Is the 350 mag engine enough power for the new sundancer 280

[kiloil]

I've got a 350M in my 23' and I think sometimes it underpowered, I couldn't imagine thinking about a 28'.

 

[NorCal Boater]

In my 45 years of boating and even running a boat repair shop the 1 take away that has always remained constant is....buy the boat with the most power available.

You will never complain about having too much power, never look for ways to increase the speed, realize better overall fuel economy and do better when it comes time to sell.

Manufacturers under power boats so they can market and sell them to people that don't think they can afford a boat. The manufacturers would rather sell you an under powered, lower priced boat than no boat at all.

 

[JimT]

In my 45 years of boating and even running a boat repair shop the 1 take away that has always remained constant is....buy the boat with the most power available.

You will never complain about having too much power, never look for ways to increase the speed, realize better overall fuel economy and do better when it comes time to sell.

Manufacturers under power boats so they can market and sell them to people that don't think they can afford a boat. The manufacturers would rather sell you an under powered, lower priced boat than no boat at all.

i couldn't agree more. You might be able to live with it but will you be happy with it? And don't listen to the sales guy. He just wants to sell the boat and then it's not his problem.

 

[sdleo26]

Im getting ready to pull the trigger on this boat but still concerned on the 300hp 350 mag that comes with a new 280 sundancer. Last 30' boat i had w my parents had twin 275hp 350s. That boat weight around 1100pds more. I still cant believe there are no new owners of this boat to talk to, which worries me a bit

any help is appreciated

Low speed maneuverability would be a bigger concern for me. That's a big boat for a single screw. I had a 270 with a single and boy was it tough to move in close quarters. The power will be adequate as I assume you have a BIII which is much quicker without the running gear of v drive/inboard

 

[Bridog]

I had the 350 mag in my 260 DA and it was just OK. Wish I had more power. And THAT boat was 2,000 lbs lighter than the one your looking at. I'd go with the 8.2 Either way, good luck with your search.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I had the 350 mag in my 260 DA and it was just OK. Wish I had more power. And THAT boat was 2,000 lbs lighter than the one your looking at. I'd go with the 8.2 Either way, good luck with your search.

So a few owners of the model have chimed in and said they're happy. But right there, AGCJR, is why you need to make your own decision and do a test ride. Brian and I had exactly the same model 260DA, but he had 300HP, whereas I had 260HP. He wished it had more power, and I never felt it needed it (noting that I'm referring to being able to still do all kinds of watersports with it). But then, as I mentioned, the newer hull designs provide for the same performance, even though the boat is heavier. It all comes down to what YOU want the boat to do for you and your family.

 

[Woody]

I had the 350 mag in my 260 DA and it was just OK. Wish I had more power. And THAT boat was 2,000 lbs lighter than the one your looking at. I'd go with the 8.2 Either way, good luck with your search.

:thumbsup: Toss in another 15K and get the 8.2...then performance wise you got the best it can do.

 

[JimT]

You have to admire the balls on Sea Ray. The cost to upgrade to the 380 HP 8.2L is $16,600 per the Sea Ray website. You can buy a brand new 8.2L HO with 430hp with 1year warranty for $16,400. So in Sea Ray's pricing model you get no credit for the standard 350mag when you upgrade. You pay for two motors but only get one.

 

[lkn-ken]

I have a 2011 280 Sundancer with the 350 mag. Given a choice between more power and a bow thruster, I'd take the thruster, as the almost 30' LOA with a single engine can be a handfull in close quarters.

p.s. I'm trading it this week for a new leftover '13 310 Sundancer with twin 350 B III's if that tells you anything.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I think a 30' cruiser weighing 8200lbs would be underpowered with a 300hp engine. I would upgrade to the 8.2L.

Agree

I had the 350Mag in my 240 Sundeck that weighed 4500 lbs. Plenty of power for that boat but I see the 280 at nearly double that weight as underpowered with 300hp. I certainly wouldn't buy it without a test ride with full tanks and 6 people aboard.

Completely agree. I had 2008 240SD with the 350MAG and it was a rocket for that boat but I can't see it being enjoyable in a 280...even with the new hull design.

I have a 2011. 280DA. Getting on plane quickly is difficult if more than 4 people are on board.

This is telling... I would be concerned about 2 people with the boat fully loaded with fuel, water and provisions.

It's really hard to compare older hull designs and, especially, different models, to new hull designs and that of a completely different model. There are VAST differences in the hull designs. It's almost useless to do these comparisons.

You sell them so you would know best but, still, the new 280 is not a small boat and even with the new hull I question how well it would handle more than 2 people fully loaded.

I'm looking for a boat that can cruise, tow some skiers, but also plane up and not be lugging and working the motor all the time.

You might consider a different boat or a bigger engine if these are your requirements. I thought I would tow skiers and tubes with my 2008 280DA....ha, you will try it once. For one, I looked ridiculous trying to pull a skier in a cruiser and, two, when I pulled a tube I watched my gas gauge plummet before my eyes...not to mention everyone else on the lake flipped me off for throwing huge wakes.

My boat(2009 270 model) is identical to 2010 and later 280 models. My 350 MAG performs very well and meets all my needs. Max speed, with canvas/glass and bottom paint is 39 mph. I generally cruise at 26 mph(around 3750 rpm) and get almost exactly 2mpg. Unless I have 5 or 6 guests board, it jumps on plane quickly and smoothly. When heavily loaded, I drop the trim tabs and it gets on plane acceptably.

I don't think you will want to mess around with tabs, etc. just to get on plane when you can get one with better power.

I've got a 350M in my 23' and I think sometimes it underpowered, I couldn't imagine thinking about a 28'.

Agree

Low speed maneuverability would be a bigger concern for me. That's a big boat for a single screw. I had a 270 with a single and boy was it tough to move in close quarters. The power will be adequate as I assume you have a BIII which is much quicker without the running gear of v drive/inboard

My 2008 280DA had the 496MAG and single screw. That was plenty of power for that boat and the single screw was a breeze after I took the time to practice and learn how she felt in various conditions.

:thumbsup: Toss in another 15K and get the 8.2...then performance wise you got the best it can do.

Better yet, look at used and you will get more power and SAVE $15k or more. There are a lot of options in the used market.

Think about resale too... When I look for new (used) boats I skip right past the ones with 4.3L & 5.0L engines....5.7L minimum for me but I look at bow riders and sundecks in the 22'-26' range. I would imagine that anyone looking at a cruiser a couple years from now will skate right past any with a single 350.

Based on what you said for your requirements it sounds like a used (2008 and newer) SLX would be just the ticket. You said cruising but didn't mention overnighting. If you're looking for something to cruise in comfortably, ski, pull tubes and take out friends then the SLX is the ticket. It's sporty, fast, comfortable and will pull anything you want....and it will be a lot less than a new, under-powered 280DA.

 

[B&AKearney]

We purchased a leftover 2011 280 last Feb. With the bigger engine. Our last two boats had the 350 MAG. Just couldn't imagine it on a cruiser this size. It is a great boat and you will never regret the bigger engine, Good luck!