The official 2009 270DA ~ 2010 280DA thread

Yeah, Steve your right! Closed yesterday, walked out a lot lighter in the wallet. It was strange to finalize and walk out empty handed.
 
It looks like the group is growing a little larger as the months progress. Welcome new guys to the smallest boat category thread on CSR...:)

The best part of our thread is everything is new and a discovery. So Far my only challenge has been the dreaded out drive fluid burp and the low fluid alarm. Air bubble at 7 hours it took the fill bottle down to '0" good idea to keep a full bottle on bard to keep it topped off. Knock on fiberglass.

Let's see now, we have a couple of white ones, My blue one, a black one, do we have pewter in the group yet?

Spot
 
The extended swim deack for a dink is a great idea, we had a bigger one on our past 260DA. If anybody finds a reasonable source, please pass it on.

Scott
 
I'm sure I will be flooding the forum next year when she is put in the water, but until then it is just payments and pics!:smt089
 
Camper top?

How easy is the camper to put in place? How long does it take to put up?
 
On a warm day they go up fairly easly, however if it is cold it can be tougher since the plastic windows do not like to stretch. The tighter the better as long as you can zip and snap everything. our last boat the canvas was way too loose and did not shed water as well as this one. the boat before that one was a hardtop and of course that was the best.

Spot

Spot
 
Hi All! New to the forums and boating. Picked up a 2010 280DA in July. Had a great summer with it. Still have a couple of issues to work out, nothing major but frustrating.

First: The dealer scratched the dash panel when putting in my Garmin 740s and it's still not fixed. They say they are going to re-surface it this off-season? Can that even be done?

Second: I have the filler cushin option to make a larger sunpad in the cockpit area. When I took delivery, there was a white Starboard piece the sat on top of the teak table and the cushins and Starboard piece had velcro to hold the cushins in place. The velcro and Starboard did not lign up though. The dealer after looking at it many times is now telling me that the Starboard piece was not for my boat and they don't know how it got there. They are saying that the 280 does not come with any piece at all. The cushions just sit on the teak table with nothing to hold or support them. That just dosen't make sense. Why is there velcro on the bottom of the cushions then and when your sitting on the sunpad, they don't stay in place.

Can anyone help shed a little light on this for me?

Thanks
 
I didn't even know there was a option to extend the cockpit sunpad and it's certainly not listed as an option in the official Sea Ray docs. What is your cockpit table like? Is it folding like the standard one or different?

As for the dash, the faux mahogany panel is actually screwed on and can be replaced. It can't be refinished since it's not wood; I believe it's plastic.

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
GBSRay said:
Hi All! New to the forums and boating. Picked up a 2010 280DA in July. Had a great summer with it. Still have a couple of issues to work out, nothing major but frustrating.

First: The dealer scratched the dash panel when putting in my Garmin 740s and it's still not fixed. They say they are going to re-surface it this off-season? Can that even be done?

Second: I have the filler cushin option to make a larger sunpad in the cockpit area. When I took delivery, there was a white Starboard piece the sat on top of the teak table and the cushins and Starboard piece had velcro to hold the cushins in place. The velcro and Starboard did not lign up though. The dealer after looking at it many times is now telling me that the Starboard piece was not for my boat and they don't know how it got there. They are saying that the 280 does not come with any piece at all. The cushions just sit on the teak table with nothing to hold or support them. That just dosen't make sense. Why is there velcro on the bottom of the cushions then and when your sitting on the sunpad, they don't stay in place.

Can anyone help shed a little light on this for me?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I would love to see a pictue of your expanded filler cushin. I am having a hard time getting a visual on it. As earlier noted they will just replace that piece.. piece of cake, job done.

Glad that you enjoy your boat, we sure like ours. There are always a few tweaks to be done with a new boat.

Scott
 
My 2010 280 DA has the teak cockpit table with sunpad option. There is a plastic, hinged pad that has velcro strips to hold the filler cushion. I place a towel between the table and plastic pad because I don't want to scratch the table.

