Matching a deep vee Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2012 against a modified vee Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2010 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2012 at 28,7 ft versus Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2010 at 29,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2012 tips the scales at 8 211 lbs — 8 134 lbs more than the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2010 at 77 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 380 hp, the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2012 has a 80-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2010's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2012 carries 84 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 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.