270 or 290 Select?

[Scotty]

Hi everybody,

First, some short background.

1. After 2 years with our 280 DA, the admiral and I have discovered that we don't use the cabin that we thought we'd be so in love with (it's our first boat).
2. Consequently, we are not using the slip and associated amenities (but still paying the high $$ for it).
3. We love to go out for the day, then go home to normal comforts.
4. The seating arrangements on the 280 are not agreeable for her or our guests while underway. Most prefer to see where they're going, not where they've been.

There are other factors as well but you get the idea. We are thinking seriously about trading it in for either a 270 or 290 Select. We'd like to stay in a large(ish) boat for those rougher days on the Chesapeake Bay, but be able to trailer it to the Potomac or Patuxent too. I am leaning hard towards getting either a new or slightly used 290 Select (love that boat) but would I be just as happy with a 270? Put another way, since they're both large bowriders, am I just paying more for the same utility between the 290 and 270? Quite a price difference and very similar seating. I am very used to having two engines both for peace of mind and manuevering around the dock but that may be an unnecessary consideration. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[chuck1]

Scotty,

Was just looking at both of them Side by Side today. IMHO the 290 wins hands down. The extra 8" in beam really seems to give you a lot more. Per the wife the 290's head was a hands down winner. I think the couple extra pounds 2000 or so would also be a big plus when you get into rougher sea. One down point on the 290 would be the trailering.

 

[Scotty]

I tend to agree from what I've seen. The 290 would be very similar in size and weight to what I've currently got. I think even though that boat is somewhat more expensive than my 280, I unload a lot of costs by parking it on a trailer, doing more work myself, no slip costs, no bottom paint, etc. The trailering will be a definite challenge for a newbie!

 

[comsnark]

I have the same considerations, and wound up with a 280SS (cuddy cabin).

I wanted the cuddy cabin so that (1) No worry about water breaking into the bow in rough weather and (2) people could flee into the cabin in rough weather.

After a year with the boat, I have determined that I like the hard top over the bow when the water gets rough, but no one wants to use the cabin in rough weather. I would be more inclined to put up portions of camper canvas around the cockpit.

I find that while my boat is strictly day use, because the boat can handle harsh weather we are willing to go out when it is downright threatening. (Caveat: I have a dock. So when I come home in the rain, I can tie up and flee indoors and not worry about getting onto a trailer)

Trailering may be a dominant consideration -> will you need permits for the wider boat? I know my boat is 9' 6" and permits are needed in many states. Also consider what your tow vehicle looks like and the margins you will want to have.

 

[Scotty]

All good points comsnark. We are definitely more fair weather boaters so while I agree with the idea of a foul weather escape compartment, I think the bow seats would be much more utilized than the cabin over the long haul and if it looks ugly out there, I generally stay in. I know Maryland requires a permit for a boat that size (both the 270 and 290). I am looking into that now and hopefully it's not too painful of a process to get that done. The other trick I am going to have to pull off is the trade from the 280 to a 270 or 290. That could be a painful numbers game :smt089

 

[270SLX]

I've owned a 270 SLX for two years. For the Mississippi river, it is plenty of boat with plenty of room for entertaining. Would I rather have a 290? Sure.

We almost bought a Cruisers 3275 before realizing we are just day boaters who would rarely overnight on the boat. When we retire, it will be a different story and then I might get a 36 or 38 Cruisers, Sea Ray or maybe a used Meridian. But for now, the 270 is "right sized" for our purposes.

I didn't buy a trailer because the 270 is a nine-foot boat and requires a permit in Iowa for trailering. Plus, I would have had to get something bigger than my Landcruiser for pulling it.

If you have any specific questions about owning a 270, let me know.

Dennis

 

[chuck1]

Just a side note, the new 290 SunDeck sure looks interesting in the new searay magazine. (Built in grill, back seat, etc) Sure would like to see on in person. The my dealer did not have one yet.

 

[Hotlanta]

I had a 260 OV and wanted a day boat. So we traded it for the 270 SD and love the size. I would like to see the new 290SD,I thought the 290 was to high priced, 2 engines burn gas faster.
I looked at the 290BR and didnt like the layout as much.

