anyone make the move from a 260 Sundancer to a 280SLX?

In Deep

Member
May 28, 2007
38
Branchville, NJ
Boat Info
2015 260DA
Engines
350 MAG MPI
Thinking about making a move from a 2015 260 Sundancer to a 280SLX. We boat on a lake and I'm very happy with the dancer(this is our 3rd one) but the Admiral really likes the new 280 SLX. Besides the obvious has anyone made the move that can give me real world pros and cons? Would like some imput.
 
Looking at both boats, the obvious difference is ditching the cabin for a bow rider......way too subjective and not enough background on your boating style. If you ever, ony have plans to day trip the boat, the SLX looks amazing.

We started only wanting to trailer, and day trip. The bow rider was good for that until......we wanted to explore more of the overnight experience. The 280da was great for both untill.......the family grew some and ALL we wanted was the overnight boat. The 280 was cramped, and we jumped to the 40 sedan bridge.

How do you use the sundancer now, and what would you like to change about it?
 
Looking at both boats, the obvious difference is ditching the cabin for a bow rider......way too subjective and not enough background on your boating style. If you ever, ony have plans to day trip the boat, the SLX looks amazing.

We started only wanting to trailer, and day trip. The bow rider was good for that until......we wanted to explore more of the overnight experience. The 280da was great for both untill.......the family grew some and ALL we wanted was the overnight boat. The 280 was cramped, and we jumped to the 40 sedan bridge.

How do you use the sundancer now, and what would you like to change about it?

We day boat on a lake with our 2 kids and their boy and girl friends some times. My wife is just looking for more room during those times. If it was me I would get a larger Sundancer and move it to the shore. You know what they say"happy wife Happy life". I also like the protection of having canvas to put up if the weather turns with the sundancer.
 
Wouldn't a larger Sundancer fit both of your wants? She gets more room, you get the weather protection.

If you're just talking about day boating with 6 adults, any SLX from 230 on up should do the trick.
 
I had a 30'cruiser, and went to a 240 then a 270 Sundeck, and enjoy it way more. We have a motor home or a hotel room if we spend the night. I miss it sometimes, but the ability to entertain topside is better for us.
 
We went from cruisers to a 270slx then 270sdx.
Exact same reasons. Prefer it much more. I miss the stand up bathroom and enclosure but the space and functionality for day boating far outweigh those negatives.
 
I went from a 21’ Monaco to a 34’ Sundancer to a 40’ sedan bridge. Depends on your comfort level.
 
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It probably makes sense to have agreement on the type of boating you want to do, then select the boat that's best suited to the mission.

I read an inland lake and then the Shore (making the assumption Shore = ocean and its inlets). Those are two vastly different types of boating.

If you are on a small lake, the SLX is hands-down the winner. Keep an eye on the weather and get back to the dock so you don't need to worry about a cover. Bigger Sundancers are nice, but if you'll find ocean boating inconvenient or not desirable, you'll fall out of love with the bigger boat rather quickly.

My career path has been 300SLX > Formula 350CBR > Sunseeker Portofino 40 (new this season to me). I'm not going to lie, I miss the 350CBR when I have a large group aboard.
 
a day like yesterday is why i prefer the Sundancer
 

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