Official 280 Sundancer Thread

VolNavy37922 said:
I just got word that the SmartCraft Gauges are not working on the 2004 280 Sundancer that I'm looking at. Any clues as to why none of the gauges work. And Also - could this be a clue to possible major electrical issues?
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This is something worth investigating. But it is not the end of the world. Smartcraft is a networked data system. The gauges are either smart devices that are interpreting the data stream ( the System gauges or Vessel View System View System monitor displays), or dumb displays that display data being collected. The data is sourced from various sensors and distributed by the engine(s) ECM. If the engines(s) are operating, then the fault is in the either the cabling, or possibly one of the devices that interpret the data. On the 280, the standard Smartcraft suite uses system Tach(s) and System speedo to provide data to fuel, volts, oil pressure, water temp and trim.

Since you say all of the gauges are not working, the first thing I would do would be to investigate the connections at the helm and ER junction boxes, and the connections on the major engine harness.

The thing to know is that none of the gauges retain any of the data. Engine hours, Alarm logs and so forth are stored in the appropriate ECM. So even if the gauges were completely trashed (highly unlikely), the historical engine data is safe.

Even with the gauges not functioning, the historical engine data can be retrieved using a Mercruiser engine diagnostic tool. If the seller can't get the gauges working in time for a survey you might want to make sure your surveyor has access to a diagnostic device either by also engaging a Merc tech, or using a surveyor who has the tool.

Henry
 
VolNavy37922 said:
I just got word that the SmartCraft Gauges are not working on the 2004 280 Sundancer that I'm looking at. Any clues as to why none of the gauges work. And Also - could this be a clue to possible major electrical issues?
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, do the engines start and run OK? Are none of the gauges working at all? I believe 2004 was the first year SC was a standard option of SR boats. I know it was an option on late 2003 year boats.

It may or may not be a result of electrical problems- could just be a loose plug or something. Do all the other electronics seem to function properly? Do the Port and Starboard acessory controls work fine? If they do the EIMs are probably OK.

I would not be scared away just very cautious. Maybe the seller can repair before the deal is done. He is going to have a hard time selling it with no gauges working anyway. Could be simple but if you end up having to replace gauges and /or ECMs it could get expensive. I think the gauges alone are close to $1K new if you have to replace them all. A dump from the ECMs should be able to tell you alot and could indicate why the gauges are not working.

I am not sure a surveyor would be able to diagnose the problem- depends on who you use. You may want to consider having a mechanic do an ECM dump before you pay for a survey depending what it and the ECM dump costs. Since you know there is a problem, it may be better to know what it is up front so you can see if the seller will pay to have it fixed. If he refuses, you have not spent $ on a survey. Just a suggestion....

Note: For clarity EIMs control the acessory panels. ECM is on the engine and controls Engine functions.

Jason
 
I don't have all the information. I know the engines ran - but no gauges. He is having someone look at it but I was trying to help loacate the problem - I could have the boat next week if all's well. I wonder if there is a relation to the battery charger failing???
 
VolNavy37922 said:
I don't have all the information. I know the engines ran - but no gauges. He is having someone look at it but I was trying to help loacate the problem - I could have the boat next week if all's well. I wonder if there is a relation to the battery charger failing???
Click to expand...

I was told by a Merc tech once that the gradual loss of battery power has been known to kill or damage SC componets and or ECMs. There is some kind of effect slowly reducing voltage can have on it. I am not saying that is what happened here- but that point was brought up to me by a merc tech when discussing a SC problem unrelated to this discussion. I believe it is possible the engines could still run if the ECM was somehow damaged. If a loose connection cannot be found, I would strongly recommend an ECM dump which will probably answer alot of these questions. This will also tell you alot about how the boat has been run and what alarms have gone off in the past.
 
If this is a single engine 280DA the likely culprit is a loose or corroded connection either at the ECM (mounted on the engine) or at the instrument cluster. If the boat has two engines and nothing works at all then something else has likely caused the problem since there are two seperate ECMs. If that is the case it will take a qualified Mercury Technician to diagnose that problem.
 
Dave S said:
If this is a single engine 280DA the likely culprit is a loose or corroded connection either at the ECM (mounted on the engine) or at the instrument cluster. If the boat has two engines and nothing works at all then something else has likely caused the problem since there are two seperate ECMs. If that is the case it will take a qualified Mercury Technician to diagnose that problem.
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I seemed to remeber this started with a discussion on a twin engine boat. But DaveS makes a good point, although it could also be a bad connection at either end of the main CAN cable between the helm and ER Smartcraft junction boxes.

Henry
 
Update on my gauges not working - MM looked at it and said both ECM’s and all gauges are bad. I asked if they used a replacement to ensure that all new parts fix the problem – the response was “ no . . . we know they are all bad”. So my question – has anyone ever heard of all gauges plus both ECM’s going out. I’m not asking if it’s possible – anything is possible – but how likely is this?? I’m waiting on other opinion from another mechanic.
 
This is a very common issue. Something breaks, so you pull the appropriate schematic and write a service order to cover everything on the page. Very common diagnosis when the service writer smells money. I have seen it before.

So. . .this is on a boat that you are about to SURVEY? If I was buying this boat, this issue would be a show stopper. OR a lever to push a super low, low ball offer.
 
