Is the helm area on the 280 DA too cramped ?

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Mar 11, 2017
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I am looking to purchase a 280 Sundancer ( '01-'09 ) and really think the boat is one of Sea Rays best designs overall. My only concern is the helm seems a little tight, especially in the foot area. I was wondering if other owners noticed this enough to be a problem or if it's something I'll get used to.

Many thanks, great forum and Happy Holidays to all.
 
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I am looking to purchase a 280 Sundancer and really think the boat is one of Sea Rays best designs overall. My only concern is the helm seems a little tight, especially in the foot area. I was wondering if other owners noticed this enough to be a problem or if it's something I'll get used to.

Many thanks, great forum and Happy Holidays to all.

I'm assuming you're referring to the '01-'09 280 sundancer here, if not, you can ignore my comment. I'm 6'2" and don't find the helm to be "small", however if you compared it to say, a 330 with the dual helm seat and elevated helm location then yes, it would likely feel a bit "snug". I generally am driving with the seat bolster up and leaning back into the seat, which gives a nice view of everything and plenty of room to maneuver. Everything is within reach and visibility is good.
 
To stg099, at 6'2", do you find the v-berth uncomfortable (too short)? How about the mid-berth?
 
To stg099, at 6'2", do you find the v-berth uncomfortable (too short)? How about the mid-berth?

I was concerned about that when we first started looking at 280's, but to my surprise, the V-berth is lengthy enough to be comfortable without my head touching the end or my feet hitting the bulkhead, and the mid berth is even longer. The wife, dog and I were able to spend a few nights in the V-berth this season (bought the both with 3 weekends left prior to haul out) and we were surprisingly comfortable. To be completely honest, the 280 cabin is not a place that I would want to spend weeks at a time in, but to get a significant improvement in space, it would take a boat much bigger than we need. I would say that the cabin is great for a couple or small family for the weekend for sure.
 
Thanks for the response. Our 240's v-berth is just not comfortable at all for me & wife. Even with an extra 4 feet in length, I wondered if the dinette on the 280 made the v-berth the same size.

I think I'm going to sell the 240 and see if I can find a 2006 - 2009 single engined 280 equipped the way I want.

Thanks, again
 
Thanks for the response. Our 240's v-berth is just not comfortable at all for me & wife. Even with an extra 4 feet in length, I wondered if the dinette on the 280 made the v-berth the same size.

I think I'm going to sell the 240 and see if I can find a 2006 - 2009 single engined 280 equipped the way I want.

Thanks, again

You're more than welcome, good luck with the search!
 
I did not find the helm area cramped. It's meant for one person. I would have preferred a bench seat on the port side so passengers were above the bow view line but hey you can't do everything on a 28' boat. The 280DA is one of the best selling Sea Rays because it crammed alot of liveable space into a nice performance package.
 
Thanks for the response. Our 240's v-berth is just not comfortable at all for me & wife. Even with an extra 4 feet in length, I wondered if the dinette on the 280 made the v-berth the same size.

I think I'm going to sell the 240 and see if I can find a 2006 - 2009 single engined 280 equipped the way I want.

Thanks, again

yes , the v berth is on the very edge to be called comfortable on the 240 and i do not know what maroon designed the midcabin . its too short an average adult can stretch inside and lacks any portholes .

a friend has a maxxum 2400se which has the same beam and you can stretch there in midcabin , further it features a porthole window and a a ventilation hatch towards the cockpit area - much better design than searay .

on longer travels we use the midcabin as a storage area , of course its only an option when you travel without kids.
 

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