Looking to upgrade 280 vs 290 vs 300

[Gunn]

Back on the 280, I have worked on mine with T-V8 and a friend's with T-V6. Did not notice a whole lot of difference. Some but not enough to make a huge difference in maintenance. They are both rather tight but workable. As stated, the 300 has a lot of room in the ER. So much in fact they probably could have better used that extra space in the aft cabin.

Good Luck!

I'm sitting here today with my forearms and hands all tore up from trying to work on the back end of my port side engine. And in doing so, I leaned against and snapped off a fitting to my water heater! In that post I made last night, I went on a semi-rant about the ER on the 280DA. For some reason, I've had to do a lot of work down in there, and it is very cramped. Always something in the way, whether it be the double set of stringers down the middle to lay on, the batteries on the port side to lean on, or the vacuflush on the starboard side. Hearing that the 300DA ER is a dream, I'm almost ready to sell mine right now!

The small tank is another downer. I like to keep as much fuel on board as possible (piece of mind), so it feels like I'm always stopping for fuel before I head out anywhere.

I don't like the port side lounger; I wish it had a regular forward facing seat, or double captains seat (though I don't know how you'd accomplish it). A built in grille instead of the cockpit sink would have been nice!

Otherwise, I do love the boat. It's trailerable (which I do only at beginning and end of season, or when a Hurricane is approaching) and yet has all the amenities of bigger boats. I do think it has plenty of storage...

 

[Carter3]

Most everything has been covered by the good people on this thread. I can say I settled on a 280DA has my boat of choice and ended up buying a 300DA for sale just a few slips down from the 280DA I had planned to buy. The reasons were as follows:

1. I try to do as much of my own work as I can. The 300DA engine room is an absolute dream regarding space to work. Stand in the middle and the two engines, genny, batteries, water manifold/pump, VacuFlush pump/duckbills, water heater all surround you. You don't need to reach over anything to get to it (other than maybe the water heater a bit).

2. The 300DA is the first model with the same cabin layout/feel as the 320-380 models, with an integrated/open mid-berth. I felt like I was in a much bigger cabin than when in the 280DA

3. 170 gallons of fuel vs 100 gallons of fuel. I heard many stories from 280DA owners that the only thing they didn't like about their boat was the small fuel tank.

4. Sidewalks - I really wanted those for docking and getting to the bow from either side

5. Price - I got the 2004 300DA for the $1.5K less than the 2003 280DA I had planned to buy. I don't think you'll have any problem finding a good one for equal to or less than the going rate for an equivalent year 280DA. Although this era of a 300DA ('02-07) had a limited run and there will not be as many out there as the 280DA.

That said, if performance is your most important parameter, than the 280DA with 5.0L twins will got on plane a lot easier than the 300DA I have with 5.7L twins. When I test drove that model, I was impressed. But that wasn't a big deal to me so I have no issue with the longer plane time on the 300DA - it gets on plane in all situations/loads
.

Thanks for the info. The remarks about the 280 fuel capacity is really the only real complaint I have read about on this model. Everything else is great about it. Also agree on the price, from what I've looked at, they're very similarly priced on the used market. I don't need new, I learned that lesson with a motorhome.:smt021

 

[Carter3]

I'm sitting here today with my forearms and hands all tore up from trying to work on the back end of my port side engine. And in doing so, I leaned against and snapped off a fitting to my water heater! In that post I made last night, I went on a semi-rant about the ER on the 280DA. For some reason, I've had to do a lot of work down in there, and it is very cramped. Always something in the way, whether it be the double set of stringers down the middle to lay on, the batteries on the port side to lean on, or the vacuflush on the starboard side. Hearing that the 300DA ER is a dream, I'm almost ready to sell mine right now!

That's funny. The larger engine room and fuel capacity is probably two of the largest reasons I see in going up to a 300.

Maneuverability? Is there much difference between the 2 tight quarters around the docks? And do y'all head out alone often with no help when you return to the dock? Obviously the bigger the boat the harder to handle single handed but I would assume they are comparable and still either would be small enough to not be a problem.

 

[susanandlance]

Bravo 3 equipped boats should handle better around the docks in a dual engine boat

 

[Ididntdoit]

That's funny. The larger engine room and fuel capacity is probably two of the largest reasons I see in going up to a 300.

Maneuverability? Is there much difference between the 2 tight quarters around the docks? And do y'all head out alone often with no help when you return to the dock? Obviously the bigger the boat the harder to handle single handed but I would assume they are comparable and still either would be small enough to not be a problem.

Yes - the 300 handles much better - the drives are further apart and the BIIIs have way more bite - I typically give the drive in reverse a little throttle just to start the turn and then perform all manuvers at idle speed (unless there is a lot of wind/current)...I singlehand quite often (as I did in the 280) and either are easy to do so.

 

[ZZ13]

I'm sitting here today with my forearms and hands all tore up from trying to work on the back end of my port side engine. And in doing so, I leaned against and snapped off a fitting to my water heater! In that post I made last night, I went on a semi-rant about the ER on the 280DA. For some reason, I've had to do a lot of work down in there, and it is very cramped. Always something in the way, whether it be the double set of stringers down the middle to lay on, the batteries on the port side to lean on, or the vacuflush on the starboard side. Hearing that the 300DA ER is a dream, I'm almost ready to sell mine right now!

