Hello All - I Could Use Some Purchase Wisdom Here...

[Jbr]

We are currently looking at the following two Sundancers for purchase consideration. Both are local fresh water crafts, always kept in a covered slip and are priced in the 30-40K range. We've always owned smaller runabouts and this is our first attempt to step up to the Cruiser world.

The 2001 280DA is a one owner, very well maintained and shows little signs of wear. It has the twin 4.3's.

The 1998 290DA is a 2nd owner and is very clean but definitely shows more wear and tear. There are also indications of previous electrical & fuel injector problems. The owner also has very little maintenance records since he states he did a lot preventative maintenance on his own.

We like the wider beam and roominess of the larger 290 but it is a little rougher on the edges and the 2nd Owner states he recently had to replace the analog Tachs showing 260 hrs. with some newer digital ones due to eratic behavior. :huh:

My gut says there is probably less mechanical risk and potential headaches by going with the 01 280DA at this time; OR, wait until spring where we may have more choices, especially in the used 290DA line but also concerned the prices may go up with the demand.

Whatever we choose I plan to have it surveyed from top to bottom thanks to some of the previous threads of advice listed on this sight.

Any advice or thoughts here would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks In Advance and look forward to joining you as happy Sea Ray owners, hopefully soon...

 

[katricol]

jbr...turtletone has a nice 280 and he would make a good deal on it, pm him. Just go into forums click private mess. and type in his name.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Yes, check out TurtleTone's 280 -- you won't find a nicer one.

To answer your question though -- keep looking. This is a buyers market and there is no shortage of 280's and 290's on the market. If you don't buy Turtle's you will still have plenty to choose from.