Does anyone know where the dedicated storage is for the cockpit table? I'm stowing it loose under the transom seat.

I also have the garmin 740s. I really like the unit, and want to install a nema 2000 backbone kit to link the smartcraft data into the garmin. Has anyone else had experience with this? My marina has never done it.
 
winnipesaukee280da said:
My 2010 280 DA has the teak cockpit table with sunpad option. There is a plastic, hinged pad that has velcro strips to hold the filler cushion. I place a towel between the table and plastic pad because I don't want to scratch the table.

Does anyone know where the dedicated storage is for the cockpit table? I'm stowing it loose under the transom seat.

I also have the garmin 740s. I really like the unit, and want to install a nema 2000 backbone kit to link the smartcraft data into the garmin. Has anyone else had experience with this? My marina has never done it.
Click to expand...

I guess they added the sunpad option for the table for 2010. My 270/280 didn't have that option... I assume that you have a shorter pole for the sunpad. In either case the storage area for the teak table is in the port side of the lounger. You will see that the bottom fiberglass is molded to fit the table when folded; it only goes in one way. Also there should be rubber holders for the pole(s) as well.

As for connecting SmartCraft, it cannot be connected directly. You require a gateway; the new Merc Monitor does have a NEMA 2000 connection but it has to replace one of the gauges. Besides this info, I don't how how this gauge will work with the existing SmartCraft network as the Sea Ray's SmartCraft are a custom layout w/ gauges. I heard of it being done and I too considered to connect the SmartCraft to my chartplotter (Raymarine C70) but the expense outweighed its usefulness.

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
winnipesaukee280da said:
My 2010 280 DA has the teak cockpit table with sunpad option. There is a plastic, hinged pad that has velcro strips to hold the filler cushion. I place a towel between the table and plastic pad because I don't want to scratch the table.

Does anyone know where the dedicated storage is for the cockpit table? I'm stowing it loose under the transom seat.

I also have the garmin 740s. I really like the unit, and want to install a nema 2000 backbone kit to link the smartcraft data into the garmin. Has anyone else had experience with this? My marina has never done it.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply. Can you check for a part number on the white plastic hinged piece? Intersting, the dealer tells me nothing is supposed to go there. They just sit on the table. No common sence.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing with the 740s, my dealer too has no experience doing that.

Glen
 
Re: Camper top?

mpk19 said:
How easy is the camper to put in place? How long does it take to put up?
Click to expand...

I know this is a little late in responding (new to this forum) but had to comment.

We're on our second Sea Ray (04 280DA) our first was a 225. Both have (had) camper package. We use ours all season as the cover. Keeps bugs, rain and cold (during the fall) out. anyway...

We had a monstrous time getting canvas up on the 225 and after a year of fighting with it, I found in our kit from the dealer a video on installing the pieces. After watching that we are now pros and have no problem with the 280. (Although yes, it's much easier when they are warm.) I HIGHLY recommend watching it if you have one... if not there might be one somewhere online. Basically they say to snap the snaps, hook the zippers and only close an inch or so each piece. Once all the zippers are connected you can close them all at once for a tighter fit.
 
Re: Camper top?

Thanks for the reply. I will have to check for the video when I get my owner's packet. Unfortunately, that won't be until spring.
 
BC Sea Ray! said:
...snip... Our boat also has the optional bow thruster, although not a necessity in a boat this size it has been very helpful when docking. It makes the boat VERY maneuverable. ... snip... Also has anyone found a good davit system that extends the brackets off the stern to allow reasonable access along the integrated swim platform with a dinghy in place?
Click to expand...

Hi,

It's now winter and now dreams of summer are running through my head. The one conclusion I've come to is that I'll be the only "crew", as the Admiral is afraid being anywhere on the boat except in the cabin. This means that I have to set things up for a single person crew. My three hurdles are 1) docking stern first... which is a real ***** with a sterndrive in wind and close quarters. 2) Having to move around the boat, to put fenders out or in, stow lines, etc., while underway (at idle and drifting). 3) Being able to get to shore if the need arises; no place to dock.