The small tank is another downer. I like to keep as much fuel on board as possible (piece of mind), so it feels like I'm always stopping for fuel before I head out anywhere.

I don't like the port side lounger; I wish it had a regular forward facing seat, or double captains seat (though I don't know how you'd accomplish it). A built in grille instead of the cockpit sink would have been nice!

Otherwise, I do love the boat. It's trailerable (which I do only at beginning and end of season, or when a Hurricane is approaching) and yet has all the amenities of bigger boats. I do think it has plenty of storage...

I find our 300DA cockpit sink to be mostly useless as well.

 

[wredman]

Just listed our 300 with marinemax, having listing remorse already....

 

[skolbe]

Look at a 290 Amberjack. My parents are selling theirs. I can send a link to their boat. They had a 245 before the 290 Amberjack.

 

[JimmyCla10]

I hope this thread is not dead, and I'm new here, but I've been researching because I have the same conundrum as the originator of this thread. Quick background, I used to own a 230 Sundeck, sold it a couple of years ago because I was traveling way too much for work to use it (plus I lived by the beach in LA) and there's no real usable lakes around where I live. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and would take a day on a lake in a boat over a day at the beach any day of the week. Long story short, travel has slowed down, I moved inland, and with the money I've saved by moving inland, can now afford a cruiser and am jonesing for a pocket cruiser like I grew up with.

I'm currently in a conundrum between mid-2000's 280s and 300s. I'm leaning toward a 280 because I like the deck layout significantly more than the 300, and the foot narrower beam appeals to me as I will occasionally be trailering the boat. The current plan is for it to live most of the year at Lake Mead in Nevada, but I'd like to be able to take it to Havasu, Lake Powell, or even back home for the occasional diving jaunt in the Channel Islands once I install a fresh water cooling system. The 9.5ft beam seems significantly easier to tow than 10.5 just due to the permits required in the three states I plan on towing it. I also have a vehicle more than capable of towing either, and grew up towing farming equipment, so it's more the permits that concern me.

That said, I'm 6'7". I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that I will not be able to stand up straight in any boat in the sizes I'm looking at, but I would like to be able to sit down on the toilet while keeping the head door closed, and lay straight in a bed. In boats I grew up with, I also preferred being able to sleep in the mid-cabin as I strangely find the enclosed space comforting and hate v-berths. The question is, do I have a shot of fitting in the mid-cabin of the 280? I'd like some feedback here before I start looking at actual boats. Also, there are no boats in the LA area for sale that I'd consider buying, and I don't want to waste the time of a broker and put a deposit down to simply check if I'd fit on a boat I have no intention of buying. I'm planning to buy a boat in Arizona or Nevada because they tend to be of the freshwater kind, and as that's a bit of a trip, would like to narrow down my choices before I make the trip.

As far as setups, for the 280 I'm looking at twin 5.0's and if the 300 is a must, twin 6.2's. Fortunately for me, MarineMax in Tempe has nice versions of both, but I'd like to really hone my research on one model, and in all my googling, have been unable to find cabin measurements.

Thanks for listening to a newb!

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

I don't know about the 280, but I am 6'4" and I fit in my 290's mid berth with alot to spare. I will try to remember too measure it later for you.

 

[ptallen]

We have the 290 - and our slip mates have the 280. If your a tall guy I would also check the cabin height - I believe the 290 is significantly higher.

 

[mambodave]

Well I've been lurking around for a little while now and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Currently, we have a 01 245 weekender and want something larger with twins. I bought this as bait to introduce the idea to my wife and she bit. After discussing the upgrade, we decided on a 280 due to the ease of trailering and seemed manageable for one person at the docks. As we started to try to find the right one, the more I started questioning the end goal. So I need some help to push in one direction or the other.

Goal - Weekend stays at the lake, long weekend trips and general day cruising with friends and family.

It will stay in the water most of the year but needs to be trailerable. We will pull it out for maintenance, storage during the off season and a couple of trips a year. The tow vehicle is not a concern. We already have a crew cab dually in the fleet for another hobby:grin:


I'm looking for the Pros and cons of the following:

Year - Mid 2000s
Models - 280/290/300 Sundancer


Thoughts
1. I really like the 280 but seems to have a relatively small fuel tank for twins,100 gallons. The 300 has a good bit larger fuel tank at 170 gallons but weighs a lot more. Is there really much difference in the total range of the boat?

2. The 300 is a foot wider, and a couple of feet longer. How does this play into the overall accessibility to working in the engine compartment? Seems like the 280s I've looked at would be a maintenance nightmare with v8s.

3. Storage? Is there enough?

4. HP? What combo is the best? I'm one to think the more power, the better, but how does this effect the range of the boat.

5. If you have a 280,Do you wish you would have bought a larger boat? Why?

Thanks

If you are going to trailer, think BEAM and Height.. at 300 may not be easy to tote around in a lot to places without a permit and a chase car...

