Prepping for a trip in our "new" 2004 280 SD

[roger275]

Wife Mary and I are buying a 2004 280 SD (see below) and hope to take it up the east coast within the next year; start at Florida and maybe go as far as Toronto where her brother lives.

We've got to decide how to get the boat to Florida from the TX coast. We'll probably get it trailered but could be persuaded to take the ICW if enough people say its worth the trip. If anyone has info about the gulf coast intracoastal and the Okeechobee waterway please comment.

Thanks!!
Roger

 

[Morpheus]

First off Nice boat.

Second you have there a 280 DA

DA = Sundancer
SD = Sundeck

 

[gerryb]

Welcome to the board and I'm pleased to tell you that you have bought a wonderful boat with a great following on this board. The 280 is the longest-running production model Sea Ray has offered (at least unofficially). A testament to it's success on the water and in the marketplace.


I generally would try to talk you out of a long trip at this point. I would like to know the boat and its characteristics before taking such a long trip. Are you an experienced boater who has made similar runs in the past? A long trip like that has a lot of risks should something go wrong with the mechanicals of the boat. Get her hauled over to Florida and enjoy the rest of the year there. Not sure about the trip up to Toronto either but you can worry about THAT next year...

Also, you may want to post your engine/drive config on your signature.

EDIT
Regarding the gas situation, see posts below. 100 gallons is not a lot but suitable for cruises on the ICW where there are many places to refill. We have done a cruise on the ocean from Atlantic City to Ocean City, Maryland - about 3.5 hours on the water. At cruise speed burning 18-20 GPH, 4 hours is about as far as you can go without refueling. For the kind of boating we do (ie. not off-shore, deep-sea fishing) 100 gallons is OK.

 

[Presentation]

Can you back out of the deal?

I am a 280 Sundancer fan, obviously, as I own one.

Even being a strong 280 Sundancer supporter, I would be fast to point out its #1 weakness, range.

The 280 Sundancer is a short range cruiser, emphasis on the word short.

Even with economical cruising we are talking about a boat that will need fuel after traveling less than 100 miles. Remember the rule, 1/3rd out, 1/3rd back, 1/3rd in reserve.

If you plan on an ICW trip I would suggest you look at boats that carry more fuel.

If you are drawn to Sea Ray’s and are seeking a boat that has a LOA with platform of about 31 feet like the 280 Sundancer you may want to look at the 290 Amberjack. A 2008 290 Amberjack can carry 250 gallons of fuel versus 100 gallons in the 280 Sundancer.

If you cannot get out of this deal I would look into adding a spare fuel tank. Heck, I am not considering an ICW trip and I’m considering it.

 

[Sea Gull]

1/3rd out, 1/3rd back, 1/3rd in reserve is a non issue on most sections of the Atlantic Coast ICW. If you are going offshore, yes, but on the ICW you will never be far from a fuel dock (or at least a tow boat).

If Presentation is right - that the boat will go 100 miles on a third of a tank, then you have a range of over 200 miles AT CRUISE SPEED with plenty to spare. On the ICW there will be many miles of no wake zones which means your crusing range will increase. On the Erie Canal, for example, you are limited to 10mph much of the way.

It's great to dream!

 

[PMC]

1/3rd out, 1/3rd back, 1/3rd in reserve is a non issue on most sections of the Atlantic Coast ICW. If you are going offshore, yes, but on the ICW you will never be far from a fuel dock (or at least a tow boat).

If Presentation is right - that the boat will go 100 miles on a third of a tank, then you have a range of over 200 miles AT CRUISE SPEED with plenty to spare. On the ICW there will be many miles of no wake zones which means your crusing range will increase. On the Erie Canal, for example, you are limited to 10mph much of the way.

It's great to dream!

I'd kill for that kind or range. Engines aside (not sure if his is equip with T8's) the general MPG is around 1.5. IMO 120 miles you better know where the next gas dock is.

50 - 75 gallons more would be ideal.

 

[Presentation]

....If Presentation is right - that the boat will go 100 miles on a third of a tank, then you have a range of over 200 miles AT CRUISE SPEED with plenty to spare........

The range is not 100 miles x 3, its about 100 miles total.


Per the Sea Ray website:
2008 280 Sundancer:
Fuel Capacity : 100 gal / 378.5 L
Usable Fuel : 90 gal / 340 L

I don’t know what they mean by usable fuel. I have added 97 gallons one time. You bet I was sweating worrying I was going to run out.

OK, lets say 100 gallons.

Even if you are not heading ‘out to see’ and are only trying to determine maximum safe range, a 90% of fuel available would be considered a aggressive number.

We do not know the above posters engine set up. The stern looks low so I’m assuming this boat does not have the single, it has twins. So I’m going to use my numbers since I have twins.

I average 1.37 MPG, after 2 full seasons. However sometimes its worse like in bad weather.
Lets assume he only has good weather.

So 90% of 100 gallons = 90 gallons x 1.37 MPG = 123 mile maximum range, and that’s an aggressive extimate in my opinion. I would not intentionally plan a trip of 123 miles without a fuel stop in this boat.

Isn’t it 168 miles of open water from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs?

Again, I like the 280 Sundancer. If I were planning an ICW trip it would not be my boat of choice for several reasons, range being #1. I think I’d pick a long range cruiser, likely a diesel with inboard(s).

 

[Presentation]

I’d also give up some newness and gizmos for a bit more space.

If the posters budget is at the price point of a 2008 280 Sundancer I’d recommend stepping back a few years and getting a economy brand, slightly larger long range cruiser like a 34’ Manship.

 

[everthing's irie]

A long trip up ICW is just a bunch short trips put together.:grin:

Sounds like fun. If your comfortable with your boating skills and plan well, I bet you'll have a great time.:smt001

 

[SearayPaul]

I met a fellow last week that has done all of the great loop in a 270 Rinker with his wife. He only had fuel problems once on the Missisippi. His website is www.Cruisingthegreatloop.com Go for it if you have the experince.

 

[gerryb]

I met a fellow last week that has done all of the great loop in a 270 Rinker with his wife. He only had fuel problems once on the Missisippi. His website is www.Cruisingthegreatloop.com Go for it if you have the experince.

Cool site!
$8K for gas, $3K for marinas. Not bad at all...

 

[Pilot]

In my opinion, and having owned one, the 280 will fit the bill for the trip. Yes it is a short range gas tank, so be prepared. For me, the main consideration here would be the size of the boat from a comfort standpoint. Think about the living area that you wll be confined to for several weeks worth of sleeping, eating, etc. Next is the comfort of a 28 footer in rough seas that can come up quickly on open water or in the chesapeake areas.

Now more than ever is a great time to get the most for your money when buying a used or new boat. Larger is definitely better and a used 340 DA would likely be much more comfortable.

 

[roger275]

Thanks to all for the comments about our ICW cruise (not 'til next spring). I absolutely plan to find safe way to add at least aux 50 gallon tank.

Paul, thanks for the link to the "Great Loop" site. It's a confidence booster.

Roger