270 or 290 a.j.?????

[georgia1]

O.K. I've pretty much made my mind up to purchase a sea ray amberjack. Now I need advice.........I'll give you some info on how i plan to use the boat. Scuba diving, little off shore fishing, some over night trips no more than 4 adults. I would aslo like to take the boat over to the bahamas for weekend trips...........Now..I've read until my brain hurts....do i get a single engine boat or dual? i know 2= more maintance but also = a spare incase 1 breaks.....what about fuel economy 1 better than 2 or what??? I know sizes of the engines will make a big differance....I will probably be trailering the boat more than storeing it..... (towing it is not a issue) THANKS FOR ANY HELP

 

[CW2008]

I just bought a 270 and we have really enjoyed it. We keep it in Panama City and dive and fish and cruise. But we never go as far as you are planning. I would hesitate to take the 270 over 30 miles from shore - longer inshore trips yes, but open water maybe not so much. Only one engine and 100 gals of fuel. We are a family of four and have had 5 on the boat at one time with plenty of room. I like the smaller boat for the price, less area to clean when in a hurry, one less engine to maintain, price, and did I say price? If I wanted a larger boat, I would probably go with a 340 sundancer. There is an article in the latest Sea Ray magazine about someone who took his 290 AJ from NY to Key West and back. You might want to look that up and read it, probably some good info.

 

[comsnark]

Bigger is always better.

Especially with 4 adults.

And if you are offshore. . .you want twins.

 

[mike472]

Just bought a 2008 290 AJ last week with 6.2 and V-drives and took it from Hyannis, Mass 225 miles to Staten Island. At times we were 40 miles off Rhode Island and about 25 from Block Island out in open water and the day we went we had good 4-5 foot head seas. The boat took it well but we had to keep the speed down. It is a well built boat and a lot heavier then the 270. 290 is 12,300lbs and 270 weekender is 5400lbs. Nothing like road hugging weight! My old boat a 270 weekender would have been bounced good not to mention a small 75 gallon fuel tank. The 290 has a 250 gallon capacity. Good for at least 250 miles with these engines.(better if your not battling head seas) The swim board is nice and big for diving and swimming and the 08 and later have the hardtop which really makes the look of the boat. I am loving it so far and am very happy with my choice. I paid virtually half of list for a boat with 140 hours on it.

 

[Vertigo]

270 is a performer - with reasonable maintenance costs- if your taking a lot of long trips bigger may be better. But if your plans include more short ones, the fuel economy alone on the 270 will get your attention 2mpg vrs about 1 on the 29.

 

[b_arrington]

I have a 270 AJ. I very much like it, but from what you've described I would lean toward the 290, particularly for overnighting with 4 adults.

The size of the 290 makes it more livable for any kind of longer or overnight trip. The 270 cabin is tight for 2 people, let alone 4. There is no separate dinette as with the 290, and the head is tighter and does not have standing room (max headroom in the head is about 5'6"). If you're looking at the 270, make sure it has the aft cabin. The first two years (2005-6) did not have this available.

One reason is the 290 has a bigger cabin is the beam. The 270 is a very trailerable 8.5'; the 290 is wider (10 or 10.5?). If you are going to trainer this often it may be a factor for you, as the wider beam of the 290 may require a wide load permit.

I specifically bought the 270 because it was a single engine. But if I were planning to go going off shore like you say, I would be much more comfortable with twin engines. The v-drive setup might be a good choice for larger waters, as the boat will he better balanced and the props will stay in the water when cresting a wave. The v-drives will likely have less maintenance than an I/O, as well; you don't have to take the drives off x2 each season. (This is coming from someone that very much likes I/O drives.)

Also, I just recalled a very significant item: the 270 AJ is designed to meet Design Category C specifications. This means it is designed for the following:

• Inshore
• Maximum wind speed: 27 knots (31 mph)
• Maximum wave height: 2 meters (6.5 feet)
• Boat use is limited to coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers.

I think the 290 meets Design Category B specs; these are:

• Offshore
• Maximum wind speed: 40 knots (46 mph)
• Maximum wave height: 4 meters (13 feet)
• Boat can be used offshore, but not for extended ocean voyages.

I'd say if you want to go to the Bahamas, the 290 is the way to go.

 

[WileEScott]

If the biggest factor is cost then go with the 270. Solid boat, lots of fun factor and you can pull it out yourself if you have a trailer and truck that can hack it (8k wet weight). The 290 is MUCH more of a boat but it also has the costs to go with it. Both are great boats but I own a 270 for the cost reasons.
WileE

 

[Troubadour]

I love my 270AJ. It's a 2007 and we've used it frequently with low maint costs. Typically take it 30mi out to Stellwagen or up to Rockport or south to Nantucket. Performs well because it's so much heavier than a similarly sized DA. I cruise at about 21kts burning between 14-16GPH depending on weather/conditions. The only thing i wish it had was AC, other than that it's been great. I'm doing some upgrades next week, so I'll post that once I get the goodie boxes