Doral250 vs Searay sundancer 280

C

captaindan

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Joined
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www.discountfascia.com
Hi everyone,

I am considering my second boat and have been looking at the searay sundancer 260 or 280. and the Doral 250. I like the layout of the searay 280 downstairs however they look a little dated against the doral for thr money I have to spend. also the Doral is only a cat c boat and am concerned that it may not be as seaworthy as the searay as i plan some channel crossing runs etc. I await some of you experts responces and some insight on the pros and cons on both boats

Thanks Dan
 
Firstly, ignor the RCD rating.

All it tells you that it has been tested up to that level. It doesn't mean it failed to get a higher level and was tested as such.

RCD testing is done by the manufacturer and it's simply that Cat C is cheaper and easier to do and complies with the law. Normal for a lower volume manufacturer.

There is not much quality wise to choose between the two, you are safe to let things like style and layout shape your decision. Fwiw I like the doral more than the searays - I have never really got where the money goes with a searay and I don't like a lot if what they do.

Why limit yourself to those brands? Maybe if you let us know your rough budget we could give some alternatives?
 
Well thanks for your insight, I have a budget of between 24 to 30 range so am looking at older boats to gain a bit of value for my money. not limited to them two brands but whilst shopping around have seen a couple in budget that i have liked other sugestions are most welcome thanks
dan
 
As said above, why restrict yourself to these makes/models? You may aswell broaden your choice to other US etc. brands

If it was a choice between the 2 models you mention though, i'd be going for the Doral 250. Nice looking boat inside and out (I was very close to buying one)
 
The Sealines will be older than the American boats for the same price, but there are several owners in this forum and they are all very happy with their boats. The Sealines have better accommodation, and are possibly more suited to our use in the UK.
 
alt said:
As said above, why restrict yourself to these makes/models? You may aswell broaden your choice to other US etc. brands

If it was a choice between the 2 models you mention though, i'd be going for the Doral 250. Nice looking boat inside and out (I was very close to buying one)
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I think my mind set is with the doral ive seen a couple of regals but the more i think about it the doral ticks a lot of my boxs. Can anyone tell me is there any things that i should look out for or problems and how is the build quality.

thanking you for your help

Danny
 
captaindan said:
I think my mind set is with the doral ive seen a couple of regals but the more i think about it the doral ticks a lot of my boxs. Can anyone tell me is there any things that i should look out for or problems and how is the build quality.

thanking you for your help

Danny
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What do you want to do with the boat?

I ask because the Galley is very small on it... tiny sink, think a Meths stove and a microwave. Don't think i've seen any with heat installed either.

The Sealine S23 ticked all my boxes in that regard (big sink, gas cooker, heating) but the cockpit was quite small
 
My main use for the boat i suppose would be cruising with weekends some long away on the boat a couple of channel crossings etc this is why i quite liked the searay 280 as the cabin is quite large and has good storage, However the doral is a good looking boat and looks nice from inside and the out and the cosmetics cant be overlooked when selling the idea to the wife lol. Im not sure that the smaller cabin would be that much of an issue as mainly travel as a couple and like eating out. :)
 
captaindan said:
My main use for the boat i suppose would be cruising with weekends some long away on the boat a couple of channel crossings etc this is why i quite liked the searay 280 as the cabin is quite large and has good storage, However the doral is a good looking boat and looks nice from inside and the out and the cosmetics cant be overlooked when selling the idea to the wife lol. Im not sure that the smaller cabin would be that much of an issue as mainly travel as a couple and like eating out. :)
Click to expand...

you may need to consider having a rethink on that one I'm afraid in regards to petrol engined boats. Not impossible but diesel powered would be better for that application. Big assumption obviously that they're petrol boats that you've been considering

On that point, I have heard the Doral 250's are stern heavy even with the lighter petrol engine installed, a friend got rid due to this factor
 
I'm in Poole and I couldn't bear the cost of fuel for crossing the channel with a V8 petrol boat. Last time I looked, fuel was £1.75 a litre for unleaded at Parkstone Bay fuel berth.

If you're looking at doing that sort of distance I would definitely consider a diesel and they seem to be a bit few and far between on single engined American boats. It's quite a big premium to pay on a diesel, but you'll spend less on fuel and get the premium back once you sell it.

For instance, Poole to Cherbourg is about 74 miles. At cruise, I think I will get about 4mpg in my Monterey 250cr with a 240hp Yanmar. So that's 37 gallons there and back if I manage a 100% straight course, plus fuel getting out of the harbour and warming up etc. Last time I filled up it was £1.35 per litre so that's £227 in fuel.

