280SS/290SS Thread

On a trailer, ours would not fit in a garage with a 9ft door. It did however fit into my brother in laws garage. He has one bay with a tall opening garage door installed by the previous owner. I think it was to accommodate a small RV.
 
Has anyone ever opened up the area under the "jump seat" in a '99 (or earlier I believe) 280ss? I am wondering if there is a good way to get under there? What is located in there? Would it be a good place to put an a/c / heat unit? I attached a couple pics of the area with the cushion removed. This is the way we actually prefer to have the cabin set up since it allows for the head door to open freely. It also allows our 5 year old to traverse from the cockpit to the v-berth easily. We would need to maintain the rigidity of the top and understand I would have to put a louvered grate on the front. My breaker panel has an opening labeled A/C however have never found a '99 (or before) with this option. Any help is greatly appreciated.



 
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I may be soon buying a 2003 290 SS with low 400 hours on twin 6.2s Bravo 3 out drives (good outdrives I hear). I read entire thread. Concerns about "water ingestion" is this common problem with this SS model of boat with captain call exhaust?? Inverter info: what is best way to conserve/have power to run AC? Best to get suit case generator?? I have surveyor and engine guy set up to do thorough inspection on boat. In/on water test including compression as well as dry dock it and let it dry and check out drives and hull moisture content etc etc. ANY key things to check on this model of boat?

Is a sales price in the low 40's a "deal" on a 2003 in great shape with 6.2s with 400ish hours? Thoughts on bottom paint for this boat? Anyone know of loss of speed (what loss) on a boat like this IF bottom paint is applied. Leaning towards normal horse shoe rear seating configuration anyone have the "sun pad" option? SEEMS like it chews up lots of deck space? ANY major known issue(s) to check on to see if it exist etc before inspection? Looked at SDs but want more deck space so this SS looks like great option. LOVE feedback from those who own them glad I found thread. Is 40-43k ok price for loaded 2003. I had to dig to find it. Thanks David (dsnell@grandecom.net)
 
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I may be soon buying a 2003 290 SS with low 400 hours on twin 6.2s Bravo 3 out drives (good outdrives I hear).
Yes it is a good combo, do have to ask based on your the question / statement is this your first boat or first with drives?
I read entire thread. Concerns about "water ingestion" is this common problem with this SS model of boat with captain call exhaust??
I have the 280ss and the above water exhaust are through the transom.. I did see another post about that being a problem however I have not experienced any issue in the 4 seasons I've had her. A 290ss like you talk about has the above water exhaust to port and stbd hull sides so even less of an issue.
Inverter info: what is best way to conserve/have power to run AC? Best to get suit case generator??
Suitcase genny could do the job, but there will be plenty of hot responses on the topic.... do yourself a favor don't bring it up again without doing a search for the topic on this site. (I had to do the same) As for the inverter another member here did on and has an excellent write up http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/8025-DC-Inverter-Installation
Side note it is for sale
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/68448-2000-280SS-Searay-For-Sale

I have surveyor and engine guy set up to do thorough inspection on boat. In/on water test including compression as well as dry dock it and let it dry and check out drives and hull moisture content etc etc. ANY key things to check on this model of boat?

Is a sales price in the low 40's a "deal" on a 2003 in great shape with 6.2s with 400ish hours?
Low 40's sounds like a steal... or more likely too good to be true?
Thoughts on bottom paint for this boat? Anyone know of loss of speed (what loss) on a boat like this IF bottom paint is applied.
Hate to think it but at this price would wonder if the paint is covering some issue???
Leaning towards normal horse shoe rear seating configuration anyone have the "sun pad" option? SEEMS like it chews up lots of deck space?
Sun pad would be a poor option if you are looking for more floor space. We have the U shape on the 280 and it is what sold the boat for us.
ANY major known issue(s) to check on to see if it exist etc before inspection? Looked at SDs but want more deck space so this SS looks like great option. LOVE feedback from those who own them glad I found thread. Is 40-43k ok price for loaded 2003. I had to dig to find it. Thanks David (dsnell@grandecom.net)
SS is a a great boat, since your talking about A/C I'm assuming cuddy. If your throwing round a sundeck you are comparing apples and oranges. Even the 290ss open bow is completely different to the sundeck. The ss is definitely a day boat with "crashing" availability. If your looking to spend a bunch of nights sleeping aboard, you might want to look up to a dancer.