 

[Scotty]

I think my subscription to SRL magazine ran out. I need to get a copy and take a look at this new 290. Should be interesting.
Couple of other questions for you all:
If I configure a 270 SLX with the 496 HO, would that performance be plenty adequate for a boat full of people? My current 280 really struggles to get on plane with more than 4 people and a full tank of gas. Add in some wind and chop in the face and I'm doing a tail stand for a while until we're out of the hole. If I go 290, I was thinking T-350 Mags.
This is the debate that really has me thinking. If I'm just going to day boat, is there enough difference between the boats to justify the cost, fuel, maintenance, towing differences (I know "justifying cost" and "boating" in the same sentence is an oxymoron) ? Also, for 270 SLX, did you add any extra canvas coverage to that boat? We really like the coverage we currently have with the 280 (we keep the camper canvas top on). I'm not sure if you could reasonably add anything with the bimini that comes with the arch. The 290 already has the good sized bimini and it would only be a matter of adding an extra piece to the back.
Either way we go here, I think I will be cutting my overall own/operate cost by getting rid of the slip, doing more of my own work on the boat, etc and we will be getting the same enjoyment out of our boating life (once I learn the art, etiquette and science of the ramp manuever :smt101

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Scotty,
While everyone's taste for a type and size of a boat is different, I'd consider keeping the slip.

First, trailering is expensive, considering the costly of a sizeable tow vehicle, capable of towing at least a 25% heavier load than the combined weight of a fully loaded and fueled boat and trailer.
It will require a well equiped, body on frame, heavy duty vehicle.

Secondly, many people, myself included, would rather not have to deal with the "ramp" hassles. Spend a couple hours at the ramp late on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy the show.

 

[270SLX]

Also, for 270 SLX, did you add any extra canvas coverage to that boat?

I bought the aft canvas package. It's not a camper canvas per se as it has no screen or additional bows but I can go "full canvas" in bad weather.

Last weekend, a friend of mine threw a conventional screen tent over his bimini top so he could overnight on his 21 foot bowrider. I called it the "redneck houseboat". Looked like hell but they really enjoyed themselves.

BTW, I "only" have the 6.2 liter 320 hp and have no trouble with a "boat load" of friends. The boat pops on plane. I don't regret not buying the big block. My only sacrifice is cruising speed. I cruise at 27 to 28 but a 435 horse would probably pull 32 mph at the same rpm.

Dennis

 

[Scotty]

Sea Ray 300: You bring up the one point in all of this that we're not sure of in making a potential trade. We do like our slip (a lot), however, with schedules not allowing much time there it doesn't seem to be paying off. I've heard the ramp stories and you're suggestion is probably good to go play spectator for a weekend. I'll let you know how that goes. The other attractive part of trailering vice the slip is that it allows me to put the boat on one of the rivers if the Chesapeake is rough (which is a lot). Pros and cons to both to be sure but I'm imagining more bang for my buck with the bowrider/trailer with admittedly more launch and recovery woes. It's a tough one.
Thanks Dennis for the canvas and engine advice. So you get good sun coverage with the bimini that comes off the back of the arch? I think if I go the 270 SLX route, I'll probably go for the middle of the road and get the 496 Mag (375hp). The thing that also has me concerned on the 290 version is future resale. It is a very specialized boat with little to no market. The price I might get will be very high given that no dealers around here keep them in stock--strictly special order. I think by the time people are getting into that size/weight boat, they're understandably buying a cruiser. I love the 290 SLX, however, the logic that's leading me towards this change of boating habits may not hold up to that kind of move.

 

[comsnark]

I have a 1997 280SS. The floor plan in the cockpit basically mimics one of the options for 290SLX and 290SS (the one with a bench at the helm, dual fold down passenger seat and "U" in the back). The primary difference with my 280SS is that this boat is slightly shorter and lacks the big fender lockers on the stern.

I find this cockpit arrangement very optimal. You really, really want a cockpit refrigerator.

The 270EX appears to have large sunpads over the engines? I can't get excited about large sunpads over engines. They are very unsafe when your boat is underway. Too easy to get rolled off the back. The net result is less usable area in the cockpit when underway. Same comment applies to the 290SS with the large sunpad option.

I have a filler cushion for my "U" area that converts the area into a largish sunpad, supported by the table on a short strut. That area can be used with the boat underway.

I hear you on the "trade in" issues. Can you find one of these boats used? And let some other sap take the depreciation hit?

