New to the boat scene. South FL

Capt

New Member
Nov 2, 2021
9
Boat Info
280 Sundancer 2001
Engines
Mercruiser
Hello!

My name is Sean, new to the boating scene! I'm glad I came across a forum dedicated to SeaRays.

I have a 2004 Sea Ray Sundancer 280 (31ft with the extended swim platform). Located in Miami on a dry slip.

Boat came with an oil leak which was just fixed. Working on the generator, 1 trim tab that's not functioning and black water plumbing.

The sea trail was good though so I'm very excited to hit the water soon.

I'm hoping any members can throw any knowledge this way on what to keep an eye on. I have to get some better photos but I'll attach what I have so far. (I was more excited of the purchase than actually taking photos :cool:)
 

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congrats - are you keeping it at tnt? keystone point next door is a good spot too, i used to keep my 300 there - you're real close to haulover sandbar and a short trot to bimini or the keys for weekend fun!
 
Welcome from Idaho! Good-looking boat you got there. You'll find a lot of good people here full of helpful info.
 
congrats - are you keeping it at tnt? keystone point next door is a good spot too, i used to keep my 300 there - you're real close to haulover sandbar and a short trot to bimini or the keys for weekend fun!

HAHA yes! It is at TNT

While on the sea trial I had to go through the haulover inlet (thankfully it was calm day.) For anyone not familiar with the inlet, if you have an Instagram search for a page called "Hauloverinlet" you will see just how treacherous it can get.
 
Congratulations on your new to you 280DA. We had an 03 280DA for 13 years. These are great boats. I am glad to see you are dry stacking the boat. BTW I have a brand new aft canvas for the 280DA in toast if you need one. It is not the camper canvas. Good Luck with I hope you can get her all sorted out.
 
Welcome to the game... Hope to see you in Bimini when you are ready to cross let us know. What is the boat name?
 
Welcome!

If it’s wet slipped in salt make sure you do your preventative maintenance on the outdrive(s) on a regular schedule.

Watch for stray electrical in your marina. Can cause electrolysis.
 
HAHA yes! It is at TNT

While on the sea trial I had to go through the haulover inlet (thankfully it was calm day.) For anyone not familiar with the inlet, if you have an Instagram search for a page called "Hauloverinlet" you will see just how treacherous it can get.

Just stay away from it on an outgoing tide and you'll be fine - did you name your boat yet?
 
Congratulations on your new to you 280DA. We had an 03 280DA for 13 years. These are great boats. I am glad to see you are dry stacking the boat. BTW I have a brand new aft canvas for the 280DA in toast if you need one. It is not the camper canvas. Good Luck with I hope you can get her all sorted out.
If it's not a bother and if it's available, send a photo over. I'll check it out
 
Welcome to the game... Hope to see you in Bimini when you are ready to cross let us know. What is the boat name?
I can't wait to hear to bimini. Do you know how long it would take on a flat morning?

Still working on a name. This is a must right? For legality purposes?
 
I can't wait to hear to bimini. Do you know how long it would take on a flat morning?

Still working on a name. This is a must right? For legality purposes?

name is only a must if documented

it will take you 2hrs or so from haulover - about the same as running to key largo - but be prepared.....no where to pull over half way there....
 
Welcome!

If it’s wet slipped in salt make sure you do your preventative maintenance on the outdrive(s) on a regular schedule.

Watch for stray electrical in your marina. Can cause electrolysis.
Actually one thing lined up is a major cleaning of the haul. Thankfully there's a service partner that they use for boat cleaning. Guy looks like he does a good job. I was quoted $1000 which includes 2/3 haul passes and sealer. Seats and interior cleaned. Also mold remediation (which is my area of business btw)

For what it is, sounds like a decent deal
 
HAHA yes! It is at TNT

While on the sea trial I had to go through the haulover inlet (thankfully it was calm day.) For anyone not familiar with the inlet, if you have an Instagram search for a page called "Hauloverinlet" you will see just how treacherous it can get.
All of the Florida East coast inlets sans Gov Cut, Port Everglades, Lake Worth, Cape Canaveral, and St Johns can be challenging in dealing with the currents. I've seen the Lake Worth inlet really mixed up also but that is my bad weather crossing from the Bahamas destination. Always plan to use these inlets if inexperienced at slack tide; slack tide is different than high or low tide BTW. Weather plays a huge roll in the condition of the inlets also. Consequently, I always plan enough fuel to get to Gov Cut, Port Everglades, or the Lake Worth inlet as a backup when in the So. Fl. areas.
 
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Hi Sean....I'd also like to welcome you to CSR. I'm not sure if you are an experienced boater or not but keep in mind that heading offshore requires serious attention to safety. It is no joke if you head offshore and your boat is unreliable, you are unaware of the weather forecast, you don't realize that crossing the gulfstream can be treacherous, you haven't any idea about fuel consumption, use of VHF radios, navigating, ditch bags, EPIRB's, flares, life vests and a whole lot of other unforeseen situations. You also may want to consider your first offshore trip with another boat. Lastly, crossing an international boundary requires proper registration, documentation and other paperwork. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer but too many times inexperience leads to tragedy. Perhaps this is information that you or anyone else reading this can use.
 
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Look up chit show on YouTube for boating In Myami. Good luck hermano. Remember to bring the AR. :eek:
 

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