The first item I was thinking of doing is installing a bow thruster. Obviously a big ticket item but I was looking for the in & outs. Since you mentioned that you have the optional bow thruster, can you describe it; i.e. the wiring?, location of extra battery?, battery charger? Any details would be helpful. So far I'm leaning towards a Vetus thruster with a 12V AGM battery + switch in the v-berth compartment. I'm curious whether I can use my existing battery charger or will require another one...

The second item can be solved with an autopilot. This is an *interesting* challenge since there's a lot that I'm familar with. So far I'm looking at a Raymarine X-5 Sport Pilot as the Mercruiser power assisted steering does not lend itself to autopilots. I'm having a ***** of a time trying to find information regarding this.

The last item has already begun since the addition I've made (got it for Christmas) is a Zodiac 240 Cadet Aero with a 4HP Merc. Of course, this is a very small inflatable (but can carry 3 people/640 lbs) but I'm only getting it for emergencies/utility (aka get to shore in a pinch). I've already downed my batteries where I might have not been able to start even my generator. My plan is to install Weaver davits (that standoff) and have it past the swim platform (making it still accessible).

Any ideas, comments, opinions?

Cheers,
Ed
 
So with Febuary around the corner, it's time to get cracking on some spring commissioning projects. Here is my short (or long, it's all the same :grin:) list of projects:

Tender Install -- Zodiac 240 Cadet Airlite tender with a 4 HP Mercruiser outboard. I bought this for a specific reason; in case of emergency (boat dead in the water) or no dockage. Since I'm on a very busy canal (during the prime vacation time), there will come a time where only anchorage is available. In either case, this means I need something to get to shore and this is it.

Why a 240 Cadet Airlite? Won't it be too small? How are you going to attach it to a 270/280? These are the key questions that I asked myself. The answers are 1) because a 240 Cadet Airlite weighs only 60 lbs, folds up small, 7'11" LOA x 5'1" BOA means that it's not sticking out beyond my boat's beam and I can see over it. 2) It has a max. capacity of 640 lbs or 3 passengers which doesn't seem small on paper; the reality is that it'll be small. However, I'm not using for anything except when the need arises. 3) Lastly, I'm planning to attach it via Weaver davits. Specifically, I'm looking at the davits that quick disconnect and extend out and down from the swim platform as the 270/280's platform is quite high out of the water.

AutoPilot Install -- Raymarine SmartPilot X-5 with a ST70 control head. This is the only [Raymarine] autopilot that I came across that'll work; and was recommended by Raymarine themselves. The reason being that the 270/280 power assisted steering is incompatible with the autopilot drive units and Sea Ray installed a Teleflex non-feedback helm. Upgrading to full hydralic helm would be too expensive. The bonus is that the X-5 is an easy install from the looks of things.

MercMonitor and wiring upgrade -- I'm planning to replace my Smartcraft system tach (with Smart Tow) with a MercMonitor (single engine, smart troll/tow). Why? Since I'll be messing around with the helm, I want to put in a NMEA 0183 junction box (to clean up wiring; outputs DSC, ACU), a multiplexer for the chartplotter (inputs compass, DSC), SeaTalk 3 way junction box (I/O for GPS, autopilot), and a SeaTalk 2 to NMEA 2000 connection to the MercMonitor for engine data on the chartplotter.

Thrusters -- See the thread http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39298 for more...

Obviously I'll be posting more about the above (like a wiring diagram, costs, etc.) later... :thumbsup: Food for thought and comments/suggestion/questions welcome.

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
Last edited:
Kaoru said:
MercMonitor and wiring upgrade -- I'm planning to replace my Smartcraft system tach (with Smart Tow) with a MercMonitor (single engine, smart troll/tow). Why? Since I'll be messing around with the helm, I want to put in a NMEA 0183 junction box (to clean up wiring; outputs DSC, ACU), a multiplexer for the chartplotter (inputs compass, DSC), SeaTalk 3 way junction box (I/O for GPS, autopilot), and a SeaTalk 2 to NMEA 2000 connection to the MercMonitor for engine data on the chartplotter.
Click to expand...

