UgisO
New Member
- Jan 18, 2021
- 7
- Boat Info
- Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2003
- Engines
- Mercruisers 4.3L MPI w/Alpha I drives
Hello, last weekend new issue came up. Water pump wont stop unless switch it off in cockpit dash. It's pumping water, as suppose, but wont stop when close tap. I suspect there is some relay on head of pump where cable connects. Thanks
- Aug 23, 2013
- 530
- Boat Info
- 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L 220 HP, Alpha 1 Drives, 5E Genny, AC
Sounds like the pump shut off may not be doing it’s job. Are you sure there may not be a leak somewhere that is causing the pump to stay running? I once had a small leak from a fitting in the bilge that caused mine to run un5il the tank was empty.
UgisO
New Member
- Jan 18, 2021
- 7
- Boat Info
- Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2003
- Engines
- Mercruisers 4.3L MPI w/Alpha I drives
99% sure, its not leaking anywhere. I can hear by sound, its getting louder and louder, trying hard, when I shut taps. That's why I am leaning to part in your reply "the pump shut off may not be doing it’s job". I can take out pump of course, but what I am looking for next? Thanks
- Aug 23, 2013
- 530
- Boat Info
- 2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L 220 HP, Alpha 1 Drives, 5E Genny, AC
I believe there is a internal switch that should shut the pump off at about 50-55 psi. I don’t think that is a replaceable part.
Armada
New Member
Hi Friends,
I have a question regarding the throttle box/binnacle for a 2001 280 with twin 4.3's. I brought the boat in for service because shifting was becoming increasingly stiff. As expected they told me the throttle-box/binnacle needed to be replaced. However, the version that the boat has is no longer available to purchase from mercury. They are saying I need to upgrade to the "Gen 2" version of the throttle box and also replace the cables. The quote they gave me was over $5,500.00. Feeling like I may have been getting fleeced, I went ahead and called another shop who said they could do the same thing for 1800.00. Have any of you ran into this situation with upgrading to the next gen mercury throttle box and cables? I want to make sure the lower quote (although it came from a reputable shop) is indeed accurate. I must say it does look a lot more modern compared to the original. Any help is appreciated.
I have a question regarding the throttle box/binnacle for a 2001 280 with twin 4.3's. I brought the boat in for service because shifting was becoming increasingly stiff. As expected they told me the throttle-box/binnacle needed to be replaced. However, the version that the boat has is no longer available to purchase from mercury. They are saying I need to upgrade to the "Gen 2" version of the throttle box and also replace the cables. The quote they gave me was over $5,500.00. Feeling like I may have been getting fleeced, I went ahead and called another shop who said they could do the same thing for 1800.00. Have any of you ran into this situation with upgrading to the next gen mercury throttle box and cables? I want to make sure the lower quote (although it came from a reputable shop) is indeed accurate. I must say it does look a lot more modern compared to the original. Any help is appreciated.
Texomakid
Member
- Jun 11, 2021
- 25
- Boat Info
- 2005 280 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 5.0 w/Bravo III Drives
Has anyone installed a Lowrance Hook Reveal 7" in their 280 DA? I'm leaning hard toward this unit. Looks like it will just squeeze into that area in the middle just above the wheel. Would love to see some pics of your Chartplotters in your 280 DA (besides the ones that have already been posted)
After my first couple of months of ownership of this vessel I'm so happy with it so far. Thanks to search I've found how to do everything I've attempted to do. I believe I've finally gotten all the critical filters & fluids changed. Only thing I'd change in this boats design as of now is the fuel tank. 100 gals with twin 5.0's is a bit tight but it won't be a big issue on our current lake.
Easy to see why this model was so popular. It's checks a lot of our boxes for sure.
After my first couple of months of ownership of this vessel I'm so happy with it so far. Thanks to search I've found how to do everything I've attempted to do. I believe I've finally gotten all the critical filters & fluids changed. Only thing I'd change in this boats design as of now is the fuel tank. 100 gals with twin 5.0's is a bit tight but it won't be a big issue on our current lake.
Easy to see why this model was so popular. It's checks a lot of our boxes for sure.
DWABoat
Well-Known Member
- Aug 13, 2019
- 1,012
- Boat Info
- 2001 280 Sundancer
1989 220CC Cuddy Cabin
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 w/Alpha Ones
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One
Texomakid,
I have a 2001 280DA. When I got it, the previous owner had installed a Lowrance Hook 7 in the center of the dash.
The system works very good and is easy to use but was getting outdated.
I liked the Hook 7 so much, I fabricated a bracket from stainless and mounted a Hook2 7 beside it. I can remove the Hook 2 very quickly for storage.
Now I can run with dual chartplotters, one zoomed out and one in close, or dedicate one to sonar and one to charting.
