Sea Ray 280 w/single

G

Guest

Guest
Is this a good setup over the twin engine setup. We do not need to go fast, but don't want to buy a pink elephant either.
 
What year is the boat? What is it's true length and beam and weight dry or loaded? I would guess it's 30 ft. long with a 9.5-10.5 beam and weighs around 8500lbs. loaded. If I am close with these specs, I would say a single engine would make it a BIG elephant. My Sea Ray is 26' 9" at the water line. and 28' 6" overall. Beam is 8.5ft and weighs 5600 dry and 7000lbs loaded with fuel,water,gear and 4 adults. (7100lbs with beer for fishing ha-ha) With a big block chevy 7.4liter at around 310 hp, It takes a bit for the boat to come up on a plane. Also something to consider if it is in your budget, 2 engines are better than 1 when one breaks down. Hope this helps., Hermy
 
280 sea ray with single

Hi, I just read you question. I may be of some help. I own a 1990 280 Sundancer with twin 5.7's.( 260 hp each) I dont know the age of the boat trhat you are looking at however Sea Ray made a 270 SD with a single 7.4 270m SD with twin 4.3 .The 27 with the single had a 9' beam the 27 with the twins ( 86 to 89) has a 10' beam the 280 SD has a 10.5' beam and was never offered in a single. ( years 89 to 91) In 92 the 280 was called the 300SD. If the boat that you are looking att 1s 1 90 to 92 it has a 9' beam 95 and up the boat has a 8.5' beam ind a single is fine for that model year. You may also acces sea Ray on the web and look at the archives section to down load boat specs and layout. Hope I helped. Fair winds. Joe
 
My thoughts on twins vs. single: If one engine dies you can get home w/o a tow. Twin engine boats drive straighter. You do not get that annoying side to side motion while driving slowly.

Sure they are more expensive but what is paying up a bit more to enjoy driving your boat more and cutting the odds on ever getting stuck?

Bill O'Brien
 
Hello. I just boat a 2006 sundancer 260 with the upraded mx 6.2 MPI.....I loved the way the boat looked and got it at a great price.....BUT I have no idea how to drive it.... I have been on plenty of boats in my time and never ever felt sea sick UNTIL i started driving this sundancer....PLEASE someone help me with what needs to be done to keep the boat from a constant side to side motion...at cruising speeds and standing still.....thank you much
 
The 496 Mag is a great motor and is not an elephant by any stretch. The boat is quick to plane and tops out around 43mph.
Cruises at around 14GPH fuel burn at 3500RPM.
I had a twin set up in a 270DA and sure the second engine gives you more security but with the cheaper fuel costs and much cheaper maintenance costs I had no problem buying this boat.
My previous 240DA had the 350 Mag and I truly believe that the 496Mag performs better in the 280 than the 350Mag did in the 240. From what I heard about the earlier models with the 7.4 I would stay away from that motor but the 8.1 (496) has 375Hp and performs fine.
 
sundancer260 said:
Hello. I just boat a 2006 sundancer 260 with the upraded mx 6.2 MPI.....I loved the way the boat looked and got it at a great price.....BUT I have no idea how to drive it.... I have been on plenty of boats in my time and never ever felt sea sick UNTIL i started driving this sundancer....PLEASE someone help me with what needs to be done to keep the boat from a constant side to side motion...at cruising speeds and standing still.....thank you much
Click to expand...

We need a separate "non-sequitur" depository thread for just such occassions...
 
Sundancer260,
Yes you're not the first to bring it up. It's another thread. Dave S has brought up. Try a search.
 
Is this a good setup over the twin engine setup. We do not need to go fast, but don't want to buy a pink elephant either.
Click to expand...



I do not think Sea Ray would put an engine in a boat that was deficient. Maybe I'm blind...maybe not. A full gas tank and water tank may affect this too.

It also will depend on if you are lake boating or ocean.

I'm driving and possibly buying a 2006 290 w/single 496...maybe I'll change my mind after I drive it tomorrow.
 
