Official 280 Sundancer Thread

jason78 said:
I am using the AC 41-993 Iridium Plugs as well. 41-993 is the recommended plug at least for the V8s. I honestly don't see any reason not to use the Merc recommended plug.
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I used the same 41-993 iridium plugs on my V6's last year. Not too pricey at AutoZone.
 
masilobes said:
It's a e14 bulb but when you try to order one in led most sites say it's replaced by an e15. I just ordered 2 and its not right. E15 is a smaller base. When you find one post it.

Sent from my VTAB1008 using Tapatalk
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Didn't somebody find an adapter to fit a more common base size? I think I remember reading about it on here, just can't find it.
 
Hello everyone.

This is my very first post, so please forgive me if I hosed this up...

I read this entire thread about 6 months ago and just finished rereading it for the second time. There is some really great information on this forum and I am happy to have found this enormous source of information. Thank you!

I am currently overseas, but I will be traveling home to Florida March 15th. Upon returning, I will begin my search for a Sundancer 280. I believe this will be the perfect boat for my family (wife and 4 children). l look forward to involving all of you in my search for the perfect boat.
 
Hi Flash,

Welcome aboard. We love our 280, but we're almost retired.....even with 4 small kids, a 280 may be too small unless you plan to move up in a year, or so. Older Sea Rays are both larger and available at lower price points. Something to consider.

Henry
 
Henry Boyd said:
Hi Flash,

Welcome aboard. We love our 280, but we're almost retired.....even with 4 small kids, a 280 may be too small unless you plan to move up in a year, or so. Older Sea Rays are both larger and available at lower price points. Something to consider.

Henry
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Hi Henry,

Thanks for your recommendation. You're right, I would rather go a little bigger, but unfortunately when I built my dock/lift in the back yard, the biggest (because of the beam) and heaviest I can have is the Sundancer 280. I could rebuild the lift/dock, but I would rather spend the extra money on a newer/nicer 280DA if you know what I mean.

I am looking for a 2003 - 2006 Sundancer 280. I have seen a few out there that have my interest peaked, but everything always looks a little different when seen in person.

Every time we use our current boat, the Admiral always tells me, "we need a bigger boat". She has worn me down and I am finally ready to spend a little money. The last few weeks I have been overseas and contemplating this purchase, I feel like a kid on Christmas day. I am very excited about it, especially since I have the seal of approval from the Admiral.
 
Green Flash said:
I am looking for a 2003 - 2006 Sundancer 280.
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Any reason you are limiting yourself to these years? The layout was the same through 2009 so you are likely to get one in better condition if you go newer. Price might be higher but we're not talking about huge price difference between '06 to '09.

You already have the admiral's approval....what's a few more bucks? :smt001
 
Tonka Boater said:
Any reason you are limiting yourself to these years? The layout was the same through 2009 so you are likely to get one in better condition if you go newer. Price might be higher but we're not talking about huge price difference between '06 to '09.

You already have the admiral's approval....what's a few more bucks? :smt001
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Hello Tonka,

You pretty much hit the nail on the head... I would love a newer boat, but it’s purely price driven. Like most of us, I really want all the bells and whistles, (twin 4.3’s, generator, spot light, windlass, blue hull, factory stereo upgrade, cherry wood, camper canvas, LOW hours and near perfect condition) but don't want to pay much to get them. I am hoping to find that needle in the haystack.
 
Green Flash said:
Hello Tonka,

You pretty much hit the nail on the head... I would love a newer boat, but it’s purely price driven. Like most of us, I really want all the bells and whistles, (twin 4.3’s, generator, spot light, windlass, blue hull, factory stereo upgrade, cherry wood, camper canvas, LOW hours and near perfect condition) but don't want to pay much to get them. I am hoping to find that needle in the haystack.
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Mine has all that and much more except the blue hull! I elected no on the blue hull due to heat and maintenance.
 
floriduramax1 said:
Mine has all that and much more except the blue hull! I elected no on the blue hull due to heat and maintenance.
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Hello Floridurmax1,

I have looked at many of your posts and you have a great looking boat!

The blue hull is not a must have on the list, because I would prefer no bottom paint, but I love the way they look. The plan will be to continue having my new boat detailed every 3 months. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do it myself, although I would love doing it. Do you feel that would take care of the maintenance of the blue hull or is there some other reason I should steer clear of it?
 
floriduramax1 said:
Mine has all that and much more except the blue hull! I elected no on the blue hull due to heat and maintenance.
Click to expand...

Green Flash said:
Hello Floridurmax1,

I have looked at many of your posts and you have a great looking boat!

The blue hull is not a must have on the list, because I would prefer no bottom paint, but I love the way they look. The plan will be to continue having my new boat detailed every 3 months. Unfortunately I don't have the time to do it myself, although I would love doing it. Do you feel that would take care of the maintenance of the blue hull or is there some other reason I should steer clear of it?
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The Blue Hull is not that much more maintenance wise. I have had one for nearly 3 years. I was a little scared at first too because of what some people were saying but found it to be much different. I don't wax any more or less than the folks at my dock that have a white hull. If you are someone that does not regularly maintain though, a Blue (or any colored) hull will show neglect far more soon than a white hull, mainly because the oxidation is easier to see. Also, water spots can be an issue but are lessened by keeping it waxed and washed regularly. Some people hose it down after going out. No different than a Black car really, they look great when you maintain them like you should however if you don't maintain them they will show it sooner than a lighter colored car.