I don't know what a petrol does at cruise, but I'm guessing 20% less than a diesel. So that's 45 gallons or £360 in fuel. More (much more) if you open it up a bit. If you go twin engined it will be significantly more.

Ouch.
 
Hi we had a SeaRay 315 Sundancer (2003 vintage) which was the later model designation of the 280. Same boat just the 315 is measured to include the swim platform. We had a Volvo KAD44 which was very economical and with a bow thruster a doodle to handle around the marina. Cruise at 18-22 knots at 3,000-3,200 rpm with WOT 3,800rpm and 29-30knots. I will have the fuel usage figures somewhere if you want them.

It is a v solid boat, we did a channel crossing this year and some long cruises and it takes the rough very well and is surprising dry boat with a super forward hull design. As the boats get older i think you can see where the builder spent the money, when sold this year she did not look anywhere near her age.

The cabin layout with the convertible V berth forward and separate dinette to port is a winner on the longer cruises / holiday as you don't have to keep making / unmaking the V berth every time you want to dine below decks, very handy in a British summer!

Great boat, with which we had lots and lots of great trips and fun.

Mike
 
You might be lucky enough to find a suitable boat with a blown or worn engine. Thus giving you the option to re-power with a half decent diesel within your budget. Obviously harder to find but they are out there.
Plus there's something quite reassuring about knowing you have new or very good running gear.
Just a thought....
 
oGaryo said:
you may need to consider having a rethink on that one I'm afraid in regards to petrol engined boats. Not impossible but diesel powered would be better for that application. Big assumption obviously that they're petrol boats that you've been considering

On that point, I have heard the Doral 250's are stern heavy even with the lighter petrol engine installed, a friend got rid due to this factor
Click to expand...

Hi did your freind have a deisal or petrol did this make for poor handling or performance hence the cat c rating maybe . I would like a deisal but would raise the cost of the boat.
 
Sheppy said:
You might be lucky enough to find a suitable boat with a blown or worn engine. Thus giving you the option to re-power with a half decent diesel within your budget. Obviously harder to find but they are out there.
Plus there's something quite reassuring about knowing you have new or very good running gear.
Just a thought....
Click to expand...

Yep my options are definatley open if one comes up I wouldnt rule it out.
 
CaptainMike1970 said:
Hi we had a SeaRay 315 Sundancer (2003 vintage) which was the later model designation of the 280. Same boat just the 315 is measured to include the swim platform. We had a Volvo KAD44 which was very economical and with a bow thruster a doodle to handle around the marina. Cruise at 18-22 knots at 3,000-3,200 rpm with WOT 3,800rpm and 29-30knots. I will have the fuel usage figures somewhere if you want them.

It is a v solid boat, we did a channel crossing this year and some long cruises and it takes the rough very well and is surprising dry boat with a super forward hull design. As the boats get older i think you can see where the builder spent the money, when sold this year she did not look anywhere near her age.

The cabin layout with the convertible V berth forward and separate dinette to port is a winner on the longer cruises / holiday as you don't have to keep making / unmaking the V berth every time you want to dine below decks, very handy in a British summer!

Great boat, with which we had lots and lots of great trips and fun.

Mike
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Hi mike

if you dont mind digging them out at some point I would apreciate that very much,

Thanks
Dan
 
rhino_mac said:
I'm in Poole and I couldn't bear the cost of fuel for crossing the channel with a V8 petrol boat. Last time I looked, fuel was £1.75 a litre for unleaded at Parkstone Bay fuel berth.

If you're looking at doing that sort of distance I would definitely consider a diesel and they seem to be a bit few and far between on single engined American boats. It's quite a big premium to pay on a diesel, but you'll spend less on fuel and get the premium back once you sell it.

For instance, Poole to Cherbourg is about 74 miles. At cruise, I think I will get about 4mpg in my Monterey 250cr with a 240hp Yanmar. So that's 37 gallons there and back if I manage a 100% straight course, plus fuel getting out of the harbour and warming up etc. Last time I filled up it was £1.35 per litre so that's £227 in fuel.

I don't know what a petrol does at cruise, but I'm guessing 20% less than a diesel. So that's 45 gallons or £360 in fuel. More (much more) if you open it up a bit. If you go twin engined it will be significantly more.

Ouch.
Click to expand...

Lol I know fuel hurts the pocket but I think boats in general are bad for the pocket but we cant help ourselves . I heard the fuel is cheaper at cobbs quay but then again you have to travel there.
 
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