Groucho: I think the issue of single vs. twin changes substantially on a Lake vs Big Bay / Ocean travel.

My personal view is that the "base engine" option will always be "underpowered" relative to other boats with bigger engines. But again. . .Lake George is not that big; and the need for power relative to the need for "cabin" is different.

Just beware that the "resaleability" of a 290DA off the lake will be very limited. While you may be fine with the boat on Lake George, few people from the NY metro or NJ area would be willing to drive up to Lake George to buy it. That simple fact should be reflected in the price you pay for the boat. Good luck!
 
comsnark said:
Groucho: I think the issue of single vs. twin changes substantially on a Lake vs Big Bay / Ocean travel.

My personal view is that the "base engine" option will always be "underpowered" relative to other boats with bigger engines. But again. . .Lake George is not that big; and the need for power relative to the need for "cabin" is different.

Just beware that the "resaleability" of a 290DA off the lake will be very limited. While you may be fine with the boat on Lake George, few people from the NY metro or NJ area would be willing to drive up to Lake George to buy it. That simple fact should be reflected in the price you pay for the boat. Good luck!
Click to expand...


I agree...
I'm needing to either trade my boat..1999 270..(Had it for sale for 3 month's, 1 call) or put about...3 or 4 thousand in it for new canvass and some maintence issues. Up here a boat that was in salt water is the kiss of death..and I did buy it from Long Island...so lots of things have been issues in relation to this fact...
So...I'm leaning to do the deal..We think a 10 mile trip is alot, mostly we find a nearby bay and relax on it.
 
We love our 2004 280 with the 496. It performs great. It is more than adequate for the Chesapeake Bay and gives us reasonable fuel efficiency. We burn about 14gph at 25mph with 4 adults, full fuel, and full water. I agree with the two gas engines if you are going offshore but anything else, I'm willing to take the risk of having to be towed. The savings of having just one engine in regards to maintenance and fuel makes me feel that way. The only minor, minor downfall is docking can be a pain with a strong wind however once you get used to it and you have a good mate, its fine.
 
never tested a 280 with a single. I did test a 260 and it obviously had a single. noticed that you really had to use the trim tabs to keep her steady from leaning.

all I know is that my 280 with twins I don't even touch the trim tabs. Such a nice, stable ride...

JL
 
Well. . .my 280SS is wider (I think: 9'6" vs 8'6". . .maybe wrong), and I DO touch the trim tabs, but from what I read the 280SS and 280DA are far less tender than the 260DA.

Just a note: I don't really think the *fuel hit* of the twins is much of a factor. Even though there are two engines. . .you don't run them as hard.

Maintenance. . . now that is a factor. There is definately a 2x maintenance factor. And I spend more on maintenance than I do on fuel.
 
I know mine is much shorter but I would give my left n... for a twin. Love my boat but hate docking. I think that would be the biggest deciding factor. I know for sure our next will have twin screws. Too many times going stern in and the wind taking over. Always manage it but a pain in the ass.

Just my 2 cents

Dan
 
Twin engines are more expensive to maintain, no question about it.
The upside is that the engines don't work as hard, the boat is easier to dock, and there is the added security of being able to limp back on one engine.
Another point to consider is that two engines do not burn twice the fuel of a single engine in the same size boat.
My 20 year old 300 Dancer with twin engines has plenty of power, is easier to manuever around the dock and in tight spaces, and handles surprisingly well for a boat of that size.
I would think that once you get past the 26' length and 8.5 - 9 ft. beam range that the resale on a single engine boat could possibly suffer a bit. No question that anything that size or smaller I would really consider a single, but anything larger than that size I would go for the twins.
 
comsnark said:
Well. . .my 280SS is wider (I think: 9'6" vs 8'6". . .maybe wrong),
Click to expand...

Yup, you are wrong, sort-of. 280DA 9'5" which is still narrower than your 9"6" but not by much.:grin: Did I fall asleep or did the original posting date read 07-2004??:smt101 Who dug this one up:huh:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,223
Messages
1,428,886
Members
61,116
Latest member
Gardnersf
Back
Top