Sun Sport.

EJP1974

New Member
Mar 16, 2018
4
Upstate NY
Boat Info
2011 Bennington 2275 GCW
1997 Sea Ray 280 Sun Sport
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie
Engines
7.4L MPI
I currently own a pontoon boat and am in the process of purchasing a 1997 280SS. The boat is extremely clean with meticulous service records since new, my only concern is if it will be under powered. The boat has the single 7.4MPI,Bravo III. I'm not looking to set any speed records but do enjoy taking the kids tubing. There is very little info on the single engine SS's.
 
Not familiar with the SS, best of luck and welcome to CSR!
 
I’ve never heard anyone suggest that a big-block 280SS/BR is under-powered. IMO, it makes more sense to pull with a single than it does with twins.
 
Welcome to the board and welcome to the Sea Ray brand. The 280SS is a very solid boat that takes rough water surprisingly well. It is great for day boating giving the large cockpit space. As for the single 7.4 BIII, I am not really a fan of anything over 26 feet without twins thought there are still some upsides to a single big block such as room to work and maintenance costs. Before I bought my current boat, I tested one that had a MAG 454 BIII. The boat did get up to 50mph but it took a while and lagged out of the hole. Be prepared to use your trim tabs to help you get on plane. The standard 7.4 is about 40hp less than the MAG so that will bring the top end down a little. Cruise speed will also suffer a little. With that set up I would expect you to cruise around 28 - 29 mph, with the twins my cruise is 35 - 37mph depending on wind and current. You are the only one who can judge whether the performance of the single will be enough for you so I suggest you purchase contingent on a sea trial and bring along as many people as you normally plan on boating with to see how she performs. A survey is also a good idea. Good luck
 

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