Getting to be decision time, again. Which boat to go with.

Nick70

Active Member
Apr 20, 2016
206
New England
Boat Info
2006 Searay 260 DA 496 mag
RAYMARINE stuff.
Engines
496 Magnum
Bravo III
first boat was a 2006 Sundancer 260. Loved it, but was underpowered and a little cramped.
Second boat, 2009 330 496/BRAVO III’s..too much for me on my own..sold it.
Current choices are 1. 2006 260, white hull, 496 mag w/490 hrs. And generator, etc..
Dealer to do risers, manifolds plugs wires etc..clean boat.
2. 2006 260 black hull, with a new 383 w/10 hrs..generator, loaded also. Very clean boat. Both 260’s around $40k
3. 2006 Sundancer 280. 496 mag BRAVO III with 470 hrs clean boat. Don’t know the maintenance yet. But within, maybe less than 10k more.
I’m thinking I may like the added space of the 280. It’s just me in there now but I spend a lot of time on board.
What’s the word on those 383 engines..stack up agains the 496 ok?
Any known downfalls to the 2006 era 280?
I’m pretty a 496 will last a very long time if properly maintained. So I’m not too worried about 500 hrs. But the 10 on the 383 is nice.
 
383 is a stroked 350.....was it replacing an existing 6.2 or was it a complete drop in.....if it was just a long block and replaced a 5.0 or 5.7 what did they do about the ecm? Black hulls look really nice, but a lot of upkeep. the 280 is a great boat, my previous boat was an '04 280 and had twins (as most do) but those with a single dont seem to complain about power. is there a gen on the 280? is that important to you? the cabin is much bigger on the 280, but people seem to prefer the cockpit on the 260 though. 260s are legally trailerable w/o permits if that matters to you. maybe im otta touch, but 40k for a 260 and 50k for a 280 seems kinda high to me....likely listing my '05 300 today for low 50s and it has new canvas, new motors and exhaust, new electronics, a new RIB tender, etc....just some thoughts
 
383 is a stroked 350.....was it replacing an existing 6.2 or was it a complete drop in.....if it was just a long block and replaced a 5.0 or 5.7 what did they do about the ecm? Black hulls look really nice, but a lot of upkeep. the 280 is a great boat, my previous boat was an '04 280 and had twins (as most do) but those with a single dont seem to complain about power. is there a gen on the 280? is that important to you? the cabin is much bigger on the 280, but people seem to prefer the cockpit on the 260 though. 260s are legally trailerable w/o permits if that matters to you. maybe im otta touch, but 40k for a 260 and 50k for a 280 seems kinda high to me....likely listing my '05 300 today for low 50s and it has new canvas, new motors and exhaust, new electronics, a new RIB tender, etc....just some thoughts
whats next??
 
Do you keep your boat in the water or trailer it? I ask because a 330 with inboards is a boat many can "single hand" after a little practice. What I've seen/heard over the years is that outdrives make boats of that size a bit more of a handful around the docks.

If you spend a lot of time on the boat I'd definitely go as big as you can. And if I were you I'd go drive an inboard before you do anything :)
 
I like the 280 myself. A dock mate has a 260 of that era, is looking to sell for something bigger. A single IO is probably the hardest to maneuver around the docks, a twin IO is a good improvement, but nothing beats twin inboards.

I was looking in the 28-34 range initially and ended up with a 41. I single hand all the time, its the easiest boat I've ever owned. I did take me a few weeks to build up the courage and skills to do it, and I hired a Capt to train me for a couple hours.

If your looking at a 280, dont discount a 300 either. Popular boat
 
My 330 was easy enough to handle as far as operation..it had axius and I could stick it easy enough too. It was the money..maintaining two 496’s drives etc..plus the gas. And I love to get on it too..60-70gph ..too much for me.
I had no problem with my single screw 260. Just wanted more power..hence the 496 which is super hard to find.
The 280 I found needs too much work and that 383 appears to be a raw water cooled engine too..surprise surprise..
I may be riding my 8.5’ RIB this summer
 

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