1998-2000 290 Sundancer Advice

[ctelford]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a Sundancer 290 and would appreciate any help. Is there a large difference in the performance/fuel mileage between the twin 4.3's and the twin 5.7's. There seems to be mostly 4.3's out there. What are some of the features that you like or dislike. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cam

 

[rhytid]

I have the 1998 290 with the 5.7 twins with alpha I drives. Gas mileage isn't great but I couldn't tell you exactly what it is since I don't have a fuel flow meter. It does get up to plane fairly quick, though. I believe there is a difference between the 1998 model and 1999 and later models.... 1998 has a 10'2" beam and is quite heavy.... 10,500 lbs. I think 1999 is not as heavy with a smaller beam.

 

[jamesgang]

We also have the 1998 SR290DA w/5.7 twins & alphas. We absolutely love the boat but Rhytid is right about the gas mileage. But then you are pushing a 10,500 lb + boat with 2 big engines and they like gas. We don't have much time to spend on the water so we like to get where we're going quickly, anchor down and relax. Our 290 fits the bill for us in that respect. Once she's on plane, and those twins start purring, we're on our way . . . .

 

[tmhudson2]

We just bought a '00 290DA at the end of last summer; the main difference between the '98 and later models is the extra elliptical port lights in the bow and two more hatches in the foredeck of the later models; in the interior, there seemed to be more layout options in the older ones. A variety of engine choices were available, from a single 7.4 to twin 4.3s to twin 5.0s and 5.7s. Ours has the twin 5.0s, and performance seems reasonably good, and fuel economy something I'd rather not think too much about. A big advantage to the 4.3s is more room in the engine compartment to do routine maintenance; it's very tight with twin V-8s, a genny and AC.

 

[Walz]

I have had my 1998 290 for just a few weeks, but so far I have no complaints about the 4.3's. I had a full load of parents, kids, and a dog on board this past weekend and the boat moved easily at 28 to 29 MPH. The engines did not seem to strain at all. Can't comment yet on gas mileage. I love the boat size and handling.

 

[artgschmidt]

I have a 1998 290 and love the boat. It has twin 5.7s which I think are right for this size boat with it's 10ft.3in. beam. I never have to run the engines above 3300 rpms to maintain speed of 28-30 mph. Boat handles well in all types of weather and is easy to dock with the twin engines. I have the raised forward berth which I think provides a larger galley table and makes preparing meals easier. I looked for this boat for over a year and just got it in 2009 from the first owner. I was lucky the boat only had 35 hours on the engines and the original owner kep the boat like new. Good luck with your search.

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a Sundancer 290 and would appreciate any help. Is there a large difference in the performance/fuel mileage between the twin 4.3's and the twin 5.7's. There seems to be mostly 4.3's out there. What are some of the features that you like or dislike. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cam