You guys are really making this pretty easy. We were at the SR dealer last weekend and they've got a 270 SLX and a 290 SS on the floor. There is no doubt that, between 2 great boats, we are in love with the 290 in every respect (even though that one doesn't have the bow seats for us to look at--I'm assuming plenty of room up there on the SLX). My brother-in-law an sister were with us (also avid boaters in the FL Keys) and their words were, "it's not even up for discussion, get the 290" :smt021.
Our other discussions over the last week about all of this, helped in large part by all of the great feedback that I've gotten here, have led us to the conclusion that we would be happiest on the 290. As far as how the boat will be kept during the season, you guys have thrown out some other great ideas. This all began as, if we're going to get into a bowrider, lets really cut the costs by trailering the boat every time we want to go out, keep the engines out of the water, etc. Since we are pretty much limited to Sat/Sun use for 6-7 months a year, I think we may stick with a slip because time is limited as it is. I may eventually still get a trailer for it to do an occasional tow but primarily run it out of the slip. We currently slip about 20 miles south of Annapolis. For this boat, we may move south to Solomon's Island where we are on the Chesapeake Bay but also at the mouth of the Patuxent River and right around the corner from the Potomac River. This way I've got the flexibility of river use when the Bay becomes nasty. I'm also going to check on a lift or boatel option as well. I think there are some available around here.
Now to the tough part. Price. In this area, it will be an order boat as these dealers never order the SLX as part of their floor plan. The guy we bought our 280 from says that the best bet would be to just wait for a "program" on 290s and order it then. Of course, I know I'll take a hit on my 280 but that's part of the boating game right?
I already sent him the 290 SLX configuration we would like and it looks like this:
T-350 Magnum MPI Horizon Bravo III MCM
Preferred Option Group: w/ Canvas Package
Table, Bow: w/Filler Cushions
Spotlight, 5" Remote-Controlled
Graphics, Two-Tone Gel Coat: (Blue)
Optional Seating Plan B
Windlass, Rope/Chain
Sport Spoiler, Molded Fiberglass
Any glaring omissions here?
Our other discussions over the last week about all of this, helped in large part by all of the great feedback that I've gotten here, have led us to the conclusion that we would be happiest on the 290. As far as how the boat will be kept during the season, you guys have thrown out some other great ideas. This all began as, if we're going to get into a bowrider, lets really cut the costs by trailering the boat every time we want to go out, keep the engines out of the water, etc. Since we are pretty much limited to Sat/Sun use for 6-7 months a year, I think we may stick with a slip because time is limited as it is. I may eventually still get a trailer for it to do an occasional tow but primarily run it out of the slip. We currently slip about 20 miles south of Annapolis. For this boat, we may move south to Solomon's Island where we are on the Chesapeake Bay but also at the mouth of the Patuxent River and right around the corner from the Potomac River. This way I've got the flexibility of river use when the Bay becomes nasty. I'm also going to check on a lift or boatel option as well. I think there are some available around here.
Now to the tough part. Price. In this area, it will be an order boat as these dealers never order the SLX as part of their floor plan. The guy we bought our 280 from says that the best bet would be to just wait for a "program" on 290s and order it then. Of course, I know I'll take a hit on my 280 but that's part of the boating game right?
I already sent him the 290 SLX configuration we would like and it looks like this:
T-350 Magnum MPI Horizon Bravo III MCM
Preferred Option Group: w/ Canvas Package
Table, Bow: w/Filler Cushions
Spotlight, 5" Remote-Controlled
Graphics, Two-Tone Gel Coat: (Blue)
Optional Seating Plan B
Windlass, Rope/Chain
Sport Spoiler, Molded Fiberglass
Any glaring omissions here?