Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 boat specs
Sea Ray
Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005
2005
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Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 boat specs
Sea Ray
Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006
2006
View full specs →

Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 vs Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 vs Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 at 31,0 ft versus Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 at 31,0 ft. At 85 lbs and 85 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 tops out at 297 hp. Engine specs for the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 1 gal and 1 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 and Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeSea Ray
MakeSea Ray
Model280 Sundancer?
Model280 Sundancer?
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m)
Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m)
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Meters2.87
Beam - Inches113
Beam - Inches113
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (55.9 cm) Twin Stern: 23 in. (58.4 cm)
Draft [drive up] - DetailStern Drive: 22 in. (55.9 cm) Twin Stern: 23 in. (58.4 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99.1 cm) Twin Stern: 39 in. (99.1 cm)
Draft [max] - DetailStern Drive: 39 in. (99.1 cm) Twin Stern: 39 in. (99.1 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail8,500 lbs. (3,856 kg)
Weight - Detail8,500 lbs. (3,856 kg)
Weight - kg3855.53
Weight - kg3855.53
Weight - lbs.85
Weight - lbs.85
Length - Meters9.47
Length - Meters9.47
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet31
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches1
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 1 in. (9.47 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 1 in. (9.47 m)
Length overall - Meters9.47
Length overall - Meters9.47
Length overall - Inches373
Length overall - Inches373
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard496 Magnum? Bravo? III MCM Stern Drive (375 hp - 280 kw)
Engine/s standard496 Magnum? Bravo? III MCM Stern Drive with Turn-Key Start - 375 hp (280 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (378.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (378.5 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxT-297 hp
Operational Info
Water capacity28 gal. (106 l)
Water capacity28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Gal28

Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 vs Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 or the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006?
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 is the longer of the two at 31,0 feet overall. The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 comes in at 31,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 or the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006?
For trailering, the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 85 lbs for the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 has a documented max rating of 297 hp. Engine specifications for the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 and Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 share an 9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 and Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 1 gallons and 1 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 and Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2005 and the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2006 are built by Sea Ray. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.