WTB 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundan

[Wireman]

Looking at a 1989 280 Sundancer by Sea Ray and would like any positive or negative information about the boat any members may have before I go ahead and pull the trigger. The boat appears to be in beautiful condition.
Thanks Ted

[jsc7]

When I saw a "WTB Sea Ray" title I thought it was a joke post.

Sea Rays are legendary for design and quality problems. Some of the issues you may run into:

- poor deck hull joints, leading to leaks and mold/mildew
- unsafe bubble deck
- walking on bubble deck distorts window frame which leads to leaks
- automotive style instrument cluster which traps and contains water
- fasteners screwed into the core (instead of bolted through fillets)
- cheap, one piece moldings with poor water tightness leading to...
- storage areas that collect moisture
- hatches that allow excessive water ingress
- poorly backed cleats and stanchions
- rotted cores
- limited or poor access to hull areas, wiring and sea cocks
- sealed off areas below deck that collect water that is impossible to get out
- poorly guttered engine hatches leading to water ingress
- badly positioned battery and electrical boxes that are exposed to moisture
- unsealed limber holes leading to stringer rot
- scuppers too close to the waterline when the boat is loaded

Of course, at $12,000 or so these boats are pretty expendable so at a certain point who really cares if it has quality problems as long as it turns on.

Note that this is a stern drive boat, so it is most appropriate for fresh water use and regular maintenance. Most of the Sundancers of that era that still exist are lake boats that were rarely used and babied by their owners.

As long as you are using it on lakes and rivers, it should be ok, but taking a boat like this into the ocean would probably lead to a quick self destruct.

[flyingfin]

Single or twins? She will be a dog offshore with a single engine, but if you just want to putt around the lake who cares

Was the boat stored in fresh or salt water or stored on rack?

What size is motor(motors)
Is the outdrive original?

Will you use it on lake or ocean?

Cannot give you input until you give us more info on the boat history and your needs.