2004 Sundancer 280 Deal or no Deal?

K

KevinReston

New Member
Jan 30, 2007
54
Occoquan, VA
I am a long time "wanna be" boat owner that is about to take the plunge for the first time. I have narrowed it down to purchasing a 2004-2005 Sundancer 280. The one I'm looking at closely is a 2004 freshwater for $99500. It has: twin 4.3's 70 hours, windlass, 5kw generator, upgraded stereo, tv/dvd, ac/heat, spotlight, macerator, camper canvas, cockpit cover, electric stove and 18 months of extended warranty. It's just my wife and I and we plan to camp and feel this will be plenty big/equipped as a starter boat. The searay dealer/marina where my friend has bought/kept his last several Searays has this boat and sold it new originally and took it as a trade. My friend knows the boat and said the former owner babied it. The marina is full and by buying a boat through my relationship they are making room for me. I'm seeing prices all over the board for example a simialrly equipped 2005 for $99500 in MD (I'm in VA). The known history/service/relationship seem more important than the ultimate price. What do you all think??? Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome Kevin. Have you already negotiated the price down to 99,500? IMHO thats very high for a 2004. There are some 04 280's with generators and loaded like the one you are looking at for 77K (www.boats.com) and that's without haggling. Service records and the marina is very important but thats a big difference in price. Make sure you ask for service records on any boat you are looking at. Most 2004 280's seem to be in the mid 80K range. Make sure you get a survey done on any used boat you decide on. You should be able to knock off around 10 percent from what most brokers are asking. You are in the drivers seat in this market right now so take advantage of it. Have fun shopping, Brian
 
Try
http://www.boattraderonline.com/
for comparison. There were 77 listing for this boat nationwide and it's a buyers market. I always like to get to the point where they say "no I can't go that low" and then come back the next day and talk. They need to make money but they'll get you with service and slip fees over time.
 
Don't you know somebody that is a long time boater and can help you?
You can even do a professional survey with $1000,-

I think also that you can make a better deal, and if you look for help you still can buy a good boat

Peter
 
There are a lot of 2004 280DA on the market and several with generators. I personally think that price is WAY too high. I think you could do 20K better without even haggling. The generator will add cost for sure so make sure thats something you need and will use. Its nice that they'll make room for you if you do the deal through them. For 20K, thats the least they should do for you. Just my opinion...
 
Welcome to the board. :grin: It's a "Buyers" market out there. Shop around and see what the prices range for and go back to the dealership with a offer. Is it a brokered boat or did they take it in as a out right trade?
 
Kevin,

How long have you been looking at the 280s. Sounds like you are getting some good info already. IMHO I would keep looking like STIHLBOLTS said it is a buyers market.
 
Thanks for all the good advice and suggestions. This forum has been a great resource for me across the board.

Ive been able to work on the deal a little and subject to a sea trial I'm moving forward. At the end of the day i could get a cheaper boat but would have to give up: the marina where my friend and "boat mentor" is, a marina that only allows Searays (many people who will know boating and my boat), an onsite service center with 24/7 Searay technicians who've worked on my boat since day one, plus this particlular marina is in a county in VA w/ no personal property taxes (read BIG savings!!).

Trust me ive left more than my fair share of car dealers in tears :smt089 as I drive off the lot after almost stealing their cars (my friends have me negotiate their car deals for them). But 5 lexus/ford/ or whatever dealers in 10 square miles of eachother is a different supply demand equation/negotiation (which the posts here have helped me to understand).

The whole combo gives me peace of mind (warranty, relationships) even if I could save some money I'm sure I'd pay later.

Can you hear me talking myself into it?

Thanks again to all.
 
Kevin, Don't feel too bad for the poor car dealers that you stole the cars from. I can say with a lot of confidence that if there is a car dealer in your marina he will have the biggest, most expensive boat.
 
Kevin... you must be talking about PW Marina... Good people and very nice Marina and you will soon have that very nice private restaurant. Hope all goes well...
 
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