 

[Scotty]

That's good info comsnark. I do really like the "Seating plan B" on the 290. My wife is also not too wild about the usability of the sunpad feature on the 270. As far as used ones go, there actually is one in my area I just found with 28 hours on it and all the features we're looking for. I think their asking price is high but asking price and selling price are rarely the same :grin: . I've wondered about the cockpit fridge. It seems like with a trailer boat, that feature wouldn't be too useful as it only gets powered when you show up to the boat and start up. If I don't have a fridge on that boat, is that space open for a cooler? I kinda prefer drinks coming out of ice if I have a choice. By the way, what's your engine config on that boat and do you trailer it?

 

[comsnark]

Honestly, I started looking at the 280SS because they have twins. Mine has 5.7LX's with Alpha I drives.

My nominal dryweight is 6300 lbs (The 280SS is a cuddy like the 290SS, but lacks the extended swim platform and radar arch. The current 290SS is a nominal 8200lbs).

I see the nominal weight of the 290EX is 7700lbs and 270EX is 5500lbs. (I suspect all of these weights are for the base single engine boats). I see that twins are not offered in the 270EX and all the optional powerplants in the 290EX are twins.

These weight differences are not trivial. I think you need more *umph* to push the 290EX. I would definatly get the twins in the 290EX, while I think the 270EX is light enough that you can be happy with a single. (although. . you probably want one of the optional engines)

OK. . .I think you are now have a second fundamental choice for your decision: Singles or twin drives :huh:

For me, I really like the maneuverability afforded by twin drives. Docking is *Sweet* in fair weather. Quite managable in 20mph crosswind. I also like the power. Even with Alpha drives, the boat likes to pop onto plane if you mash the throttles correctly.

If you DO have a mechanical -> you do get home (painfully. . but you get there). Last week I fouled a line with a prop. A single prop. Other prop was fine. :thumbsup:, and I had power to get the boat to a convienient spot to defoul. Just after I bought the boat, I lost a raw water pump on one engine. It was the starboard engine, so that meant I lost power steering on the port engine as well. It took twice as long to get home. . .but I got home just fine.

However. . .with twins you do have TWO engines to winterize (oil changes, winterize, tuneup. . .$$$$$$) and the odds of mechanical failure are truely double.

You are on the Cheseapeake, right? You can get a good distance from home on that pond. . . even on a day cruise. Twins would be nice.

 

[comsnark]

As for the fridge: I turn mine on as soon as I get to the boat on Friday night or saturday morning. After 4-5 hours, everything is nice and cool. Things are frosty by the end of the weekend. I personally hate running out for ice all the time (need ice for the Pina Coladas that we seem to consume by the gallon).

I have a three battery configuration. I have no problems running the fridge on batteries for 4-5 hours without a shore power hookup and the engines off.

If I had the boat on a trailer. . I would plug in the boat the night before to cool down the fridge. I would leave the fridge running while transporting the boat to the water.

* * * * * * * **

I don't trailer my boat. I currently haul the boat twice a year (end of season and once midseason for bottom cleaning). Total cost by prohauler: $800 (four one way trips, including ramp fees). That is much better than maintaining a truck that I don't otherwise need and a trailer. Plus the prohauler is better at this than I am.

* * * *

I am not a trailer whiz. My personal view is that both the 270EX and 290EX are pretty big boats to be lugging around every weekend. Once a month might be tolerable to me. I think there is someone on this board that trailers a 280DA every weekend. Quite the rig.

I might consider a slip with a 290EX, and haul it to a fresh location once every few weeks for variety. But that's just me

 

[Scotty]

That's a lot of good insight on all accounts.

I too really like the handling of my 280 with the twin alphas. It's extremely nice to be able to spin that thing around and pivot as needed around the dock. I've really gotten used to it since we've had the boat and if we change boats, I think I would really miss it.

As far as the slip goes, and as others have indicated here, perhaps it's worth the extra dollars to be able to go to the dock, jump on and go versus playing around at the ramp. While it does remove the flexibility of being able to go to other waters, the convenience is hard to beat. And everyone's right, the larger vehicle/trailer requirement would probably eat up whatever I might save on the slip anyway. I'll have to run the numbers on that.