Wont comment on the boats you just mentioned outside of beam. Seems like (personally) when you upgrade the beam makes a bigger difference than a few feet in length. One of the reasons I settled on an old 80's 270.. Wide beam and has twins. In a newer 27 has the narrow beam. My boat looks much larger than the newer 28's at the dock. Everyone swears its a 32, but its a 270.

Think beam, not length.

 

[JimmyCla10]

Thanks for your feedback, and I really appreciate your measuring. The 290 seems to have a much nicer cabin, but I like the deck of the 280 as the 290 seems to be lacking in lounge-able seating comparatively. Do any of you 290 owners feel your missing out on the deck seating? There does seem to be more open space, but that port side half O looking seat looks mildly useless.

I kind of wish I could get the 280's deck arrangement with the 290's interior.

I may just need to find a reason to go to Phoenix to check, but I don't plan on buying until September/October because everyone I've talked to (and common sense) says you get a much better deal in the fall, and since my August is already booked, there's no hurry. I just enjoy daydreaming for the time being, and scouring the web for accessories. WOO FUN MONEY PIT!

 

[magstang1]

Maybe you should consider a slightly older version 290da. The one I have was made from 1997.5 - 2001. My port lounger is quite large and comfy. Big enough for my slightly larger than normal self to lounge comfortably. It's also the seat of choice while underway for my wife and son. With both of them seated there is room for at least one more child or smaller adult.

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

I agree with the layout assessment, but I don't miss it. In fact while underway it is quite nice not having the yapping right next to me. :smt038

As for the mid berth, 6'6.5" in a straight line. 7'8" diagonaly.

 

[breakitout]

Having trouble with this decision as well, own a 280, would like to go bigger but not sure if I want to sacrifice the trailerability, the 300 would be very difficult. The 280 is about the limits of what is comfortable on the roads. I still hit some tree branches with the arch. If I do go bigger it may be a 290 or all the way to a 340+ and forget trailering altogether. No easy answer here. Happy with the 280 overall, cant complain about much other then the cabin door design, terrible and not easy to open or fix or walk on. Good luck.

 

[t8764]

How tall is the 280 on a trailer with the arch?

 

[Carter3]

If you are going to trailer, think BEAM and Height.. at 300 may not be easy to tote around in a lot to places without a permit and a chase car...

Wont comment on the boats you just mentioned outside of beam. Seems like (personally) when you upgrade the beam makes a bigger difference than a few feet in length. One of the reasons I settled on an old 80's 270.. Wide beam and has twins. In a newer 27 has the narrow beam. My boat looks much larger than the newer 28's at the dock. Everyone swears its a 32, but its a 270.

Think beam, not length.

The beam width is the main reason I like the idea of a 300 best. Well that and the fuel capacity. You're talking about a 10% increase in usable space! I like the cockpit layout of the 280 better than the 300 but the cabin better on the 300.

As for towing. In SC you are supposed to have a permit for anything over 8'6". So theoretically, you need a permit for either one. The height is more of a concern to me then width. This is information that isn't readily available. I know that the radar would have to come off the arch to tow either and stay under 13'6". Who tows their 300 and knows the total height to top of arch while on the trailer?

Thanks for everyone's input. This is something that we will hopefully have ironed out and purchased before the end of the year.

 

[JimmyCla10]

I agree with the layout assessment, but I don't miss it. In fact while underway it is quite nice not having the yapping right next to me. :smt038

As for the mid berth, 6'6.5" in a straight line. 7'8" diagonaly.

Thanks again for measuring. Looks like I'll fit, and I can probably assume the 280 is similar because the beam is the same. Also appreciate your take on the deck layout, and I'll make sure the better half doesn't read your response because I can see the utility.

I now think I'm mainly in between the 290 and the 280 because after more research, at least in California, as far as I can tell while anything over 8'6" requires an overwidth permit (only $90 annually which is pretty cheap for anything in this state), anything over 10' requires a chase vehicle, and the latter is a deal breaker for me.

On a different note, the red on your 290 is beautiful. Also, is that extended swim platform an option or aftermarket? Another reason I'm leaning toward the 280 is that on all the boats I've seen, they seem to have a larger swim platform than the 290 which is very important to me as I'll be using this as an occasional dive boat as well.

 

[Gunn]

How tall is the 280 on a trailer with the arch?

Tall enough to snag an overhead utility line and snap off the mast light! Ever winter when I have the boat on the trailer at home, I want to measure it. But I always forget about it until it's back in the water. This year I'll be sure to get those numbers.

After towing the same route for nearly three years now, I had that unfortunate incident. As soon as I turned out of my driveway and headed away, I car came by and forced me over (it's a very rural road) more than I usually do. That just happened to be under a low hanging 2" diameter phone line. I heard a snap and thought I had just ran over a branch. But I pulled over to check and as I got out of the truck, the line above me was swaying. I was actually very fortunate as if that line was an inch lower it would have slipped -under- my radar and caused all kinds of damage. All I ended up having to do was remove the broken piece from the threads of the base and re-thread the mast light aluminum pole and thread it back in. Whew.