First Sea Ray Sundancer Questions

D

dfwlaw

New Member
Mar 21, 2010
11
DFW
Boat Info
280DA Sundancer 2002
Engines
Twin Mercruiser 4.3
Hi All!

We are looking at two boats same exact price $44k approx.

2008 240 Sundancer 60 hrs
2002 280 Sundancer 490 hrs

Having never owned a cruiser, what should a newbie do? :huh:

We have 3 teenagers and 2 toddlers in our family. Most of the time the toddlers and 1 teenager/maybe 2 will be with us.

We are wondering about AC out on water for toddler naps? 240 doesn't have generator so that's a con we think.

This will live in a slip in freshwater in Texas.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for the wisdom wise salty dogs! LOL
 
I would always go for the bigger boat. We all get 2-footitis so buying the 280 will put you one step ahead.
 
Ditto what NCB said! Bigger is better and might include a generator.
 
all things equal... I'd go bigger, and the generator will be KEY. Size matters.:grin:
 
The 280 PROBABLY has twin engines as well. There are a few that have a single 496 and that will suffice with a light load.
 
The 280 would be a great starter boat for you and your family!
 
Hello,
I think the 280 is probably the best route as well. We just moved from a 25 ft. to a 290 and love the difference, especially in the beam. In Texas you will want the AC for the little ones. Where will have the boat? We are on Possum Kingdom in North, Central Texas and live in Dallas.
 
Wow! That is an overwhelming consensus!

To answer all questions at once:
It has a generator, twin engines.
We will keep it at Pier 121 at Lake Lewisville. Possum Kingdom is a much nicer lake, but we live near DFW so didn't want to drive that far. We wanted to be able to do evenings after work on it.

Here are some questions on the 280 for you guys.

It has 490 hours, lived on Texoma, the guy trading it put 290 of those hours on himself over the last few years, he is 2nd owner. He is trading this one in on a 310.

We will not get to see this boat until next weekend when its out of the shop.

To get to certified pre owned status, the dealer is spending $3,000 to fix the following: leaking engine gaskets, oil leak in generator, new AC compressor.

Is any of that cause for concern?

Thanks SO Much!:thumbsup:
 
For a little more money I got a 33 footer. Glad I did, lots of extra room, it was worth it. I was originally looking at something a little smaller but when you go below you'll see the difference. There's plenty of space for the family.

This is my first boat. I was a little worried that I couldn't handle it as a newbe...just practice, practice, practice.

As someone said, bigger is better.
 
The 280! If you can bring your family to the boats and judge for yourself the cockpit and cabin room. I wouldn't worry about the year or hour difference between the 2 - get a good survey on the one you decide on and enjoy the season! Have any details on the 2 choices? Engine, drives and other options can make a big difference in how folks will vote.
 
The 240 is a narrow beam an tends to be trim sensitive. Some owners adapt quickly, others do not and consider the 24DA to be squirrelly. The 280DA twin is a solid, safe boat with no bad habits and a very loyal following, as you can see from the comments you've gotten.

Do not buy either boat until you actually run it. You should write wording into your purchase agreement that the sale is contingent upon a sea trial the results of which are suitable to the buyer and that all deposit money will be refunded if the sea trial is not acceptable. If it were me, I would have an independent marine surveyor check whichever boat you decide upon.
 
I would shop around a little more. I'm sure you can find a 280 or bigger with a little less hours. We had a 270 for 6 months and traded it in for a 320. The more beam the better. Definitely look for a.c. and a generator.
It's a big investment and you don't want to get in to something your trying to get out of to quick....... Good Luck !!!
 
Go bigger, I wish I would have. Trading up for a couple of feet is to costly. Finally enjoying the space of a bigger boat. Don't get me wrong, I loved my other boats but really enjoying the space. 490 hours is a lot. You may want to look around some more.
 
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