270 Amberjack? Questions from a newb...

[muggs]

Hi all, new to the forum and hopefully by next spring I'll also be new to the boating community.

I'm looking for a boat that is a good combination of a cruiser and a Great Lakes fishing vessel. I have always loved Sea Ray's, so I really like the Amberjack because of all the aft deck space.

Is 270 the shortest Amberjack made? I've tried searching for shorter boats, but this seems to be the shortest one I've ever seen listed. Is a 27' too long for a beginner?

I'd love to hear any other feedback from Sea Ray owners, especially Amberjack owners.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Big Island Lifer]

What year? I have an '85 255 AJ. They were made from 1980-1985 until they went with the larger 270.

Mine is not too much boat for a beginner, but it is underpowered with a single 5.7.

 

[CW2008]

Hello Muggs,
I bought a 270 Amberjack a little over a year ago (2008 model), and we have really enjoyed it. I also have a 22 ft bay boat, and the 270 did make me feel uncomfortable for a short while, but now I am as confident in it as I have been in any boat. In fact, my past experience probably increased my discomfort, because I was used to outboard motors and the visibility that a smaller center console boat provides. Also the change from cable shift and steering to the smoothness of the Sea Ray took some adjusting of my skill level. Once I realized to use a little more finesse I have found it very easy to maneuver...even in a crowded marina. I stress very little now. It has a 6.2 Sea Core, BravoIII with fishing package and it has proven to be exactly what we were looking for. We fish and dive in the Gulf and cruise the area. Made a round trip to Destin from PCB this spring: open water to Destin and intracoastal to home. The boat performs well for trolling and bottom fishing, and we are able to climb aboard with dive gear without much struggle (giant stride from the swim platform is easy also). Although good use of the trim tabs helps much when trying to get on plane when you have people or tanks near the stern. There is a larger motor for the 270, but mine is adequate. We cruise about 25 mph at better than 1.5 mpg most of the time. WOT gets us better than 35 mph. I have no regrets, and doubt that I will ever want another boat until I wear this one out. I have no desire for larger - unless of course I bought a 290 AJ. But really, I like the convenience of the smaller AJ - it's easier to find room at the marina or at restaurants, and there is one less engine to service. And I like the fuel bun of the smaller boat. Although cramped in the cabin for overnighters, we have done that a time or two and enjoyed it very much. Now back to work so I can afford to make another trip.

 

[Ididntdoit]

They made a 250 amberjack up until 2006 - it was more of a cuddy and didn't have shorepower

 

[Northshore60]

Eric,

I had a 245 Weekender which is about the same set-up as an Amberjack, except no arch. I Think they made them from 1999~2003/04. ZGood boat just wanted bigger.