Looking at a 2001 280 Sundancer

[dpvandy01]

I'm back for more info. I posted about a 2001 280 Sundancer at Sea Ray a week or so ago but was unsure of the engine. it turns out this boat is now on the market and i'm looking at it tomorrow. It has the Single 7.4L MPI BIII (310 hp). Will this get the job done? It is usually just my wife and myself. No kids, no skiiers, no tubers etc. We're cruisers on the sparkling fresh Ohio River. I'm not looking for a go-fast performance boat but I don't want a pig either. I just sold a 1995 250 Dancer with the 7.4L 454 BI it did quite nicely but it is about 2500 lbs lighter. I have looked at the room in the engine compartment of the 280's with twins and it looks a bit tight. I don't do much of the work myself so this wont influence my decision much. I just want to know if the 7.4L MPI BIII is enough engine!!???

Thanks for any and ALL opinions!!

 

[RiverRat]

I have a buddy with this set-up on his 280...He has no troubles with it at all. I think it's personal preference, I'm getting ready to close the deal on a 03 280 with twins...but that's the configuration I prefered.

 

[jellyfish]

I'm going through the learning process of a 280DA since Im looking to upgrade from 240DA..

You might want to look at this thread for feedback on engines and other info:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4946

good luck!

 

[bsteven43]

Two major drawbacks to the single engine ... power and manoueverability. I have 2003 280 with 5.0 BIII for a total of 520HP. It gets up and goes nicely. I wouldn't want much less power. I also have a lot of ability to handle the boat around the slip. Trying to work the 280 into a tight slip with a single engine would be a challenge I think.

Just my opinion, but if you're going to get a 280, I'd get it with twins.

 

[Henry Boyd]

We have an 02 280 with the 496 BIII combo. I can not report any problems with lack of power or control. We keep the boat moored on a river and have no problems getting on the mooring. We also spend a lot of time at a marina on the Merrimack River where getting into a slip is a challenge for everyone. All it takes is patience and practice

My recomendation is don't rule out a good boat just because it only has one engine. Just remember this little factoid - All containerships are single engine vessels.

Henry

 

[Presentation]

From a performance perspective, will it plane? Sure. It would be best if you could go for a drive, with you driving to see if you are satisfied with the performance. A lot will depend on your perspective.

The 7.4 big block has good tork. This should mean you have good hole shoot. Top end will be low.

Remember this. What did the snail say when it went for a ride on the shell of the turtle? Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[Turtlesboat]

hey, get off my shell

 

[Henry Boyd]

Doug,
Wasn't that Mick Jagger's Line?