 
Thanks re great info from all. I went to Chicago and had boat inspected this weekend so $1100 later I know everything we culd uncover/find was I think! 412 hours on twin mercs 6.2s all had 150 psi in all cylinders with one at 145! Solid....... Struck deal with owner and with all options and cleanliness of boat feel great about sale price settling in at 45k. With all options happy..... at 4300 rpms we hit 45 so WOT light on fuel easily hit low 50s I am sure supporting what he said it would do. Now to transport to Dallas.........let the spending begin!

Amazingly clean boat for a 2003 could not be more happy and think I got a great boat at a great fair price based on nada values with all options added in.

Thanks again to those who helped me out..........lots to learn when it gets back to Dallas can't wait. Thanks......

David Snell
 
Congrats. I loved my 280ss. Sounds like you found a good one.

Post some pictures when you can.
 
Having trouble pulling jpegs.......any help here for the technically challenged pilot would be great! used the browse feature clicking on jpegs but cant get them to post I must be missing something when able any direction here would be great!

Thanks

David
 
Host the photos through photobucket then click on the image links button. Copy the link that says "[image]xxx[image]" and paste it here and your image should appear.
 
David,
Great to hear it all worked out. You got a perfect weekend to come on up. Best of luck to you and your new girl.
 
http://s1347.photobucket.com/user/cajuncrawfishco1/slideshow/

HOPE this works out! I fly planes but moving pics around different story! Think this shall work! I really got lucky it is as clean as the pics depict cant wait to get it to my lake although back drop not as good as down town Chicago! Thanks again to those who helped me with some rather key pieces of info to take in to consideration when shopping this model of boat. Being on the boat for just one day while inspections took place made me see why those I spoke to who have owned one or currently do love it! Thanks again.......
 
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Very nice David....that would be my ideal boat also. Time to start shopping, Mike.
 
Thanks........I got really lucky! For a 2003 boat I do not think I could have found a better well kept boat! Set to ship to me end of next week let the spending begin!! Boat lifts in Texas lakes a must so that's a nice little slap in the face to start off with but well worth it to try to uphold the care the previous owner gave to his boat! Feels like an open adoption! Told the guy any time he makes it to Dallas to look me up to take his boat out as I know he is having a tough time parting with it which I understand! Now time to unload an older model Baja thinking I will not miss my other boat once I start using the SS. Just surprised it is not such a sought after boat down here I have been told. Nothing against Dancers that is what got me looking at Sea rays after going on a few BUT for those wanting a hybrid go fast/cruiser type boat........looked at Formula's/Montery's but the SS won me over!

Thanks again to those who offered helpful advise in my research/quest. I feel like I have made a very informed and wise boat buying decision now!

David
 
David that boat brings back some great memories. Had one just like yours only tan canvas. Black canvas looks better. We traded for the 340 but sometimes I wish I still had the 290. Hope you got the captains call exhaust I realy liked that feature. Good luck with it.
 
Yes Corsa exhaust with captain call cool feature have it on my 2008 vette and people are amazed you go from race car sound to sleeper! When we test drove it out in Lake Michigan out of Chicago at 4300 not even WOT it sounds MEAN steaming across the lake and we only hit 45 at 4300. More to go but that will change watching fuel gauges sink by the minute at WOT! Boat should top out with light fuel/pass on board in low 50s if trimmed up right etc!! Plenty fast enough for this boat and I imagine I will quickly forget about the Baja I have had for like 18 years!

Cant wait to get it here.........Columbus day would be nice to have boat for first day!! Kind of weird in this area (Dallas) it (280/290 SS was NOT a big seller due to smaller cabin! For me it will be a great transition from the go fast Baja with minimal space to a in-between go fast/cruiser. Can't wait!!

Thanks.......

David Snell
 
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SWEET NO bottom paint clean hull so trimmed out hope for 50 plus should be easy!! COOL........go to Chicago tomorrow to finalize paperwork/pay off boat to Dallas by Friday transporter says!
 
Has anyone ever opened up the area under the "jump seat" in a '99 (or earlier I believe) 280ss? I am wondering if there is a good way to get under there? What is located in there? Would it be a good place to put an a/c / heat unit? I attached a couple pics of the area with the cushion removed. This is the way we actually prefer to have the cabin set up since it allows for the head door to open freely. It also allows our 5 year old to traverse from the cockpit to the v-berth easily. We would need to maintain the rigidity of the top and understand I would have to put a louvered grate on the front. My breaker panel has an opening labeled A/C however have never found a '99 (or before) with this option. Any help is greatly appreciated.




Sorry to resurrect my own thread but kinda got side tracked with Dave's new girl but with the cold finally setting in I'm starting to think of projects for the upcoming year. So first question again.... Anyone get under the "jump" seat in a 280ss???
 

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