290 sundancers 1994-midyear 97 "We need a thread"

I've had that compartment half full of water for days the two times the float switch has stuck and someone used the shower, and I haven't had what you describe. Each time, I've just pumped the water out, fixed the float switch and all was well. So, judging from that, it's likely the water underneath you're seeing came from somewhere else. Have you checked the freshwater tank? I've had the connections to that leak, and it's pretty close.
 
Originally, my problem is as you described. So I also pumped out the water, cleaned all the compartments (because the water did rise high enough to transfer into the compartment with the fresh water pump and then underneath the fresh water tank). I then let it all dry for weeks (prior to my Sani-Tred application). I didn't discover my "new" problem until after I unscrewed the two screws securing the plastic Sump Box retaining straps to the bottom of the bilge compartment (see green arrows in my original picture post).

These screws seemed well-caulked, too. But only once those screws were completely out did the reddish brown water seep up through one of the screw holes. I just don't know what's under that entire compartment as it's completely gel-coated. Is it somehow connected to the engine bilge area? Next time I'll take a quick video with my phone...as it was the weirdest thing.

While I'm on the topic of bilge compartments, is there a way to check under the main hallway carpet? I haven't had any problems I would just like to check to verify it's still as dry as the day the boat was first placed in service? Thanks again.
 
I don't know of a way to check under the carpet in the main hallway--by that you mean the main straight section in the salon? And I should mention that I've had the sump box retaining screws out many times and not seen anything coming up out of them. The gas tank is directly behind the aft cabin and then the engine bilge area. If you can't figure it out and no one here can help, you might call Sea Ray; they've answered similar questions for me more than once, and they might be able to help you. As an aside, after two failures, I finally stopped using a mechanical float switch in the sump box and bought a solid state float switch that has worked very well.
 
:smt038Hello Fellow 290 owners. I just found this thread as well. I was a little late getting into the water this year because I had to replace my 454. After doing some research we decided to go with a 383 Stroker. I am really enjoying the way this engine sips the fuel and the added power. If anyone else is looking to repower I strongly suggest this engine. Too bad I didnt get in the water till early July.
 
Has anyone on this thread ordered canvas from Great Lakes for their 290? If so any luck is it the quality they say? Where is the best place to purchase snap in carpet? Thanks
 
My 95 290 with 454 bravo III only runs 4100 rpm WOT. Flat water with a little chop top speed is 34.8 mph. Rough water 31 mph. I have bottom paint, gen & a/c. I don't know what props I have. A dealer said they should be 22s'. What are you guys getting speed & rpm wise with what props? The engine has had a recent tune up. I found gas in my pump drive Sat. & thought I might have a fuel pressure prob. but put a new one on and results were the same. I will be pulling the boat in about a month will check prop size. Anyone got any specs? Thanks
 
Just ran mine a few weekends ago. Boat has 22p props, single 454, built-in Kohler generator. Conditions: 1 person aboard, 1/4 tank of gas, 1/2 water tank, empty holding tank, pulling Zodiac 8.5' dinghy, no wind or current, no bottom paint, bottom clean. Results: 4400 rpm and 40 mph indicated on GPS.
 
Mine came from the factory with 24's which overproped my 7.4 LX/MPI B3. I had them swap out to 22's which allowed me to get closer to the high end of the WOT range. BTW Merc wants you to be at the high end of the WOT range so you aren't causing thr engine to lug. Hope this helps - Bob.
 
Thanks for the input. I called the Sea Ray & they said it came out with 22s' but my parts manual only shows 24s' for the Bravo III. They said that was for a 7.3 diesel which has a different ratio out drive. If your 7.4 came out with 24s' and my WOT is 4100 rpm I'm betting mine has 24s' also. I would get a face mask and go under & check but it's getting close enough to pull out time I believe I'll wait. I guess if it has 24s' I'll be spending another grand or so for new props this winter.
 
Bottom paint or not??? Thinking about it this fall. Has never had paint on it. What do you guys think??? (I'M SICK OF HAVING TO CLEAN IT)Sits in the water April-Oct.


I sent you a PM Jsturdevant give me a call thanks.
 
If your in the water from April-Oct I would go for the paint. Mine is painted but I keep it on a lift so I wish it wasnt. There are pro's and con's to both and both have their share of keep up/ maintenance.
 
Any new 290 owners? About time for boating!!!!!
 
Yep, new 290 owner here. First time boat owner as well. Bought it at the end of October, had it pull out for the survey and had it winterized. Only drove the boat once for the sea trial. Let me tell you buying it and then not using it for 5 months really sucks! Especially since it's my first year. However, I feel extremely lucky to find such a gem after finding nothing but garbage for many months. I knew it was the one as soon as I saw it. This site is awesome but seems like not very many 290 owners.
 
Troy M said:
Yep, new 290 owner here. First time boat owner as well. Bought it at the end of October, had it pull out for the survey and had it winterized. Only drove the boat once for the sea trial. Let me tell you buying it and then not using it for 5 months really sucks! Especially since it's my first year. However, I feel extremely lucky to find such a gem after finding nothing but garbage for many months. I knew it was the one as soon as I saw it. This site is awesome but seems like not very many 290 owners.
Click to expand...

You will love the boat Troy! Good luck. Keep up with the stern drive oil, engine oil, coolant, etc, and she'll be good to you.
 
Hi Sadler, hope you had a good winter.
Nice looking boat Troy M. Looks like you got the good canvas. How about some more pics?
 
Thanks, I've kept boating during the winter as usual. Headed down to the boat tomorrow.

I like the zipper section on your canvas next to the swim platform door Troy.
 
Must be nice to boat all winter. We just got back from Mexico.
 
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