Sig 290 or Sundancer 280

[birdog]

Hey guys. This is my first post. I currently have a 2009 Chaparral 216 SSi WT that I love. I purchased it as a new leftover this past Feb. I almost bought a SeaRay but the dealer just did not have what I wanted. Anyway...

I think I'm ready to move up to a cruiser. I looking at around a 2004-2006 model Chaparral Signuature 290 or a Sundancer 280. I'm active on the Chap forum and I've asked their opinions. Of course they say the ride and quality of the Chap is far better. I'm hoping someone here has owned both or at least gone for a ride in both and can give me an honest accessment of the differences.

I thank you in advance for your help.

 

[skolbe]

I think it depends on the particular boat. But in this case, the 280 Sundancer has been a very successful boat for Sea Ray. While the styling has changed on the newer boats, you don't hear that many complaints on the 280. When I looked at Chaparral closely, specifically in 2000 and compared the 260 Sundancer to the 260 Signature. I thought the quality of the Sea Ray was nicer and today - the Sea Ray (2000 Model year) looks nicer today and more current than that year 260 Chap. As far as ride, I would have no clue how the Chap rides, there are no strong dealers in my area, so never been on one. My 320 takes rough water incredibly well. That being said the Chap is a nice boat and if you like it buy it.

 

[jason78]

To do a fair comparison between Chap and SR- I think given the Beam and length of the Chap 290, it would be closer to a 300 Sundancer of same vintage in the Sea Ray world rather than a 280. You are not really looking apples to apples. You are kind of in the middle between the 280 and 300 but definitely closer to the 300 in beam.

 

[birdog]

Thanks guys for your help.

I was hoping someone here had been in them both and could give me some details on the differences on time to plane and cabin room... things like that.

Thanks in advance

 

[Tonka Boater]

I looked at the Chap's before I bought my 280. I think the 280 has Chap beat on fit, finish, styling and resale. I just happen to have mine for sale too :smt001

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34986

I love the 280 and think it's one of the best all-around cruisers ever made. If I had room for 2 boats I wouldn't even consider selling it.

 

[EricW]

To do a fair comparison between Chap and SR- I think given the Beam and length of the Chap 290, it would be closer to a 300 Sundancer of same vintage in the Sea Ray world rather than a 280. You are not really looking apples to apples. You are kind of in the middle between the 280 and 300 but definitely closer to the 300 in beam.

+1 here. From my boat show experience with the Chap, the SR 280 is the nicer boat, but the Chap 290 is the roomier overall boat. Price being equal, do you want the nicer boat, or the roomier boat? Only you can decide.

 

[birdog]

I looked at the Chap's before I bought my 280. I think the 280 has Chap beat on fit, finish, styling and resale. I just happen to have mine for sale too :smt001

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34986

I love the 280 and think it's one of the best all-around cruisers ever made. If I had room for 2 boats I wouldn't even consider selling it.

Nice boat. I little to rich for me. I'm wanting to stay around $50K or so.

 

[Scott1]

I too looked at a Chap. It was a new 270 Sig. I like the idea of the cabin liner, but even with that your still stuck with a pocket or express cruiser that isnt a Sea Ray Sundancer......the benchmark of that style of boat. Like it or not, people look for dancers and buy something else when they cant find one. Id go with the dancer if I was you.