2003 • Sea Ray 280

Those looking for a small mid cabin family cruiser will find a lot a lot to like in the Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. The styling is crisp - a Sea Ray trademark these days - and the interior makes the most out of available space with Berths for four adults and two kids. Descent head room, a full galley, and a V berth that converts into a second dinette. Built on a deep V hull with a moderate beam and an integrated swim platform, the Sundancer's curved radar arch is an appealing design touch that's showing up on a good many express boats these days. The single level cockpit is arranged with a sun pad opposite the helm, and aft facing bench seat, wet bar, and a retractable rear bench seat that folds up into the transom when it's necessary to get into the engine compartment. A large storage locker is built into transom, and molded steps at the helm provide easy access to the Walk through windshield. Powered with the 260hp MerCruiser sterndrives, the 280 will cruise in the mid to high 20s and reach a top speed in the neighborhood of 40 knots.