VolNavy37922 said:
Update on my gauges not working - MM looked at it and said both ECM’s and all gauges are bad. I asked if they used a replacement to ensure that all new parts fix the problem – the response was “ no . . . we know they are all bad”. So my question – has anyone ever heard of all gauges plus both ECM’s going out. I’m not asking if it’s possible – anything is possible – but how likely is this?? I’m waiting on other opinion from another mechanic.
Click to expand...

I would be curious what the ECM dump said. I am no ECM expert but the ECMs must had been functioning to some extent for the engines to run. Maybe they were full of error codes. In the past I have talked to someone who had all kinds of weird issues, then all gauges and both ECMs were replaced but that was under warranty. Those ECMs and gauge package are not cheap. I believe it is about $1500ea for the ECMs and probably $1K for the gauges- and that is the online price.

As another poster said, it may be time for a low offer if you decide to proceed.

Since MM is so sure all that stuff is bad, what guarantee will they give that the problem will be fixed once it is replaced?
 
charheep said:
I am looking at a 1989 280DA with twin 5.7L. Anyone have this set up and can share some mileage numbers? I found twin 4.3L on this thread, but I havent seen anyone share T5.7 numbers. (There are a lot of pages, so I might have mssed it)

Thanks.
Here is the link if it helps.
-John
http://illinois.skipperbuds.com/Pag...eId/9033/view/Details/1989-Sea-Ray-280DA.aspx
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Boy, somewhere in this long thread it explains this thread is for the 2001 – 2009 280 Sundancer.

You may want to start you own thread because this one is so long many people don’t even check it anymore unless they have a 2001-2009 280 Sundancer.

Please put the model year in the title for the best possible response.

PS: My 'guess' would be 1.2 MPG
 
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I am still in pursuit of my 280 Dancer. Keep hitting road blocks. The latest I looked at and drove seems perfect. But, there is always a big but. When shifting there was a “meshing of the gears sound”. Not really grinding – just not a smooth shift like my old boat. It is a 05 280 with twin 4.3’s and Alpha 1 drives (at Least I’m assuming they were alpha’s – it was in the water and I admit it’s one of those things I neglected to look at.)

Is this a major concern or could it just be shifter cable issues?
Surveyor will look at it once the offer is accepted. Just want to know if it's something of concern.
 
VolNavy37922 said:
I am still in pursuit of my 280 Dancer. Keep hitting road blocks. The latest I looked at and drove seems perfect. But, there is always a big but. When shifting there was a “meshing of the gears sound”. Not really grinding – just not a smooth shift like my old boat. It is a 05 280 with twin 4.3’s and Alpha 1 drives (at Least I’m assuming they were alpha’s – it was in the water and I admit it’s one of those things I neglected to look at.)

Is this a major concern or could it just be shifter cable issues?
Surveyor will look at it once the offer is accepted. Just want to know if it's something of concern.
Click to expand...
The Alpha 1s are not smooth like the BIII. They are clunky in comparison. That is typical of an Alpha 1, but to be safe have it surveyed.
 
Swim Platform Dimensions

Does anyone have the dimensions of the swim platform handy? I have been watching the dinghy davit threads and am starting to look at getting a small dinghy with 4-6hp.

Our boat is just about finished up with repairs. Throttle Position sensor replaced on both packs, replaced bellows on both drives, trim sensors, water pumps on both drives, had both drives stripped and repainted to included the transom assembly. The owner we bought the boat from had the bottom paint touching the drives, I didn't catch this before I bought...and got to pay $$$ to stop the electrolisis. I scheduled a detailer to come and detail the boat next week so she ought to be sparkling very soon. We installed underwater lights and a Lowrance HDS-5. Final thing will be finding a good dinghy solution and maybe replacing the bimini and sunshade. Any ideas on the bimini and sunshade on where to purchase and how much? I guess the great lakes folks don't cover the 2001. After all this she ought to be good to go for quite sometime! Thank God too, 'cause I don't think the wife can take a lot more of the honey, please!

Thanks,
SB
 
I just went out to the boat for you!

It's 84.5" at widest- where the platform meets the transom
74" at the trailing edge- making it a bit of a trapezoid.
29" down the center bow to stern.

Hope that helps...
 
By the way guys....

Does anyone actually shower in there with the toilet?:grin:

I have had a strict no- shower policy since we bought the boat- I said do it on the swimstep but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one.
 
Originally we did not shower on the boat, we would use the showers at the marina. About midway through last season we had a large number of transient boaters using the marinas showers. My wife came back complaining about the men being in the womens bathroom, talking and waiting for their girlfriends. After that we started using the shower on the boat every day. It is a little tight as I am 6'4" and 240lbs of...........All right I am 6' tall and 275lbs(I hate when the wife reads over my shoulder). Anyways once you get things set up and situated it's not that bad. It sure does keep the bathroom clean and smelling good. The key for me is to have a suction cup holder with shower supplies and then I sit on the toilet for most of it. Sorry for the details, be happy I don't have photos.
 
"Sorry for the details, be happy I don't have photos. ":smt043

That's great!
I just wondered if you shower in there then it's going to be all nasty and hard water spotted and soap scum everywhere....
 
Actually a nice coat of spray wax on the wall really helps clean it up. We wipe it down with a towel and it has not been a problem. A vent like the 320/340 would be nice. That is one issue I do have with it.
 
Kharriman,

Thanks for going down to the boat, certainly appreciate it. I finished drawing up some rough drawings of the "dom dinghy davit" to send to a local fabricator here in Huntington for an estimate. He should have it back to me tomorrow, I can send you the estimate via PM if you're interested.

SB
 
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