280 vs 290 Dancer

[magstang1]

After a bit more soul searching I have narrowed my interest to the late 90s 290 or early 2000 280 dancer. I would like to stay around or under 40k.

The 280 seems hugely popular. Modern styling, fairly economical and has some bigger cruiser style niceties.

The 290 also interests me, but it seems to get little attention.

The 280 would be a slightly larger initial investment in up front cost, but would be more economical to operate from a fuel consumption stand point.

Right now I'm looking for a do all boat. Something I can handle alone if I want to head out fishing. Something that can occasionally pull a tube. Something that a family of 4 with young children can spend an occasional weekend on. Finally, something large enough to take a couple families out swimming for the day. Say, 4 adults and 4 kids.

I know this is a tall order, but with enough patience I think it can be a reality.

Anyone with either of these boats care to chime in?

Any reasons the 290 seems to draw little attention?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Ten Years Gone]

The 280 seems hugely popular. Modern styling, fairly economical and has some bigger cruiser style niceties. Any reasons the 290 seems to draw little attention?

I love the 290. May be my next purchase. Must be your area that ignores it. I think they are reasonably popular here. (IL IN KY OH)
I think drawing little attention has its benefits. Less competition in the market=better availability/better pricing. In the end, I think you will be pleased with any SR in that class from the late 90's-early 2000's!

 

[Ten Years Gone]

double post

 

[Jersey Mike]

290...wider beam, longer, much heavier...more of a yacht class vessel...but I could be predjudiced

 

[jason78]

I think both are really nice boats. The 290 is 9 inches more beam and 7 inches in overall length. As I recall, that hull style was only run from 98-01 so maybe there are just not as many around? I think either could fit your needs. The 280 will likely be better suited for watersports and trailering, if you plan to do that. If you decide to go with the 290, I would reccomend trying to get the T-260hp engine option.

 

[magstang1]

Are twin v6 enough for the 290, or are V8 preferred?

 

[jason78]

Are twin v6 enough for the 290, or are V8 preferred?

According to the documentation I have seen, T-V6 was not an available option for the 290.

T-V6 was available on the 280. There have been a few complaints here about planing performance with the T-V6 package. I have never been on one so I have to go by the reviews from people here who own them. Probably depends on what kind of load you have. I think overall people are satisfied with all available engine packages though. I like the twin V8s and feel they are adequate for the boat. Not sure I would want any less but that is just me.

**I do know there have been several here who have specifically recommended against one or both (don't recall) of the V6 packages available on the 2001 280DA only. The engine options available in 2001 were different that what was offered on the same boat in model years 2002-2009.

 

[Southpaw II]

"According to the documentation I have seen, T-V6 was not an available option for the 290."

The twin 4.3L were available in the '98 290s. I owned the T-260hp version for 6 years, and enjoyed it. The 290DA is a heavy boat at 10,500 dry weight. I would consider it a bit underpowered with the T-190hp V-6 engines.

Don

 

[Jersey Mike]

"According to the documentation I have seen, T-V6 was not an available option for the 290."

The twin 4.3L were available in the '98 290s. I owned the T-260hp version for 6 years, and enjoyed it. The 290DA is a heavy boat at 10,500 dry weight. I would consider it a bit underpowered with the T-190hp V-6 engines.

Don

I think that weight is with a single big block...though I never confirmed it with SR...add another 1000 lbs for twin V8's and another couple with bravo III...I have alot of experience with several 290's...T-260's with alpha's are just barely adequate lightly loaded, Bravo I work very well, Bravo III's with 5.0's work very well and 5.7's (260's) are better.

No personal experience but know people who have 280's with 4.3's and they are "pleased" with their performance

 

[jason78]

"According to the documentation I have seen, T-V6 was not an available option for the 290."

The twin 4.3L were available in the '98 290s. I owned the T-260hp version for 6 years, and enjoyed it. The 290DA is a heavy boat at 10,500 dry weight. I would consider it a bit underpowered with the T-190hp V-6 engines.

Don

Thanks for the information Southpaw, since they were only available one year is probably why I missed it. There is likely a reason it was only available the first year as well. I would suspect it was because, as you suggested, probably a bit underpowered.

 

[magstang1]

Thanks for all the input.

Any comments on the size of the v berth from one model to another?