Bottom line, if it was the right boat at the right price, I would not object to having a Blue boat again. Many of the crusiers my dealer has ordered the past 5 years or so have been some color other than white as well so that seems to be the trend, at least in my area.
 
jason78 said:
The Blue Hull is not that much more maintenance wise. I have had one for nearly 3 years. I was a little scared at first too because of what some people were saying but found it to be much different. I don't wax any more or less than the folks at my dock that have a white hull. If you are someone that does not regularly maintain though, a Blue (or any colored) hull will show neglect far more soon than a white hull, mainly because the oxidation is easier to see. Also, water spots can be an issue but are lessened by keeping it waxed and washed regularly. Some people hose it down after going out. No different than a Black car really, they look great when you maintain them like you should however if you don't maintain them they will show it sooner than a lighter colored car.

Bottom line, if it was the right boat at the right price, I would not object to having a Blue boat again. Many of the crusiers my dealer has ordered the past 5 years or so have been some color other than white as well so that seems to be the trend, at least in my area.
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I have had about every color on a boat and I can tell you, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER COLORED HULL!! They are beautiful when clean, but after just a few minutes in the salt water it looks terrible with the salt spray...imho When I was looking it was important to find one with no bottom paint as well. I trailer mine a lot. Also bottom paint can mask some very serious injuries...
 
I have two blue hulled boats. The one trailered and garaged is hosed down and wiped dry after every use. Shines beautifully, no oxidation and has never been compounded or even waxed in its 3 years. The slipped boat gets a compound/wax once a year. It was last done Oct/2011 and sat in a slip all winter. Has yet to be washed since Oct/2011. Up close you can see some oxidation patches and some water spots. From any distance that another boater on the water would see it, it looks clean and shiny.
 
what size sheets does everyone use for the front and rear berths. i looked into custom sheets... but i cant see myself spending that kinda $!! any suggestions?
 
I have a 2002 280 for sale with 300 hrs on one motor and 20 on the starboard side (was replaced last year). Only asking $42k for mine. It's located on the Potomac River in Woodbridge VA. PM me for more info. It also has brand new black Sunbrella canvas too.
 
We just had twin boys in Jan so the boat has to go. Diapers and formula costs more than filling up the boat!
 
Green Flash said:
Hi Henry,

Thanks for your recommendation. You're right, I would rather go a little bigger, but unfortunately when I built my dock/lift in the back yard, the biggest (because of the beam) and heaviest I can have is the Sundancer 280. I could rebuild the lift/dock, but I would rather spend the extra money on a newer/nicer 280DA if you know what I mean.

I am looking for a 2003 - 2006 Sundancer 280. I have seen a few out there that have my interest peaked, but everything always looks a little different when seen in person.

Every time we use our current boat, the Admiral always tells me, "we need a bigger boat". She has worn me down and I am finally ready to spend a little money. The last few weeks I have been overseas and contemplating this purchase, I feel like a kid on Christmas day. I am very excited about it, especially since I have the seal of approval from the Admiral.
Click to expand...

Hi Green Flash, I live on the other side of the bay from Apollo Beach. I had the problem, my lift was set up for a 280 max and I didn't want to spend the extra money at this time to redo it. The colored hulls are nice but one thing to remember is with our low tides you are bound to scrape a few barnacles on the docks. The colored hulls show every little scratch and scape and are hard to match the color after a few years due to fading / oxidation. Even if it's waxed a few times a year the Florida sun will fade it. Good luck on your search and hopefully we'll se you out at Beer Can Island this summer!
 
scootdogg said:
what size sheets does everyone use for the front and rear berths. i looked into custom sheets... but i cant see myself spending that kinda $!! any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I got fitted sheets for both berths from this place last year: http://www.qualitycustomlinens.com/. We just use a queen flat in the aft and a king flat in the V on top...probably could get away without the fitted sheets and just use the flat sheets top and bottom.

The quality was very good. I would ask them to be a couple inches bigger in each dimension if I did it again.
 
Bucit said:
Hi Green Flash, I live on the other side of the bay from Apollo Beach. I had the problem, my lift was set up for a 280 max and I didn't want to spend the extra money at this time to redo it. The colored hulls are nice but one thing to remember is with our low tides you are bound to scrape a few barnacles on the docks. The colored hulls show every little scratch and scape and are hard to match the color after a few years due to fading / oxidation. Even if it's waxed a few times a year the Florida sun will fade it. Good luck on your search and hopefully we'll se you out at Beer Can Island this summer!
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Hi Bucit,

Thanks. Good points.

I am flying home this Friday and I plan on heading to Beer Can Island on Saturday. The kids love spending the day out there.

I hope to be looking at an 03, Sundancer in Palmetto this Sunday. It does not have a colored hull. I'll let everyone know what the Admiral and I thought.
 
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