Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Here in Narragansett Bay, we are plagued with hundreds of lobster
traps, which are hard to see, and dozens of dangerous
rocks which poke their heads out just above
the waterline. As a result, my wife is obsessed with being a lookout.
Yes, the lounge seating is perfect for the IC but it's not made for a nervous wife who imagines we're constantly headed towards rocks and traps everytime I get on plane!
I need to get her up on a chair with the binocs so I
can keep her satisfied we have clear sailing ahead.
 
Do you feel you need her help in spotting the hazards - if not I find a Mai Tai works wonders for the nervous wife. She still spots the hazards for me from the lounger (as they pass the stern of the boat)
 
Haha, well I thought we were onto something and you and I had something in common as to this seating arrangement. We have a ton of crab pots to always be avoiding. But my wife doesn't really worry about it, that's more my job. But I always do appreciate the extra pair of eyes.
 
rhodyboater said:
Here in Narragansett Bay, we are plagued with hundreds of lobster
traps, which are hard to see, and dozens of dangerous
rocks which poke their heads out just above
the waterline. As a result, my wife is obsessed with being a lookout.
Yes, the lounge seating is perfect for the IC but it's not made for a nervous wife who imagines we're constantly headed towards rocks and traps everytime I get on plane!
I need to get her up on a chair with the binocs so I
can keep her satisfied we have clear sailing ahead.
Click to expand...

Ahhh yes, boating in Narragansett Bay. My significant other does the same thing!

Ed
 
There is a rotary dial in the galley cupboard near the outlet. Can you tell me what does it control?
 
RichardB said:
There is a rotary dial in the galley cupboard near the outlet. Can you tell me what does it control?
Click to expand...

That is the Glomex TV Amplifier. When turned off, it directs the feed in from the transom connection. When turned on, it amplifies the signal coming in from the antenna. Pretty much useless unless you have a Digital TV or Converter these days.

If you get a converter or have a TV with a Digital Tuner, the Glomex will pick up digital signals.

I leave mine turned up all the time.
 
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Hello Folks:

My wife & I recently upgraded first having a '98 Sea Ray 180 to a 22 ft Bayliner cruiser (I know, why did I abandon Sea Ray) to this 280 ....it doesn't have a windlass. Your thoughts on a make/model windlass that would suffice for an install?
 
Just purchased a 2007 280DA Sundancer with T-4.3 and Alpha one drives. New to this boat and engine flushing issues. Yesterday I bought the Mercury flush kits (44357T 2)

Is it as simple as
A) raising the boat out of the water,
B) attaching the muffs,
C) turning on the water to the muffs,
D) depressing the throttle only button and start engine
E) monitor water psi
F) keeping the throttle at idle
G) running for about 10 minutes
H) and slowly returning throttle back to idle and stopping engine
I) reverse steps A-C

2) What should water psi be during flushing? I have the Smartcraft monitors.
3) Safe to do both engines at once as long as proper water pressure is maintained?
4) Does the Saltaway mixer system reduce water pressure so that I should only do one engine at a time?
5) Any other advice?
Thanks
Jeff
 
jk280 said:
Is it as simple as
A) ...
B) ...
C) ...
D) depressing the throttle only button and start engine
E) ...
F) keeping the throttle at idle
G) ...
H) and slowly returning throttle back to idle and stopping engine
I) ...
Click to expand...


I'm assuming the Mercury flush kit is just a muff for the outdrive, maybe two of 'em? Anyway, since your engines are MPI, you don't need to depress the throttle button to start the engine. Just start it in idle/neutral after you've turned on the water. Just run it for a couple/few minutes and that's about it. Run it long enough to get it to operating temperature. If you do the flush shortly after your trip, then you don't have to run it long. And you could do both at the same time, I'm sure you have enough water and pressure...

Not sure about water pressure, I have no way of monitoring it. I would usually just open the water faucet about half way. You'll be fine. I doubt there is anything easier to do on a boat than flush a sterndrive!

