I was looking at a 1995 280ss repowered with all new 8.2(380hp) and bravo three in 2011.
Boat looks great with 7 years of receipts.
Would be used for day trips in New England Costal waters.


1) What do you think of this combo? I know its not a racer but how about planning and cruising? I'd especially like to hear from any single engine 280ss owners or owners of similar boats.

2) How tough is this size boat to take out and dock alone? I've had a 17 foot bow rider for 4 years so this would be a big upgrade.

Ted, I know you are not a fan but still considering it.

Nice to know that you are still considering it. I think the boat is an opportunity at the right price. You will get used to docking it after a bit of practice. I believe the engine is fairly new, so consider adding a full closed cooling system, if it does already have one.

Do a Google search on Bravo three corrosion issues. There have been some real horror stories in the past, but Merc may have made upgrades. Is there a warranty on the engine and drive?

boat wil run and drive very well, we have one in our marina with a single and it handles very well with the bravo 3

It is getting to the end of reasonable buying season so I took a trip over to look at the boat. Talked to the mechanic who had worked on it over the 7 years. Said he basically had replaced everything in that boat. Engine, drive, gimbal, cables, shifter, gauges, wiring, (all112 hrs) head, macerator, fuel tank, hatch, detailed every year for $1k. I saw the receipts two months ago. He said it has great torque and more than the 380 stated hp. I asked if it is such a great boat why hasn't it sold? Response: everyone wants twins in that size, doesn't have a trailer, (can't be easily towed if it did) and is like a misfit stuck in the middle of being a big small boat and a small big boat. Its winterized but not wrapped yet. Would have to buy it this weekend or the owner will wait until next year to try to sell at a higher price. They haven't had any luck with selling for months so it will probably be there next year. Part of me says leave it and keep looking its not going any where, and part of me says buy it and be done looking! I originally wanted a 242ss size boat so the 280 seems a little big and is causing me to question buying it. Its also more than i want to spend but after reading about how an old $8k boat becomes an $18k boat when the engine blows and stingers are rotten etc, might be better to spend a little more up front. Below is the link to the listing.

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/4191403027.html

All the 8.2 motors are closed cooling now. The Bravo III is three years old and should have the upgrades. Not sure of warrantee on either.

My Buddy has one and absolutely loves it. Big enough to handle water and over night on but still not too big.

I think the mechanic's assessment is on the mark as to why the boat has not sold in 2 years. I believe the boat was originally listed at $35k back then and has worked it's way down since. The seller could offer it at a higher price in the spring, but depending on that price, it may not sell.

The opportunity for you is to get a big boat at a smaller boat price, the boat is fairly old 18-19 years, so a good marine survey would be advisable if you go forward. I have the name of a good surveyor up in your area that does both vessel and engines. - Bob Gallagher.

Make sure to check for moisture in the center of the bulkhead, as that is where trouble usually starts in terms of age and moisture retention.

Don't be spooked by the Bravo 3 drive . . . It sounds like yours has the additional anodes, being 3 years old. If it was the older version, there is a retrofit kit to add the prop anode. We run & keep them in salt all the time here on 'the Cape' and they always seem to be there at the end of the season. Maintenance is they key.

I believe you gave an offer on this boat at one point? If so, what is the status? I'm thinking $16k is a good number. The only down side, which I have said is that you will face the same issues if/when you go to sell the boat. I think the reason that this boat is still available is that the seller originally was trying to re-coup his investment in the power train upgrades. That never seems to happen and it causes boats to stay on the market for a long time.

Your choice is 'a bird in the hand' versus what the spring market may bring.

Yes, Ted, you are correct I got an accepted offer earlier at $17k but got cold feet and the wife was not thrilled. She is on board now. I think I will wait until next spring. For one the marina is almost closed and doing a sea trial would be tough and boat is winterized. If I can get it for the same price I'll go for it. If not there is always another good deal coming. I'll keep you updated if anything changes. Thanks for the advise so far.

280's are a dime a dozen