The Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013 is a deep-V design and the Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 is a semi-displacement design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 measures 58,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 29,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013 at 28,7 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 tips the scales at 51 500 lbs - 43 289 lbs less than the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013 at 8 211 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 861 hp, the Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 has a 561-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013'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 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 carries 700 gallons versus 84 gallons in the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sea Ray 580 Sedan Bridge 2012 could be the deciding factor.