No gauges or instruments are blocked. No issue with the throttle cables. I only had to drill two 1/4 inch holes in the console in front of the throttles for the bolts/backing plate to hold the bracket.
SoCalJay
New Member
- Aug 2, 2021
- 7
- Boat Info
- 280DA w/ twin 4.3 Mercruiser, 2005
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3 MPI
+1 same question. The throttle body looks to be around $800 and new shift cables are $100 each. Which is $1000 in parts. At $150/hr in labor for 5 hours that puts you close to $1800.
$5k seems way too high. Maybe they were going to switch to digital throttle?
Texomakid
Member
- Jun 11, 2021
- 25
- Boat Info
- 2005 280 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 5.0 w/Bravo III Drives
Nice set up. Yeah I shouldn't have any issue flush mounting the Hook 2 Reveal 7. Appreciate the pic. Helps more than you know.
DWABoat
Well-Known Member
- Aug 13, 2019
- 1,012
- Boat Info
- 2001 280 Sundancer
1989 220CC Cuddy Cabin
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 w/Alpha Ones
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One
If you look at the bottom right side of the photo, you can see the white cover plate for my Standard Horizon VHF radio. I used a surface mount system and tilted it upward so I can see the channel. The unit is waterproof.
RVPilot
Member
Hi Folks ... I am looking into a 2006 280DA, fresh water cooled, windlass, inflatable dingy + motor, camper canvas, carpet, genny with AC-heat, online interior photos look to be pretty clean. It has twin 5.0 MPI Bravo 3s, and shows 890 hours on each. Genset hours unknown. Haven't spoken to the seller yet. Apparently it was a fresh water boat before being in Pacific NW salt, but don't know hours ago that was, and don't know what work on the twin motors has been done. Can any of you offer any advice on the nearly 900 hours, and what questions need to be asked? If you were buying this boat, what would you be thinking the motors need? Thanks in advance for any feedback you're able to offer.
scoflaw
Well-Known Member
- Aug 10, 2011
- 6,395
- Boat Info
- 1999 Powerquest legend 260 sx 502 mag
2005 Baja 242 islander 496
- Engines
- 502 mpi Bravo 1
496 mag B1
I had had that same boat, if he did his maintenance they probably need nothing.
Stroh
Member
- Apr 12, 2015
- 60
- Boat Info
- 2008 280 Sundancer "Age of Aquarius" 496 Mag, DTS, Kohler gen
2006 Sundancer 240 "Toy Boat" Sold
- Engines
- 496 Mag, DTS, Bravo III
I did a lot of research and replaced the stock Lowrance LMS-520C (5" screen), with a Garmin 743XSV (7" screen). Very happy with it. Wanted to put in the 9" screen but would not have fit or looked good.
gsmallwood
Member
- Jul 14, 2009
- 200
- Boat Info
- 2002 Boston Whaler 13 sport 40hp
2021 Yamaha VX Crusier
2021 Yamaha VX Deluxe
- Engines
- Boatless
Selling my 2003 280 Sundancer. It is very clean, very well maintained boat. Fresh water boat all its life on Lake Lanier. Only selling because the grandkids want a more playful boat. Inbox me if anyone is looking.
RVPilot
Member
Hi Again Folks ... I am looking into another 280DA, this one is a 2001. It is fresh water cooled, windlass, camper canvas, carpet, genny with AC-heat, online interior photos look to be very clean. It has twin 4.3 MPI Alpha 1s. These 4.3s are a 6 year old pre-power that show 340 hours on each. Genset hours unknown. Can any of you offer any advice, and what questions need to be asked of this boat vs the other I am considering (see post on Sept 1st) that had 900 hour 5.0 B3s? If you were buying this boat, what would you be thinking the motors need? Thanks in advance for any feedback you're able to offer.
SoCalJay
New Member
- Aug 2, 2021
- 7
- Boat Info
- 280DA w/ twin 4.3 Mercruiser, 2005
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3 MPI
Impossible to speculate.
Get a survey and mechanical inspection. That will definitively tell you what you’re getting into.
RVPilot
Member
Thanks Jay ... Survey's are the plan. But in general, assuming equal maintenance ... would you prefer twin 4.3s with 340 hours since new re-power in 2015 ... or twin 5.0s with 900 hours since new in 2006? Both boats have FWC systems.
SoCalJay
New Member
- Aug 2, 2021
- 7
- Boat Info
- 280DA w/ twin 4.3 Mercruiser, 2005
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3 MPI
Depends on their condition. Was the repower done correctly?
I would assume the newer 6 yr old engines would be better off. But that’s an assumption.
The 4.3 are sufficient. I have twin 4.3 and ran them out to 41mph at 4600 RPM on Saturday on my 2005 280.
RVPilot
Member
Thanks so much ... as these 2 boats are so close in equipment, just with different engines, I want to focus Survey and mechanical $s on the one with the preferred hours / setup.