Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Nehalennia said:
Are you talking about the one with the horn button in the middle?The main cluster switch on your dash will have Water pump(two vertical lines with a horizontal wavy line), blower(fan symbol), navigation lights(light symbol~i believe with a boat), Anchor light(Anchor symbol), bilge pump(looks like a boat with water coming out), depth sounder(boat with sonar waves below it), Courtesy lights(light symbol)
Click to expand...


The buttons you refer to are fairly self explanatory. I was really referring to the ones labeled as Aft Acc or Acc 2, etc. As Mr. Boyd explained they seem to be "extra" controls which allows one to connect additional items. When I originally asked I was just wondering if there were more "typical" assignments for these buttons & if perhaps I was missing something they might be controlling. The Sea Ray manual doesn't do a great job clarifying this. Thanks for the reply.
 
OK, I just replaced all 3 batteries with fresh new AGM batteries after a nightmare with Lead Acid batteries. I have the standard configuration where the Single (3rd) battery powers the Starboard Engine and the Genny whereas the Other batteries (1 and 2 combined) power the Port engine and House Power.

I have noticed, when out and about, the Port Side (combined Batteries) reads the same at the single Starboard battery, at just a hair under 14 volts when I am running (we will say anything over 1K RPM)- If I pull it down to idle, the Port gauge floats down to 12 volts. Any idea why this would be happening? I find it hard to believe I have a bad battery out of the box. This is with the Port Batt Switch to "BOTH"

Thanks
Jason
 
Jason... I may be wrong but I belive the "running" reading is through the alternator so it's not really a good indicator of charge status in the battery itself... someone else can confirm?

Sounds like a multimeter job.. or for a quick and dirty test run with batt switch on "both" then shut down both engines but then turn back the switches/key to 1st position and note the volt readings on "1" then "2" after about an hour and see if you have one batt not taking charge(to get rid of any surface charge)
also as I understand 12.0 volts is 50% depleated and considered "dead".
 
KHARRIMAN said:
Jason... I may be wrong but I belive the "running" reading is through the alternator so it's not really a good indicator of charge status in the battery itself... someone else can confirm?

Sounds like a multimeter job.. or for a quick and dirty test run with batt switch on "both" then shut down both engines but then turn back the switches/key to 1st position and note the volt readings on "1" then "2" after about an hour and see if you have one batt not taking charge(to get rid of any surface charge)
also as I understand 12.0 volts is 50% depleated and considered "dead".
Click to expand...

Yes, that's partially correct. If the alternator is charging, then the voltmeter is reading the alternator output. That's why an ammeter and voltmeter are both needed to correctly diagnose automotive/boat electrical systems.

That raises a question; do twins have alternators on each engine, or is there only one?

Henry
 
Henry Boyd said:
Yes, that's partially correct. If the alternator is charging, then the voltmeter is reading the alternator output. That's why an ammeter and voltmeter are both needed to correctly diagnose automotive/boat electrical systems.

That raises a question; do twins have alternators on each engine, or is there only one?

Henry
Click to expand...

Yes, I have an alternator on both engines. It stands to reason that the alternator for the Starboard engine Charges the single battery and the Port engine alternator charges the 2-battery bank.

So if I am hearing correctly, it sounds like I may have an issue with the Port Alternator? Is there a way to test this with a multimeter?
 
Last edited:
Henry Boyd said:
Jason,

You said the batteries were new. Any chance the port engine battery connections might have something wrong?

Henry
Click to expand...

I don't think so. I cleaned the cables good before installing the new batteries and used the anti-corrosion spray on the posts.

The previous batteries were pretty much shot. Even with both together I could not start the port engine on the 4th after being at anchor with minimal lights and fridge only running for a couple hours. It was that event that led me to replace all 3 batteries.

That has me now wondering if the alternator wasn't damaged by running the bad batts for too long?

The gauge only drops when engine RPM goes under 1K RPM or so. Anything over that and it jumps back to 14V.
 
From whats described I dont think it's your alternator... If its showing 14 v while running then the Alt.. is putting out 14v(good) now whether or not its getting down to the batts or they are holding the charge different issue.... and dont discount maybe you got one bad battery. Best way is to isolate each one... to make sure. $5.00 voltmeter at Harbor freight(always on sale) will make it really easy.

RE-reading--- maybe if the alt is bad.. should it be putting out 14v while IDling too?
 
Last edited:
Hey all,

new 07 280DA owner this year.. I have two questions for you all.. I was wondering where you all have mounted gas grills on your boat as well as where you store them when not in use. We have a full camper canvas, so our side mounting options are limited due to the canvas support rods. Initially we were thinking mounting in on the transom locker handle, however due to the angle of the locker, it may not be possible to get the grille on and off easily. We bought a Magma Cabo Gas grille. The grill fits perfectly secured to the handle in front of the deck sink/ cooler area, but i was concerned as this puts the grill about 5 feet under the radar arch and i am not sure if the heat will do anything to the fiberglass either above it, or behind it as the vertical part of the arch is about 12 inches from the grille at that point. any advice would be appreciated..

