280 vs. 290 in the '05 and later models

magster65

magster65

New Member
Dec 25, 2007
883
Saanichton BC Canada
Boat Info
2002 model 3788
Engines
Twin Cummins 6BTA's
Is there any major performance differences with these boats or is it just the styling that sets them apart?
I'm thinking the twin 5.0 mags would be the minimum power for a 290... but the 280 owners with the V6's seem quite happy with them. I want to cruise at 30 while keeping it under 3500 rpm.
Cheers
 
The 290 holds 25 more gallons of fuel but some say the 280 has more top-side seating.

They are very similar boats in most ways.

.
 
I cruise at about 31-32mph at 3500rpms with my 4.3's.

I like the cockpit seating better in the 280.
 
Read the official 290 thread and the official 280 thread. EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about those boats will be in there.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryb
Read the official 290 thread and the official 280 thread. EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about those boats will be in there.


:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038


:huh:
I knew someone would say that... thanks for pointing out the obvious but I never read anything that addressed my question directly when I scanned through those 2 threads plus... I was tired and didn't feel like reading all the combined 820+ replies.
It's easier to just pose the question and wait for the nicer folks to answer.
Thanks anyways.
 
Last edited:
SeaRay dealers tell me they keep threatening to discontinue the 280 in favor of the 290 but it continues to be one of their most popular boats.
I'm going to the Newport boat show in a couple of weeks and intend to compare the two side by side.
 
magster65 said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryb
Read the official 290 thread and the official 280 thread. EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about those boats will be in there.


:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038:smt038


:huh:
I knew someone would say that... thanks for pointing out the obvious but I never read anything that addressed my question directly when I scanned through those 2 threads plus... I was tired and didn't feel like reading all the combined 820+ replies.
It's easier to just pose the question and wait for the nicer folks to answer.
Thanks anyways.
Click to expand...


Ok...I bought the 290 because the cabin is better suited to what we wanted...A large V-Berth bed that you can sleep straight. It is about the same size as a regular full bed you would have @ home. We also preferred the slightly larger size and I happen to like the cockpit layout as well.I have one of the few single 496 mags out there and it performs just fine. Top speed is about 37. We don't have currents and docking is easy. I think the twin 5.0's would work just fine as well. After all none of us race anyways in our cruisers.
 
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The cockpit is a nicer layout in the 280. In the 290, it's not very well layed out. I think the cabin is much nicer in the 290. I would recommend the 5.0's over the 4.3's, as that's what we had and wished for more at times (especially if not recently bottom cleaned). I don't think they're making either in 2010, if I'm not mistaken. The 290 is turning into a 2010 310.

Kevin
 
boughtabouy said:
The cockpit is a nicer layout in the 280. In the 290, it's not very well layed out. I think the cabin is much nicer in the 290. I would recommend the 5.0's over the 4.3's, as that's what we had and wished for more at times (especially if not recently bottom cleaned). I don't think they're making either in 2010, if I'm not mistaken. The 290 is turning into a 2010 310.

Kevin
Click to expand...

Holy Kamoly...Thats a nice boat...Whatever happened to 2 footitis?
 
Ok I couldn't find my previous thread on this topic so here's my input.

280 has a better cockpit seating layout, however, the arch is lower - less head room, it has a sliding center entry door to the salon, which I hate. the sliding doors are a pain. They stick all the time and you have to close them to walk onto the bow. The 290 has a side entry door that swings open. This does 3 things, it increases the usable area in the cockpit, greatly improves the layout of the salon and you do not have to close it to get on the bow. This was a big deal to us since we have children that like to go up and down off the bow.

The salon in the 290 has a queen in the v berth that converts into a couch. It is a larger bed than in the 280 and does not require an insert to make the bed. The mid berth in the 290 is a much easier access having a larger opening in the center opposed to the small hole on the port side you crawl in on the 280.

The 280 bow is rounded, the 290 is flat and a bit more user friendly when sitting or standing on the bow.

What it boils down to is do you want more cockpit seating or a larger salon?

Both are great boats. I would recommend you try out both and see which fits you and your family best. Make sure everyone is aboard when you sea trial each.

I would recommend twins on either. They increase stability, less bobble on the boat, and maneuverability. As far as engine size..I sea trialed both 5's and 4's. The 5's got on plane a few seconds faster but not enough to make a difference to me. Fuel savings was supposed to be better with the 4's but in my opinion, if you're concerned about that a cruiser is not for you. They all suck gas. An extra $100 bucks on fuel shouldn't be an issue.

My point being either set up 4's or 5's is a fine set up for either boat. But go with twins.

I am partial to the 290 obviously but know many folks prefer the 280. It's personal preference.

The 280 and 290 are gone as I understand it. The 290 has been replaced with the 310 which is the same length but a wider beam (All the difference in the world).

Try them both, you'll be happy with either boat.....for a little while.:grin:
 
Interesting to see that the "new 290" aka the 310 now has a center cabin door. It also weighs 5,500lbs more than the 280!!!
 
rhodyboater said:
SeaRay dealers tell me they keep threatening to discontinue the 280 in favor of the 290 but it continues to be one of their most popular boats.
I'm going to the Newport boat show in a couple of weeks and intend to compare the two side by side.
Click to expand...

The current 280DA is out of production (for 2010) and so is the 290DA which was last available in 2008.

Sea Ray is playing games with their boat model numbering in 2010 so today's 2009 270DA will be called a 280DA. But the real replacement for both the current 280DA and the 2008 290DA is the 2010 310DA which is a brand new boat and the same LOA as both the 2009 280DA and the 2008 290DA.

Dave
 
Thank you for the input everyone. I really do like them both and would be happy with either. I'll see what comes up for sale over the next while in either model. I wish all life's 'big' decisions were this tough... :lol:

Temporary setback; it figures... the deal fell through on mine so I guess the 'new' boat... whichever it is... will have to wait a bit longer :smt089
 
"Interesting to see that the "new 290" aka the 310 now has a center cabin door. It also weighs 5,500lbs more than the 280!!! "

Actually, the 2009 310 has an LOA of 33', 10'5" beam and weighs 14,000 lbs.

The 2010 310 has an LOA of 31', 10'0" beam and weighs approx 11,000 lbs.
 
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