I can't wait to hear what your experience is with the Mercmonitor. It is also on my list of upgrades this year. I Plan to use it to tie in with my Lowrance HDS7 in to receive Smartcraft Data. Although mine with be the twin engine variant, I am certain the connections and configuration will be very similiar. I am also looking forward to the Eco-Screen functions.
 
Hello Kaoru,

After a long, long winter it looks like the snow and ice are almost gone for good and this is the first time I have looked at the forum for a long time! I see that you have been very busy.

I took a little time to read your posts regarding the thruster in the other forum. Based on our experience with the factory bow thruster I would highly recommend it as it quickly gives you control over the bow in those challenging wind and current situations you are describing. It works well in conjunction with the single drive.

When you are at the helm it should help to get your boat where you want and keep it there, however since you are doing a "solo" you know that will only last as long as you have swift feet to get you on the dock and tying up!

We also dock stern in with the finger on our starboard side. What my wife and I have found works the best is that usually I drop her off on the end of our finger. I then take some time to get the boat nice and straight and then slowly back in. I use the thruster to nudge the bow over if needed.

I then toss a line attached to our mid cleat to my wife, and depending on conditions she either holds the boat steady and then attaches the appropriate lines or I pop off and attach them. It has worked well for us. We have also had some good luck and great "neighbours" who lend a hand on those nasty days when weather unexpectedly gets ugly.

We also invested in some great fenders and dock edge; it is a small price to pay for a little extra peace of mind. I'm not sure why more people don’t spend a few hundred extra dollars and install GOOD dock edge.

As far as our set up, the thruster is located in the compartment on the floor of the V berth. Unfortunately I don’t have access to the boat to take pictures or be any more specific regarding wiring. As I recall the wiring diagrams in the factory manuals showed these details so you should have them in your package.

We are going to probably take our boat out of storage in the next four weeks or so depending on weather, I would be happy to post any pictures or info then. However it sounds like you will have your project complete by then!

Regards,

BC Sea Ray!

Kaoru said:
Hi,

It's now winter and now dreams of summer are running through my head. The one conclusion I've come to is that I'll be the only "crew", as the Admiral is afraid being anywhere on the boat except in the cabin. This means that I have to set things up for a single person crew. My three hurdles are 1) docking stern first... which is a real ***** with a sterndrive in wind and close quarters. 2) Having to move around the boat, to put fenders out or in, stow lines, etc., while underway (at idle and drifting). 3) Being able to get to shore if the need arises; no place to dock.

The first item I was thinking of doing is installing a bow thruster. Obviously a big ticket item but I was looking for the in & outs. Since you mentioned that you have the optional bow thruster, can you describe it; i.e. the wiring?, location of extra battery?, battery charger? Any details would be helpful. So far I'm leaning towards a Vetus thruster with a 12V AGM battery + switch in the v-berth compartment. I'm curious whether I can use my existing battery charger or will require another one...

The second item can be solved with an autopilot. This is an *interesting* challenge since there's a lot that I'm familar with. So far I'm looking at a Raymarine X-5 Sport Pilot as the Mercruiser power assisted steering does not lend itself to autopilots. I'm having a ***** of a time trying to find information regarding this.

The last item has already begun since the addition I've made (got it for Christmas) is a Zodiac 240 Cadet Aero with a 4HP Merc. Of course, this is a very small inflatable (but can carry 3 people/640 lbs) but I'm only getting it for emergencies/utility (aka get to shore in a pinch). I've already downed my batteries where I might have not been able to start even my generator. My plan is to install Weaver davits (that standoff) and have it past the swim platform (making it still accessible).

Any ideas, comments, opinions?

Cheers,
Ed
Click to expand...
 
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