tossing around ideas right now with a local glass guy to turn some unused space into a flat spot for a plotter.


sorry for the book... I hope this helps.