Cruisers 280CXI

4

4roys

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Jan 20, 2002
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7262
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115
Need some advice. Back in the market for an express cruiser I can stay on, take a decent distance, reasonable price. Thought something from 2002-2005 would be a good compromise. Looked at a 2002 Chaparral 280 but they want too much. Looked at a 2003 Chaparral 280 but it was a mess. A 2004 Cruisers 280cxi with 315 hours was in very nice shape. Probably going to look at a Cruisers 280cxi 2005 with 285 hours this weekend.

Thoughts on the 280 cxi? The 2004 is asking $45,000. Assume they will take 40. The 2005 is $55,000 but has a windlass. I'm thinking $45. Both have twin 4.3 volvo's.
 
Define decent distance. Even the Enterprise gets a bit tight after 12K NM.

Check the "REAL" size of the boat. I offer the Regal 3880/4080. Change the badge and add a bunch of thousands and you have a bigger boat....NOT.

The only true length is LWL. Nothing else is really useable. It's usually storage. Also, beam makes a boat. Case in point...next to me last weekend was an early 90's 340 SeaRay that could have eaten my 330 as an appetizer. It was that much wider and longer. I can only assume the length was LWL whereas mine is LOA minus pulpit and platform.
 
Keep in mind those sold in the 90k range when brand new. They're nice but small, and since it's a fully cored hull make sure you get a good hull survey.
 
Thanks, guys. I had a 2002 Cruisers 3372 so I am aware of the cored hull. I'm trying to balance accomodations and economy. I would look at a 300 cxi but none around. Decent distance really doesn't define it I acknowledge. Meant 2-3 hours down Chesapeake Bay. Maybe through C&D to New Jersey from northern Chesapeake. No trips to Block Island.
 
Are you trailering?

If so, don't rule out the Regal window express. The light provided by those front windows open the cabin a LOT. The Regal drives like a Porsche and uses very little fuel. Nice hull. If I had the money I'd opt for the 3360 over the 3060. It provides that much more room. Stay away from the Composite drives.

If you are in a slip, buy my boat.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Arnold

David,
What do you mean by "composite drives"?

Click to expand...


Those sterndrives by Volvo-Penta have a housing made of non-metallic material versus the conventional aluminum .The intent was to eliminate much of the corrosion problems

I believe there were serious issues at least with the shifting mechanism causing other problems that led to a redesign. I'm sure David can add to that.
 
I can answer that as I have one on my current boat. Volvo came up with the idea to make sterndrives out of composite. Basically strong plastic. They advertised them by having someone strike them with a hammer to show how indestructible they were. Problem is they had numerous issues. Volvo got the bellows design wrong and the bellows would tear and leak. I think some boats actually sank. It took 3-4 iterations of the bellows to maybe get it right. Then Volvo didn't realize that the torque of heavier boats, and especially twin drives, would cause the drives to self destruct. Oops. And then Volvo did a Bravo 3 type disappearing act when it came to responsibility. They are now out of production. That's why he is saying stay away. Fortunately for me, with a 23' boat and a single drive, no problems.
 
Any particular year to stay away? I'm looking at a Chaparral 290 2004 with Volvo sterndrives.
Marc
 
Volvo sterndrives are not a problem, unless they are the composites. OSi. I'm actaully looking at similar boats to you. Just don't do the composites in that size boat.
 
When you look at a composite drive you will know it.
I have a chap 280 sig 2003.
Twin vp 4.3 gxi with duoprop drives.
I think it is a decent boat. Make sure all the gauges work.
At one time chap used teleflex gauges that carried two year warranties.
They are also sealed units and when broken you cannot repair them.
You cannot even change a burnt out lightbulb.
Pull out the front cushion on the cabin v berth and make sure your anchor locker does not leak.
I have found this boat to have a bit more room than other similiar models.
Although the bathroom is small.
 
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