1998 290 Sundancer info

[superbee71]

Hello everyone. I am new here to the forum. I am contemplating a purchase of a 1998 290 Sundancer. I was wondering if anyone here could give me some general info on this boat (likes, dislikes, etc.)? It appears to have had every option checked off. Overall the boat is in remarkable condition for the age. The engines have about 460 hours each and the generator has about 100 hours.The gentleman I might be purchasing it from has agreed to let it go for $39,000 (including trailer). According to NADA, that seems to be a fair price, but I would appreciate any feedback from people familiar to the model.Thank you!

 

[Southpaw II]

I owned one for 6 years and was very happy with it. The '98 290 is a heavy boat for its size (10,500 lbs. dry), and is solid. It performs well in rough water if you need it because of the deep deadrise hull. There were 5 engine packages available that year, including diesels, but they are very rare. Mine had the 5.7 EFIs which were 260hp. It was a bit slow to plane when heavily loaded, but ran about 45-48 mph max under ideal conditions. There were 2 diferent interior layouts available...the most common was the dinette table version, but I had the couch that pulled out to another berth. You mentioned a trailer.....loaded this will be a 14,000 lb pull.

 

[Great Escape]

I currently own one and love the boat, have had it for 3 years. By your e-mail address looks like you live out west and will be boating in a fairly high altitude. My boat has 400 hours, with twin 6.2 mtrs dealer installed in 2002 with 170 hours each and twin B3's also installed in 2002. Engines are also equipped with procharger superchargers. No problem with altitude or any load that is placed her. We spend our summers at lake powell and the boat has been great for all that we have needed.
A close friend has the same boat with twin 5.7 (260hp) and B1's, runs out good with 4 adults and some gear. He likes it and the boat appears to be fairly economical at cruising speeds. You didn't mention engine or drives in your e-mail, the only advice would be for us higher altitude boaters is to stay away from the 4.3 engines, just not enough power. I have the couch layout that pulls out into a single bed, my friend has the dinette, which is to small for an adult to sleep in. The 45-48 mph mentioned in the previous e-mail from Southpaw won't happen at altitudes of 4000', it will be more like 35-38 mph, maybe 40 mph on a good day. Bottom line the 290 is a great boat, just maintain it and you will have a great time. By the way seems like a good price. Not sure what you are pulling it with, my vehicle is a 2006 King Ranch F-250, tires/rims exhaust, chipped, air bags, stabilizers and 2" lift have been a great addition for power and stability. If you are not a Lake Powell boater you need to make the trip, it is an awesome lake to be on.