Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Thanks for the responses. I'm glad to hear that the difference is minimal. I was under the impression that it was an MPI and then found out it was EFI. I thought that might push me to avoid that particular boat.

Does upper $40k range seem reasonable for 630 hours for a freshwater 2002 280 with gen, 4.3L EFI, recent bottom paint, fresh impellers, updated stereo, newer carpet, newer camper canvas, windlass among a few updates? The engine compartment is extremely clean so I think that's a good sign. Of course I'll be getting a survey. I'll regularly have 4-6 adults and our kids. 5.0L with B3 would be nice, but from a cost standpoint and to actually find one around here is another challenge. Seems like most around here are 4.3L. BTW, I'll be spending a lot of time on the bay and out on the Lake (Erie) every so often.
 
todd3683 said:
Thanks for the responses. I'm glad to hear that the difference is minimal. I was under the impression that it was an MPI and then found out it was EFI. I thought that might push me to avoid that particular boat.

Does upper $40k range seem reasonable for 630 hours for a freshwater 2002 280 with gen, 4.3L EFI, recent bottom paint, fresh impellers, updated stereo, newer carpet, newer camper canvas, windlass among a few updates? The engine compartment is extremely clean so I think that's a good sign. Of course I'll be getting a survey. I'll regularly have 4-6 adults and our kids. 5.0L with B3 would be nice, but from a cost standpoint and to actually find one around here is another challenge. Seems like most around here are 4.3L. BTW, I'll be spending a lot of time on the bay and out on the Lake (Erie) every so often.
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I know one that's going to be for sale;)
 
There are enough out there. I used to have one. Find one with a windlass/heat and twin 4.3's. 5.0's are fine too. Not too much difference in performance as engines are heavier
 
desperado said:
There are enough out there. I used to have one. Find one with a windlass/heat and twin 4.3's. 5.0's are fine too. Not too much difference in performance as engines are heavier
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I'm confused, that's what I found. It's got everything you listed and then some. I guess my question is whether I'm in the right price range.


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Woody said:
That's high end for a 2002, with trailer and in very good condition.
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Well, no trailer, but it is in very good condition. Obviously a survey will tell a lot.


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todd3683 said:
Thanks for the responses. I'm glad to hear that the difference is minimal. I was under the impression that it was an MPI and then found out it was EFI. I thought that might push me to avoid that particular boat.

Does upper $40k range seem reasonable for 630 hours for a freshwater 2002 280 with gen, 4.3L EFI, recent bottom paint, fresh impellers, updated stereo, newer carpet, newer camper canvas, windlass among a few updates? The engine compartment is extremely clean so I think that's a good sign. Of course I'll be getting a survey. I'll regularly have 4-6 adults and our kids. 5.0L with B3 would be nice, but from a cost standpoint and to actually find one around here is another challenge. Seems like most around here are 4.3L. BTW, I'll be spending a lot of time on the bay and out on the Lake (Erie) every so often.
Click to expand...

$40 is in the range.... could be a fair price depending. 630 is a bit on the high side, but new canvas is nice. And I'd expect this boat to be exceptions at this price. Good electronics (not old stuff), stereo that works, and the proper inspection and maintenance history.

As for engines... "there's no replacement... for displacement" and more HP is always nice, as long as you factor in the weight, and the room in the engine compartment, which is already tight. You'd probably notice the "out of the hole, getting on plane time", but probably minor difference in top end.

However, your mission is tight for this sized boat. The 280 is a great 4 place boat, perhaps 6 for shorter trips, day runs to restaurants, sandbar runs, etc. My friend has 8 on the 280 (two couples, each with two kids), and they have strict rules to keep things civil, but still very tight. But their day runs to the sandbar where most are in the water playing work ok. It is NOT a spacious boat, but a great boat for economy, reasonable speed and handling for 4 folks. And terrific for 2 for overnights.
 
Anyone ever replace the 8' vhf antenna? Is it hard to do? I'm guessing the cable is continuous and has to be run from the dash to the antenna.
 
Chrisvr6 said:
Anyone ever replace the 8' vhf antenna? Is it hard to do? I'm guessing the cable is continuous and has to be run from the dash to the antenna.
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On my 280DA I found there was a factory splice behind the panel in the arch. There was corrosion in it and might have been part of my problem. I had purchased a new antenna and radio already so I used them. I ran the cable in one piece to the radio and eliminated the connection inside the arch.
 
Woody said:
On my 280DA I found there was a factory splice behind the panel in the arch. There was corrosion in it and might have been part of my problem. I had purchased a new antenna and radio already so I used them. I ran the cable in one piece to the radio and eliminated the connection inside the arch.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
Seevee said:
$40 is in the range.... could be a fair price depending. 630 is a bit on the high side, but new canvas is nice. And I'd expect this boat to be exceptions at this price. Good electronics (not old stuff), stereo that works, and the proper inspection and maintenance history.

As for engines... "there's no replacement... for displacement" and more HP is always nice, as long as you factor in the weight, and the room in the engine compartment, which is already tight. You'd probably notice the "out of the hole, getting on plane time", but probably minor difference in top end.

However, your mission is tight for this sized boat. The 280 is a great 4 place boat, perhaps 6 for shorter trips, day runs to restaurants, sandbar runs, etc. My friend has 8 on the 280 (two couples, each with two kids), and they have strict rules to keep things civil, but still very tight. But their day runs to the sandbar where most are in the water playing work ok. It is NOT a spacious boat, but a great boat for economy, reasonable speed and handling for 4 folks. And terrific for 2 for overnights.
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Thanks. We're only looking to do the occasional overnighter. Lots of day boating. 4 adults 3 kids will usually be max. I was able to get the price down closer to mid 40s to offset the hours that were bugging me so I'm feeling better about it. I'm hoping everything checks out alright.


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todd3683 said:
Thanks. We're only looking to do the occasional overnighter. Lots of day boating. 4 adults 3 kids will usually be max. I was able to get the price down closer to mid 40s to offset the hours that were bugging me so I'm feeling better about it. I'm hoping everything checks out alright.


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Click to expand...

Todd,

While the 280 is a great boat, with your mission of 4 adults and 3 kids, I'd argue strongly that it's too small, unless that load is not the norm. Six is tight, four works quite well. The 290 would even be a bit small. 310 might work (personally I like the 310 Chaparral better than the Sea Ray... much better features), but now you're in a higher price bracket.

I have taken a few loads of 7 or 8, but only for short trips, perhaps a restaurant run. Had 7 on the boat for fireworks last 4th of July and I won't do that again.

There are a few older 310 Sundancers out there with IOs (good for beaching) that could be an answer... but you'd want to be SURE they are mechanically good as the cost of maintenance goes up from the 280. And the 310 is fabulous for an overnite with 2 (or even 4), great cabin.
 
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