290 Sundancer Yes or No

[semule]

Updated question - came across a 2006 290 Sundancer and I would to hear about experiences with this vintage 290.

Thank you



I am thinking of buying a 2000 Sundancer 290, and I am looking for input - good bad, or suggestions on best engines.

This would be my first cruiser so all input is welcome.

Thank you in advance.

 

[KayKook]

Good boat if it has been maintained properly, passes a complete survey, and is exactly what you want. If it's the only cruiser you have looked at and considered, you are really limiting the possibilities. Look at several brands to make a qualified decision.

 

[MaddyDean]

I have a 91 280 and not particular happy with the cabin seating. I see a lot of the newer Sea Rays that have the horseshoe seating and transom door on the port side which is a lot better from my point of view--i believe that year has that.

The biggest issue other than the seating for me is that it is not geared at all for fishing. I am not a big fisher but like to cast the rod every once in a while. but with our size boats, I notice the radar arch and camper canvas/bars can get is the way. I now fish from the swim platform so one of my suggestions would be to have an extended swim platform for lite fishing and other activities.

• Fishing concerns
• Cockpit seating and amenities arrangement.

I am looking for bigger

In regards to the engines--I am getting tired of the out drives and would strongly consider going inboards on the next boat and possibly diesel.

However, it does come down to personal preferences--just can state what I feel.

 

[Southpaw II]

This is a good boat, and there's still a lot of them on the water. For its size, and compared to its peers, it is a bit heavy, and sometimes the weaker engines don't do so well with a big load. There were lots of options and engine combinations, so the pricing for used boats varies over a wide scale.

Your question is a bit open-ended, so it really depends how the boat is going to fit your lifestyle, and how many people are going to be on it. I owned a 1998 model with the 5.7 EFI engines. I kept it 6 years and was very happy with it.

Don

 

[Quint4]

A guy at our marina just bought a freshwater 2000 290DA for 37K. It is a sharp boat and is in great shape. I really like the layout above and below. I think Sea Ray got it right with that era 290.

 

[wvsundancer]

There is a 99 model at our marina with a single 7.4. She is kinda of a pig compaired to my 280DA with the 496 mag but these are great boats. I love the topside and below deck on the boat. I am in the market for her bigger sister the 2002 310DA. That is the largest DA I am allowed to have in my covered slip.

 

[Walz]

I have a 98 290 and overall I'm pleased with the boat. I do have the 4.3L V6 engines but since I changed to 4 bladed props have not had a problem getting on plane. I would not get the single engine version of this boat. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a 310 with inboards. Much more room and I have grown to hate the maintenance issues with sterndrives.