2019 SeaRay 280 SLX or 2016 SeaRay 350 Sundancer

[Ansky0007]

I am new to the site and just wanted to see everyone's opinion. We have had pontoon's in the past and mostly just hang out on the bay but I wanted to move up to a newer and bigger boat with a head because while entertaining family and friends someone always has to go to the restroom.

I ended up deciding on a new 2019 SeaRay 280 SLX because the available room for guests was great and I loved the feel and look of the 280 SLX but we are still weeks from delivery so of course I have been doubting my purchase while I still have some time. I came across a used 2016 SeaRay Sundancer and while there is not close to the room up top having room down below could be beneficial for some short weekend trips.

I am in NJ and I plan to use the boat every weekend during the summer but really just don't know if spending more money for the few small trips I might take to Atlantic City or Massachusetts if I get the Sundancer would make sense instead of sticking with the 280 SLX?

 

[Ididntdoit]

Buying a cruiser and taking trips is like entering a whole new world.......sounds like you enjoy day boating - I would stick with the SLX

 

[paulswagelock]

I had cruisers for 20 years and have switched to large day boats (on number 3 now).
For the way we use the boat, the large day boat just makes more sense. We almost never stayed on the cruiser. So, 90% of the time we used the boat, 50% of the boat was wasted space. Hence - on my third day boat.

 

[Ansky0007]

I had cruisers for 20 years and have switched to large day boats (on number 3 now).
For the way we use the boat, the large day boat just makes more sense. We almost never stayed on the cruiser. So, 90% of the time we used the boat, 50% of the boat was wasted space. Hence - on my third day boat.

Yeah, I am thinking the day boat is the best use of the space but since its such a large purchase and I plan to keep it for a few years I just wanted to see what I might be missing out on. I know where the boat will be docked they take several overnight trips each season which I thought sounded like a great time but its something I could not do with the SLX.

 

[susanandlance]

I had cruisers for 20 years and have switched to large day boats (on number 3 now).
For the way we use the boat, the large day boat just makes more sense. We almost never stayed on the cruiser. So, 90% of the time we used the boat, 50% of the boat was wasted space. Hence - on my third day boat.

I second this, if your not into overnight stays on the boat stick with the SLX

 

[Ansky0007]

I second this, if your not into overnight stays on the boat stick with the SLX

Its not that I am not into it.. Its just something I have never done. On a 35ft boat I cant see being able to travel far so trips would have to be mostly local within 100-200 miles. I would love to travel and go to different states like NC or FL but I don't think its feasible on that size of boat. I just don't think I would use it for the space below as much as I would on top. Do many of you actually go often on overnight stays on such a small boat?

 

[susanandlance]

Its not that I am not into it.. Its just something I have never done. On a 35ft boat I cant see being able to travel far so trips would have to be mostly local within 100-200 miles. I would love to travel and go to different states like NC or FL but I don't think its feasible on that size of boat. I just don't think I would use it for the space below as much as I would on top. Do many of you actually go often on overnight stays on such a small boat?

I'd hardly call a 350DA a small boat...…. I started my overnight trip addiction on a little 250DA, and then to a 280DA followed by my current boat

 

[Ansky0007]

I'd hardly call a 350DA a small boat...…. I started my overnight trip addiction on a little 250DA, and then to a 280DA followed by my current boat

When I mean small its because I have 3 kids.. One of them is 6.2 and he is only 15. Its small to try to sleep 5 of us.. Now if my kids were older and on their own and it was only me and my wife there be plenty of space. Also stopping for fuel every 200 miles might get tiring if I tried to go to Florida which would be 1600 miles. I like an adventure but I don't know if I would try such a thing with 3 kids.

 

[susanandlance]

Well, what I'm hearing is you've already made your mind up, it's the 280 SLX. For the record I wouldn't want to overnight 5 people in the 350 either

 

[Ansky0007]

Well, what I'm hearing is you've already made your mind up, it's the 280 SLX. For the record I wouldn't want to overnight 5 people in the 350 either

Yeah.. I did make up my mind and the 280 SLX should be out of quality control from the factory by the end of the week and hopefully shipped next week. Guess I was just getting cold feet towards the end when the dealer showed me the used 350 he took in and offered to let me switch it really got me thinking. I just needed to think about it a bit to make sure the decision was the right one.

 

[susanandlance]

Yeah.. I did make up my mind and the 280 SLX should be out of quality control from the factory by the end of the week and hopefully shipped next week. Guess I was just getting cold feet towards the end when the dealer showed me the used 350 he took in and offered to let me switch it really got me thinking. I just needed to think about it a bit to make sure the decision was the right one.

I can understand that, you will love the 280, nice and roomy boat for lots of passengers

 

[Leardriver]

I had big boats for years, and now have a biggish 270 Sundeck. Lots of topside room for day boating at Lake Powell, and I can tow it to a hotel if needed. Services like gas on land are much cheaper. I have a motor home for camping.
If I lived on the coast with overnight destinations 30 miles away, I would think differently.

 

[yacht1255]

Thank you all for the advice and the author for helping