Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Should fuel tank be full or empty for cold and freezing winter temp storage? Thanks in advance...

 

With twins, fluids, and 'stuff', on the trailer it'll go over 13K. I pull mine on a triaxle, disc brakes on all axles, with a 2500HD. It's fully capable from a suspension, braking standpoint but I have the 6.0 and it's working hard in the hills, not enough grunt. The 2500HD diesel would be an excellent match for the 280DA in any conditions.

 

I say fill it up, some folks say different.

 

Empty vs full can be debated. The big no-no is somewhere in between as that can cause condensation and subsequent water in the fuel.

In a nutshell, here's the debate...

-- The problem with full is that the gas sits for a certain length of time, possibly going bad. That can be solved with the use of a good stabilizer (which is a great idea to be using it year round, anyways.

-- The problem with empty is that it's darn near "realistically" impossible to do that on a boat with a built-on tank. But, you get to start the new season with totally fresh gas.

Me... I agree with Woody. Fill it (I do use Startron religiously) and don't look back. I have never emptied a built-in tank - that includes all the ones in my signature plus a whole bunch more that aren't listed. So far (knock on wood), I have never had a gas issue. The only tanks that I empty are the portable ones.... well, actually, I usually just dump them into something else to be used up.

 

If you fill it when its cold and spring thaw starts, its going to start pushing out of the vent thus making a mess. And besides, why not just leave it empty (stabilizer run through motors of course) and just fill it with a brand new full tank of gas in the spring. That Condensation talk Is A Myth Anyways. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/myth_of_condensation_in_fuel_tanks.htm

 

Thanks all for the fuel question, I filled it and always use an additive. Thanks again

 

[QUOTEThat Condensation talk Is A Myth Anyways.][/QUOTE]

Couldn't agree more. Full. half , empty. Never see any water anywhere.

 

I will add my $0.02 for what it's worth. I agree...the risk of condensation is so minuscule that any you might get would be inconsequential. I end the season with whatever is in the tank on the day she goes to get winterized -- full, empty, half -- I never make a point to empty or fill it. If I did make a point, it would be to be empty so I had fresh fuel in the spring.

 

Guys, we can talk theory and mathematical calculations all we want, but it DOES happen. I've seen it. The reason some may say that they've never had a problem with it... well, there's a lot of variables that come into play with this. Probably more than I care to think of - but location being a big one. But most, if not all, of us also use water separating fuel filters and change them on a regular basis. Another thing is that a plastic tank is much less likely to experience this issue than an aluminum tank. So, while it's much less of a danger for those of us with smaller (and relatively newer) boats, there's no reason to believe that it can't happen with a plastic tank - just much less likely, or at least to a much smaller extent. Heck, there's been times that I've had a tank half full and had no problems, too. But in general, I like to play it safe. But I don't disagree that with a plastic tank the chances of it causing a "real" issue are slim.

 

hey guys. just bought a 280 but its missing the port deck vent that goes on the back. im not able to find these anywhere, please help.

 

There was a set on ebay not too long ago for $400. Looks like its gone. Wonder how hard it would be to make one. I'm missing a starboard side cover.

 

I'd like to get my hands on one just to make a form and start making one myself.

 

The bilge blower/vent cover, right? My parts catalog shows that there are actually a few of these still remaining in stock at Sea Ray... which quite honestly, I was surprised to see. If you can't find them anywhere else, try your local dealer. I "think" they have to be painted to perfectly match, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

If you have the ability, making a form and producing them yourself wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Eventually these will be no longer available from Sea Ray and people will need a place to get them. There where A LOT of 280DA's from this era produced.

 

When my vent cover popped off a few years back the price quoted from the Sea Ray dealer was around $900 plus it was not gelcoated. I was told that Sea Ray had the mold and it would be custom made. I hired a diver to find the cover in 35' of water under my dock.

 

For that kind of price, heck yeah! If there weren't any laying around in stock, then I "understand" the price as it's a one-off thing and is labor intensive to just do one thing. But I'd still try and find another way, like you did. I think the 280's vent cover is some sort of plastic, though?

How'd you get so lucky that it popped off at your dock and not out on the water?

 

Hey. Thanks for all the replies. One more question i have is what batteries do you guys use in your 280's? I need to buy batteries and i don't know which ones to get.

 

Ok, check ebay again. I just bought a starboard side one. Mbarcena is the seller. Make him an offer.

 

Thanks. I will wait until my transporter brings the boat and then will buy it.

 

what batteries to use in 280?

 

I have a 2004 with the same propulsion package. After having the merc dealer replace gimbals and align drives, then have the props tuned, still have that same minor resonance. Used to it now so don't really notice it