You can flush the generator and air conditioner too. I have a setup in my boat that has a T-connection right near the seacock with a short length of hose and a valve, with a quick-connect hose adapter on the end. I can hookup the garden hose and flush it. You can flush the air conditioner without running it.

Enjoy the new boat!

Tom
 
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Woody said:
I don't know what was available for that year but maybe this parts manual can help get you started http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/Company1729/1C1_24_74DEIPR6JFP.pdf
Click to expand...

Sweet, how'd you navigate their website to find this manual? I know from '02 to '03 they're not much different, but if they have an '03, I'd like to have that one. Nice find!

Update: Answered my own question. Maybe of some use to others:
  • Go to http://www.searay.com
  • Select Customer Support->Parts Help
  • Click the Parts Manuals link
  • Select your year from the dropdown list.

Tom
 
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New question: On the bow of my boat, where the bottom corner of the walk-thru windshield opens fully, there is a hole there filled with caulk.

I'm betting there is some sort of rubber type stop here, right? I need to get that replaced, as it looks like the windshield is over-extending itself as it sits in the open position, putting stress on the hinge and frame. Not to mention the windshield frame is just sitting right on the fiberglass!

If any of you can describe it, or show a picture, to help me replace it, that'd be great.

Thanks,

Tom
 
jk280 said:
Just purchased a 2007 280DA Sundancer with T-4.3 and Alpha one drives. New to this boat and engine flushing issues. Yesterday I bought the Mercury flush kits (44357T 2)


2) What should water psi be during flushing? I have the Smartcraft monitors.
3) Safe to do both engines at once as long as proper water pressure is maintained?
Jeff
Click to expand...

Jeff,

I have the same set up but a 2005. My boat is lift kept and I flush after every use. The water pressure on the the Smart Guage should read near or above 50psi. I usually start the motor in idle and after a minute or two I bring it up to 1000 rpms. After I get to operating temp I lower it back to idle for a few minutes, shut it down and do the next one. Flushing with the saltwater device should not impede water flow enough to make a difference.
 
Bucit said:
Jeff,

I have the same set up but a 2005. My boat is lift kept and I flush after every use. The water pressure on the the Smart Guage should read near or above 50psi. I usually start the motor in idle and after a minute or two I bring it up to 1000 rpms. After I get to operating temp I lower it back to idle for a few minutes, shut it down and do the next one. Flushing with the saltwater device should not impede water flow enough to make a difference.
Click to expand...
OMG...50?? At idle, mine is like 4-6:huh:
 
Glad I joined ClubSeaRay.com I appreciate everyone's help. Based on Floriduramax1's reply, I would say there is some difference of opinion between a psi of 50 and 4-6. Was 50 a typo?
 
Never had a chance to check back. Thanks for you help! I plan on getting a converter for the new season.
 
I have a 2005, 280DA with twin 5.0L and Bravo III's. When docked the swim platform is only an inch or two above the water line. This is my first crusier but it seems to sit awfully low in the water. Anyone else have this issue?
 
Micj81 said:
I have a 2005, 280DA with twin 5.0L and Bravo III's. When docked the swim platform is only an inch or two above the water line. This is my first crusier but it seems to sit awfully low in the water. Anyone else have this issue?
Click to expand...

I have a 2005 280DA as well, and that is how they sit. You can probably see it in my signature pic.
 
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Micj81 said:
I have a 2005, 280DA with twin 5.0L and Bravo III's. When docked the swim platform is only an inch or two above the water line. This is my first crusier but it seems to sit awfully low in the water. Anyone else have this issue?
Click to expand...
That is how they are. Depending on how much extra "stuff" you have onboard, they can be really low.
 
beerman said:
That is how they are. Depending on how much extra "stuff" you have onboard, they can be really low.
Click to expand...


This topic has been discussed before on this thread. I have a 2006 280 with 5.0s, AC, genset and closed water cooling. I sit very low in the water as you describe. Other than bottom of the swim platform getting dirty from sitting in the water and the increased blow hole effect there is no problem with the boat sitting low. It does make it easier to get onto the platform when swimming.
 
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