280 Cuddy / Sun Sport for 1st time owner

[Joe5.0]

Thanks.

I am still in the market, but at this point in the summer I am going to wait and see if I can get a better deal at the end of the season.

[sea urchin]

something to keep in mind if this is the model you really want, in 2000 this boat was
remodeled with upgrades , subtle as they are if you looked at both you will see the difference, the deck was raised on the 2000 model giving more head room in the cabin
also pay attention to what each boat has, the prefered package for this boat is the twin 350 mags, with bravo drives, this was an expensive upgrade and comes with the corsa
exhaust, also the radar arch and extended platforms are very desirable, and also expensive options. so when comparing apples to apples you have to keep these things in perspective. good luck on your boat search

[Joe5.0]

100% agreed. I like the 2000 update better, but not $10k more.

I looked at a 2000 with the twin 350 mags, Corsa exhaust, and radar arch. It was an AWESOME boat. The seller wanted $47k with a trailer, and he didnt seem desperate.

On the other hand I can find a 1997 with similar hours, same good condition, with a single BB for mid 20's. Granted it doesnt have a trailer, but I cant trailer it anyways.

To be honest I couldnt really notice a difference in cabin size/height with the 2000. I like that it has the sink/microwave standard inside, but thats not a huge deal to me. Either way its gonna be a tight fit for myself, the wife, and our chocolate lab. I have a feeling I'll be sleeping under the camper top. lol

I am kind of in a holding pattern right now, and will try to get a deal after Labor day. That way I can still sea trial the boat and maybe have a month or so to get used to it, and next spring be ready to rock.

[magstang1]

Not all 280SS's have a microwave. I even found one that didn't have a fridge (gasp!). The windlass is optional too.

These boats have an extremely wide variety of options, seating options and floor plans.

Pay attention to the subtle differences. Figure out what options you want and narrow it down.

Two people in the berth is certainly the max. You will be cozy.

[yamahauler43]

Let me know if you want to sell the trailer. I am looking at a 280 Sundowner and will need a trailer.
Thanks

[Joe5.0]

Not all 280SS's have a microwave. I even found one that didn't have a fridge (gasp!). The windlass is optional too.

These boats have an extremely wide variety of options, seating options and floor plans.

Pay attention to the subtle differences. Figure out what options you want and narrow it down.

Two people in the berth is certainly the max. You will be cozy.

Yeah, there is definitely a ton of variety with engine packages and individual options for the Sun Sports. I would like to have a fridge & microwave, but I wonder how absolutely necessary they are. I mean a cooler and small portable grill is easy, cheap, and doesn't require battery or shore power......

Anyways, I have found two VERY nice examples. One is low 20k's, but no trailer and single engine. The other is twin 350's w/Alpha drives, triple axle trailer, and Anniv edition. I REALLY REALLY like the Anniversary package, as its pretty fully loaded with radar arch, u-shaped seating, painted hull, and the owner added in a 16 mile Ratheon radar unit.

How much more would you guys pay for the anniv package? $2k, $5k, $10k?

[magstang1]

I don't really care about packages. There are certain options that are must haves for me.

My 280ss taught me that I will never buy another boat without:

A windlass. It is a safety and convenience item. When it gets rough and I'm in a tight anchorage, I don't want to be on the bow fumbling with an anchor.

A refrigerator. Particularly on this boat, the refrigerator in the cockpit is very convenient. No more coolers and ice unless it's going to be a weekend trip or we have guests.

The microwave is not a deal breaker, but did get used several times when cooking dinner, or reheating things for my son. If I had the choice I would get it, but on this boat if it was missing I wouldn't stress too much.

Edit:

If the one with the anniversary package is green, check the hull carefully. There was one floating around town a few months ago with a blistered hull.

Personnally I wouldn't go over $30k for one even if it was loaded up.

[Joe5.0]

Still on the search, but getting close. Here's two I am considering:

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/3240294398.html - Would have to trailer it home from Milwaukee -> Detroit

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Seara...orcev4exp=true - Local to me, so would be easier for survey/inspection

I really like the anniversary edition with the painted hull and twin engines, but I wonder if its really neccesary to spend $30k on my first boat. The payment & maintenance would be alot nicer on a $20k single engine, but I plan on having the boat for 10+ years, so I'm not looking to have buyers remorse.

I'm not looking to set speed records, but I dont want a wounded duck on the water. Is the extra fuel, maintenance, and overall cost of ownership really worth the extra 5-10mph cruising & top end speed?

[magstang1]

The pedistal seat with the small wet bar would be a deal breaker for me.

I liked the flip up bolster bench seat at the helm, and the large wet bar with the fridge in the cockpit was the absolute best asset of that boat. I miss having all that counter space and cup holders on my 290DA.

It just depends on what you prefer.

[GrandMaster]

The radar arch just looks cooler