Official 280 Sundancer Thread

Does anyone know where I can find an upgraded (waterproof) replacements for the plastic 4" blower vent covers. There are 4 of them (2 each side) and the plastic is dried and cracking. Most vent covers I've found appear that they would allow water to enter easily. I know this is a common problem with the 280s since water runs off of the canvas and down behind the fairing on each side. I have water intrusion there from water runoff and blowing rain. I'm looking for something with louvers or some way to keep water out. I've found a few on ebay that seem like they might work, but they seem like a gamble. It's the covers that are visible in this image (not my boat). They are normally partially covered by a fairing.
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The stock ones are similar to this - https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Boat-Parts-White-grill/dp/B00FZHC7UO
but they allow water in too easily.
 
My boat is a 2005. I chose that image because the vent "covers" are removed to show the vent "grill". That is not my boat. I currently have the fiberglass vent "covers" in place but I still get water intrusion due to water runoff and blowing rain. The shape of the hull actually funnels water down behind the vent cover. I've removed and reinstalled my vent covers in order to attempt to seal the blower port grill to no avail. I'm looking for a replacement grill that fits the 4" blower hose and will prevent water from entering in or around the hose.
 
dmorin said:
Go to flounder pounder part number 8229040 $1.86 a foot redid mine two years ago.
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Awesome, thank you so much! Any idea how much you bought/needed? I would like to order this but won't be at the boat for a few weeks.
 
jhw5035 said:
My boat is a 2005. I chose that image because the vent "covers" are removed to show the vent "grill". That is not my boat. I currently have the fiberglass vent "covers" in place but I still get water intrusion due to water runoff and blowing rain. The shape of the hull actually funnels water down behind the vent cover. I've removed and reinstalled my vent covers in order to attempt to seal the blower port grill to no avail. I'm looking for a replacement grill that fits the 4" blower hose and will prevent water from entering in or around the hose.
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Do you have drain holes at the bottom of the covers? I haven't had issues with water flowing down the hose and I have a 2005 as well. Perhaps a solution to the water ingress might be to raise the vent hose on the inside so it doesn't flow down?
 
jhw5035 said:
My boat is a 2005. I chose that image because the vent "covers" are removed to show the vent "grill". That is not my boat. I currently have the fiberglass vent "covers" in place but I still get water intrusion due to water runoff and blowing rain. The shape of the hull actually funnels water down behind the vent cover. I've removed and reinstalled my vent covers in order to attempt to seal the blower port grill to no avail. I'm looking for a replacement grill that fits the 4" blower hose and will prevent water from entering in or around the hose.
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Gotcha, sorry I misunderstood and couldn't help.
 
Captn TJ said:
Do you have drain holes at the bottom of the covers? I haven't had issues with water flowing down the hose and I have a 2005 as well. Perhaps a solution to the water ingress might be to raise the vent hose on the inside so it doesn't flow down?
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I do have drain holes at the bottom of the covers. I have had issues with them in the past getting clogged. When they do clog, water pools and flows into the blower hose. I believe I've fixed that but will double check. Unfortunately, raising the hose is next to impossible with the hose length I currently has. Plus, that's not something I'd like to rely on to keep things dry.
 
We have an 89 280 with the 4.3's, no generator and I'm wondering what the weight of this boat would be?
 
D.B. said:
We have an 89 280 with the 4.3's, no generator and I'm wondering what the weight of this boat would be?
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If you go to Sea Ray's website, you can download the spec sheet for your model - it will have the dry weight listed for a standard boat. Add in any options your boat has (including if the engines are different than standard). If you want/need to... also gas, water, batteries, anchor/rode, gear, etc.
 
I am a fairly new owner of a 2016 Sundancer 280. Does anyone have advice on the following projects I want to complete before I launch the boat in Spring 2019. I will be keeping the boat docked in the salt water of the NJ inter-coastal next summer.

Bottom Paint: I have no idea which type of bottom paint to use or what type of bottom paint is already on the boat, other than is is black and it looks worn off in many areas. Should I sand off the old paint? And, what should I do with the paint on the outdrive. Is it the same paint as used on the bottom?

Winter Cover Frame: I purchased a canvas winter cover from Fisher Canvas, but I need to build a frame to support the cover from the spoiler (arch) to front bow rail. If anyone has pictures showing how you built a frame, that would be great.

Anodes: Should I use zinc or aluminum anodes for the outdrive, trim tabs and bow thruster.

Fresh Water flush valve: I want to install a valve to close of the raw water intake from the bravo 3 drive and to allow a water hose connection to flush the engine with fresh water. I read the plastic valve from Perko is a bad option. Does anyone have pictures of how they plumbed a similar system using brass fittings? Or is there a non-plastic option available from a different company?
 
On the bottom paint - can you find out what was used by the PO. Alternatively find out who the dealer was and either have them check their records or what they typically recommend. FYI some of the new water based paints like Pettit's Hydrocoat can be applied over the old finish regardless of the type.

We are (heated) rack stored and in fresh water so can't help you on your other questions. FYI you might want to post on the general discussion thread as well since your questions are limited to a 280.
 
T. Ski. I was watching that boat for some time and was close to making the drive to go look at it.
 
RiverRat said:
would you mind PMing me that list?
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280 SeaRay said:
Well you are looking at a fine model in the sport cruiser series. Before you begin thinking about writing a check I would enlist the services of a good marine surveyor. A survey for your boat is a thorough check of the boat by a marine professional. Some compare it to an inspection on a home... only tailored for a boat. You mention motors thus I would assume either twin 4.3's or twin 5.0's. I myself prefer fuel injected motors.... not sure what this 2002 has. Both twin motor setups preform well. If the boat is to be kept in salt water for an extended period of time I may opt for the 4.3/alpha setup as it is not as bad (but still not great) in the corrosion department (*** My disclaimer - I am a fresh water boater and keep my 280 on a trailer) I have seen first hand the destruction of BIII's in fresh water when the alpha's next slip over only had a little slime... my understanding is that the both of the 280's were serviced an relaunched by the marina within a week of one another. I imagine that salt water would only compound the issue. If I were going to own a stern drive (regardless of drive time) boat in a salt water environment I would ensure the boat was store out of the water... but that is merely my preference (I tend to be heavy handed in my maint and care of the boat).

Does the boat have a genset? Having the opportunity to visit Houston and Galveston several times in the past few years... I could not see myself without a generator to run the AC and control the humidity in the cabin.

Overall the 280 is a great boat... cabin and cockpit are laid out nicely. The boat handles very well and is pretty versatile. I have 2 items that I would improve on the 280.

1. Properly seal all fastners that could potentially leak into the cabin. SeaRay does not properly seal everything. For those that liberally hose out the cockpit (only true way to remove small debris from everywhere in the cockpit) and wash weekly you will need to find and fix the leaks. I can tell you where they all are :)

2. Different configuration on helm dash to allow for a decent sized chartplotter. There is little room for a properly positioned flush installed chartplotter. I am in the process of finding a good glass guy to modify the helm dash for me.

The 280 has been around for quite some time and seem to be pretty popular with the experienced SR crowd. Attempts to remove the 280DA from the line up have failed due in part to a solid design and well thought out layout for a small cruiser. The boat trailers and remains under 10 feet in width (the width where you need more than just an oversize permit in some states).

Any additional information you have on the boat will allow member of this board to provide you more detailed feedback.
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Hi, I know this is a bit late but I'm going through this feed beIN we just purchased an 08 280. Really enjoying all these informative posts. Eventually I'll get to all of them.
Anyways, we have quite a bit of water at the base of the steps in front of the head and in the aft cabin.......kinda curious on that list too
 
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