You’ll be King of the Intracoastal or the Lake in Sea Ray’s 280 Sundeck, thanks to sporty lines and comforts that set the standard for these broad-shouldered runabouts. The 280 avoids the “soapdish” style of many deck boats, mating a super-wide 8-foot-10-inch beam and a deep-V running surface for amenity, looks and ride.

Impressive particulars include inventive seating. The aft lounge allows guests to face forward while conversing in the cockpit or face aft and enjoy the view astern, but it’s the method by which this seating converts to a sun lounge that wows. Instead of cushioned fillers supported by hard-to-stow pillars, just undo the latch and swing the backrest open like the doors of an old West saloon. It’s the same arrangement found aboard Sea Ray Yachts, such as the 54 Sundancer. This seat’s bottom also flips open, revealing one of the 280 Sundeck’s massive stowage compartments – I’m talking folding bikes and deck chairs. And like those other hatches, a sturdy strut holds it open so you can gather gear with two hands.

Other features caught my eye. There’s the recessed steering wheel, which provides more comfort while standing at the helm. Instead of a snap and strap, the split windshield’s proprietary latch self-locks in the open position, preventing it from slamming closed. The helm and wet bar are topped with nonslip to keep gear in place. Notably, the wet bar also features a fiddle rail and room for the optional propane grill ($2,164) installed aboard. Eyebrows on the courtesy lights provide illumination without glare. The head? This low-maintenance, fiberglass-lined space offers room in which to change your clothes.

Up and running, the 280 Sundeck delivers conservative handling – its wide beam doesn’t allow the leaning hairpins you’d get from a true sport boat – yet it planes quickly, and its 51 mph top speed ensures you’re never late for the on-water fun.

Extra Points

 Rugged fish-boat style tuna door latch automatically secures the walk-through windshield in the open position.

 Transitions to plane subtly and smoothly, an especially nice attribute aboard a boat with a layout that encourages the crew to mill about.

 Water system includes bow and stern showers as well as a spray head at the wet bar.

Nonskid matting graces the swim platform, providing a chic look and excellent footing.

• Mercruiser 425 HP w 330 hours
• Trim tabs
• Dual batteries
• Wakeboard tower
• Bimini and cockpit covers
• Windlass
• Garmin GPS
• Head
• Stereo with remotes
• Grill
• Extensive and multiple Storage compartments

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Specifications