280 or 290 Searay

[brunooliviero]

I have recieved great advise about the size of boat that would be best to trailer around. I see that the 280 and 290 are very popular and the prices for a used boat are really great for what I need with room for 4.
I am shopping for a low engine hours (under 200 or so).
I plan on docking it at a marina for each 2 or 3 week stint that we spend in Florida and then bring it back to home base in Deltona.
I want to explore the different areas in Florida and visit different marinas to decide if in the future when I stay down south for 6 months I might go bigger on a boat size to live on.
My last question for all you Searay owners is there a big difference between the 280 and 290. The 290 seems to be 750 lbs heavier but the beam is about the same at about
9-6. What would you recomend as far as the best engine choice.
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Tonka Boater]

I don't think there are substantial differences. The 290 is a little wider but the main differences come down to layout preferences. The one big difference is that the 280 is trailerable whereas you would be pushing the limits with the 290 in terms of width and extra weight. I love the 280.

 

[TMK988]

I went through this question last Fall when I bought my first boat. I went with a low hour 290 (4.3's, 2006) mostly becaue of the way the boat looks. I find it interesting that the 290, from what I have heard, was to replace the 280 but the folks just kept buying the 280. The 290 was cancelled after only three years... though, the new replacement for both of them seems to favor the 290 in design. I'd love to hear why most of you all who purchased this size cruiser in the '06-'09 years choose the 280 over the 290. The trailoring issue may be the deciding factor for you, however.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I'd love to hear why most of you all who purchased this size cruiser in the '06-'09 years choose the 280 over the 290. The trailoring issue may be the deciding factor for you, however.

For me it came down to cockpit layout and the overall popularity of the 280. The 290 is only 1 inch wider but the cockpit in the 280 felt like it had more seating and better lounging options. I like that the 280 is one of the most popular models from a resale standpoint too. I didn't feel there was a substantial advantage in the cabins between the two.

 

[TMK988]

I certainly agree, Tonka, with your position that the lounging situation on the 280 is way better. I do like the open cockpit on the 290 but when I just want to sit back with my legs up, I have to use two chairs and I really can't lean back. I am kind of surprised that when SeaRay designed the boat, which was to redefine this size cruiser market they gave zero thought to lounging! I do, however, love the cabin layout.