I worry about my current boat and the potential future one in terms of leaving outdrives sitting in the water. Not a good thing for the engines over the long haul. Perhaps the Mercury SeaCore option might help with that but I'm not sure.

So the breakdown seems to be:
1. Trailering adds truck and trailer costs but mitigates the need for a slip, bottom paint, outdrive scrape and paint, haul, block, store and launch for winter and the engines stay healthier for much longer.
2. Slip allows us to get on the boat and be underway in about 15 minutes. More boating, less in and out of the water and associated trailer tasks. Upon return, tie up, clean up and go home.
3. The big bow rider gives us more comfortable and usable boating space than the cruiser (for us--not true for everybody) and if we do want to spend the night elsewhere, we rent a hotel room for the night while the boat sits in the transient slip.
4. All for a LOT less than the 320/340 we were thinking about earlier this year. Gorgeous boats as well that our schedules simply don't make worthwhile.

What to do. So many great boats--so little time
:smt017

 

[comsnark]

Yeah. . .but you are on the right track. Think about HOW you are using the boat. What do you NEED.

And it is NOT about the money. It's all about having FUN. Economics regarding slips and trailers are only incidental. Afterall. . .NOTHING about boating makes financial sense :smt009

The key thing is to focus on how to maximize the happiness on the water. You have already figured out that you are a day cruiser, and that the cockpit is more important than the cabin.

That is actually going to put you into a *cheaper* boat than you have now, right?

Now you have to figure out if the marina or trailer is your destiny. If you are close to the marina, and you don't want to move to different water every weekend: Then a slip is a no brainer. Think about it: If you have a slip, you can do a Wed Night cruise. If you add the hassle of a trailer.. . the Wed Night cruise is not an option, is it?

Of course. . you can do BOTH right? Marina with occasional trailering to an exotic location?

As for the salt issue: yeah. I hear you. Salt eats risers and engines. Ok.. . how much will that cost? $5K for risers at year five, and $15K at year 10 for engines? (assuming twins?). Bah. Deal with it.

Also.. . .consider rack storage for your boat at the Marina. May cost a bit more. . .but might eliminate the corrossion issue. (I moor at a house: I considered a lift earlier this year, but the cost at $17K seemed prohibitive).

_____________________

As an aside. . .I spent a year figuring out what boat to buy. I started looking at 22 bow riders, and wound up with a 280SS. Of course. . at the end, the SeaRay was an impulse buy. Twin engines with an awesome cockpit layout in a low hours boat. How could I resist?

I am still figuring out how to use the boat after a full year. In my first year of ownership.. .I honestly have NOT used the cabin seriously. The head has been used ONCE. Would a large bow rider been better? Probably. But the 270EX would have been too small for my tastes. The 290EX might have worked.

But I have been getting more adventurous lately, and I like having the enclosed bow when I run through 2-4 foot seas. (twice in the last month). Not that I seek out the waves. . .its just that I don't want to fear if they appear unexpectedly. That is a powerful feeling: Oh Bad weather coming. No biggie. Just break out the slickers and DO it!

 

[chuck1]

Of course. . you can do BOTH right? Marina with occasional trailering to an exotic location?

:thumbsup: IMHO - It is the best of both worlds :thumbsup:

Side note - if you don't have a big enough tow vehicle you can always rent one when you need it. When we move up next time we may go that way for a one ton dually truck. IMHO anything over a 240 you need it.

 

[Duke's Addiction]

Scotty,

Firstly, speaking for the ONLY 290 SLX owner on this forum, I would be great to have another one on board. We absolutley love our boat. Every where we go we get so many looks and compliments, so if you are looking for an ego boost, this is the boat.

Now, to specs. Your admiral is correct 270 vs. 290 head is no comparison. Sea Ray needs to change the 250 and 270 to make it easier to allow for people to get into those heads. The way the head door opens on the 290 is the answer. With the Plan B seating, there is a ton of seating and plenty of room for a large group of people. Boy, I could go on and on about this boat. Speed, handling, storage, you name it. Yeah, the price is not picinic, but standing apart from the croud is priceless.

We were looking for a smaller boat (had a 320 Sundancer) and while I looked and looked and looked, the first boat we looked and went on was the 290 SLX. I decided on the 270 SLX but after looking at everything (head, setting and overall design) we kept going back to the 290.

To conclude, I would recommend the 290 SLX to anyone, hand's down.