Thanks

jc
 
One more question for all of you.. Any thoughts on the best size and way to mount an inflatable raft on the swim platform of an 07 280DA? After having the boat for a season, i think it would increase our use of the boat in terms of going places if we had an inflatable that we could go to/fr the boat when we go places that have moorings. It would also be great for going to the busy swimming spots and cruising around between boats.. (ie.. Boston's Charles River on the 4th of July). I know the beam is not too large on the 280, so I was wondering what other people do.. Ideally, something small enough that can be mounted right on the platform when going places, yet large enough to mount a few HP outboard engine on it..

any thoughts on size and stuff?

much appreciated.
j
 
Sea STAT said:
Hey all,

new 07 280DA owner this year.. I have two questions for you all.. I was wondering where you all have mounted gas grills on your boat as well as where you store them when not in use. We have a full camper canvas, so our side mounting options are limited due to the canvas support rods. Initially we were thinking mounting in on the transom locker handle, however due to the angle of the locker, it may not be possible to get the grille on and off easily. We bought a Magma Cabo Gas grille. The grill fits perfectly secured to the handle in front of the deck sink/ cooler area, but i was concerned as this puts the grill about 5 feet under the radar arch and i am not sure if the heat will do anything to the fiberglass either above it, or behind it as the vertical part of the arch is about 12 inches from the grille at that point. any advice would be appreciated..

Thanks

jc
Click to expand...
Here is a great idea for mounting a grill. It has been done by at least several members here with good results. http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7427&highlight=Some+positive+projects+started
 
Sea STAT said:
One more question for all of you.. Any thoughts on the best size and way to mount an inflatable raft on the swim platform of an 07 280DA? After having the boat for a season, i think it would increase our use of the boat in terms of going places if we had an inflatable that we could go to/fr the boat when we go places that have moorings. It would also be great for going to the busy swimming spots and cruising around between boats.. (ie.. Boston's Charles River on the 4th of July). I know the beam is not too large on the 280, so I was wondering what other people do.. Ideally, something small enough that can be mounted right on the platform when going places, yet large enough to mount a few HP outboard engine on it..

any thoughts on size and stuff?

much appreciated.
j
Click to expand...

I have Bombard AX2 Aero inflatable keel and Tohatsu 2,5HP outboard engine.
It has 2,40m-7'10" overall lenght and 1.15m-3’9’’ overall width. The swim platform of 280DA has 78cm-lenght and 1,15-78=37cm (sorry for metric measure) beam of the tender is overflowing from the platform. But I securely tie it to the cleats and stern eyes.
Below picture is taken via on the side deck where the camper canvas supports bars placed.
http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af108/melida315/summer 2010/110920101194.jpg
It is totaly weighs 36kgs-79lbs 18kg engine and 18 kg tender inflated. Never faced getting water into the tender below cruising speed or while cruising threshold and no moving/jumping since tightly tied.
Hope this gives idea.
Best regards.
Melida
 
Sea STAT said:
Hey all,

new 07 280DA owner this year.. I have two questions for you all.. I was wondering where you all have mounted gas grills on your boat as well as where you store them when not in use. We have a full camper canvas, so our side mounting options are limited due to the canvas support rods. Initially we were thinking mounting in on the transom locker handle, however due to the angle of the locker, it may not be possible to get the grille on and off easily. We bought a Magma Cabo Gas grille. The grill fits perfectly secured to the handle in front of the deck sink/ cooler area, but i was concerned as this puts the grill about 5 feet under the radar arch and i am not sure if the heat will do anything to the fiberglass either above it, or behind it as the vertical part of the arch is about 12 inches from the grille at that point. any advice would be appreciated..

Thanks

jc
Click to expand...

Jc,

I have a Magma Marine Kettle. I used the flush mount and installed it on the transom just to the above left of the transom locker cover. This location works great. The mount does not block any of the canvas. I considered doing the mount under the swim ladder lid but for me, having the ladder non-functional or blocked during grilling was not an option because of people swimming while I grill. I had the newport before but switched to the kettle for mounting options and storage purposes. I don't do a ton of grilling do the kettle works great for me. Let me know if you want some pictures. They have various mounting brackets so this may or may not work for your Cabo. I think they have a set of Heavy-Duty Flush mounts that might work for the Cabo. If not there you should probably consider the swim ladder post mount another poster suggested. I would not want it below my radar arch although other boats with SR factory grill have the grill under the arch.
 
Last edited:
I have the same mount system but instead of under the ladder cover, I mounted it over near the door that goes into the cockpit. It's far enough out that you can walk past without getting burned if you are coming in from swimming (can still use the ladder).
 
Does anyone know the diameter of the grab rail on the transom locker on our 280's? I'm getting ready to order an "original Swiveler" flag and I need to know which size mount to purchase...
 
dpvandy01 said:
Does anyone know the diameter of the grab rail on the transom locker on our 280's? I'm getting ready to order an "original Swiveler" flag and I need to know which size mount to purchase...
Click to expand...

I believe it's 1"
 
dpvandy01 said:
Does anyone know the diameter of the grab rail on the transom locker on our 280's? I'm getting ready to order an "original Swiveler" flag and I need to know which size mount to purchase...
Click to expand...

Both grab rails are 7/8" on my '04, my bow rail is 1".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,183
Messages
1,428,108
Members
61,091
Latest member
dionb
Back
Top