290 Sundeck

[chuck1]

Yep, we are a TVA lake and we are actual just above were we should be this time of year. It will go down about another 5 feet through the winter and then start back up in late winter/early spring.

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/op_guides/chatuge.htm

 

[gwa348]

I know, more money and paperwork.

 

[gwa348]

thanks for the info

 

[gwa348]

This issue of heads on these power company owned lakes is bizarre. If you have to go and you have no facilities on the boat , then where do you go. INTO THE LAKE!

 

[RanAmok]

I'm considering purchasing a new 290 Sundeck and was curious if anyone has any input that may be helpful. thanks

We absolutely loved the 290SD. It is a great boat on the water and turned lots of heads. It was great for day trips given the grill and the head. We recently upgraded to the 44DA for cruising, overnight and dog reasons (at least that's my story). One thing, you mentioned trailering, it has over a 9' beam so a special permit (wide-load) is required, as well as a strong vehicle (boat is over 6,000 lbs dry). PM me if you have any questions.

Don

 

[gwa348]

Thanks for your post. I see that you had the 496 HO, would you recommend this engine or the standard 496?

 

[RanAmok]

Thanks for your post. I see that you had the 496 HO, would you recommend this engine or the standard 496?

I would go with the HO. It provided plenty of power even with 6 adults aboard.

 

[gwa348]

Great, thanks for the input.

 

[RanAmok]

Great, thanks for the input.

My old boat is now in Ft. Myers, FL if you are looking for one.

 

[zboaterctf]

We purchased a new 290 Sundeck this summer after going back and forth between 270 and 290 SLX's and the 290 SD. Were looking for the largest day boat we could find that could comfortably hold 2 familes and all kids/gear - as well as still tow between various places between Ohio and Florida. This has a lot more room than the 270 SLX, and is much easier to tow than a 290 SLX. We have leveraged the flexibility in seating configurations and entertaining areas. I have been very impressed with the performance of the 375 (speed and handling) with or without a full load. The boat handles big water well and stays dry. Was concerned about power and considered going with the larger engine - but only a few more MPH top end which you really pay for in average fuel consuption. Stayed away from frig option (because always on trailer and wanted storage instead) - as well as grill option (preferred having counter and not having hot grill for kids to burn hands on - just hang a good Magma grill off side when needed). IMO spend the money to get the vacuflush over porta potti ... I am not a fan of porta potties. Stayed away from windlass - liked the flexibility and use of forward ladder on the beaches. Only complaint is that ski locker is not fully dry, and floor drains from head and side cabin drain into locker - as well as water in bilge can come forward. Boat very easy to work on and acees to all mechanicals and electricals is very easy. Due to being a sundeck vs SLX, it does not look like a 29' x 9' boat on trailer (since bow sits much lower) and trailers very well. We are very pleased ... have fun shopping ...

 

[gwa348]

Very informative. I agree with the grille comment however, my wife wants the grille, frig, and TV in the berth. I'm glad you mentioned trailering because we plan to trailer between our houses in Florida and Georgia. I'm not going with the windlass either for the same reason. I was curious about the handling in rough water due to the hull design vs. an SLX. Thanks very much for the info.

 

[RanAmok]

Very informative. I agree with the grille comment however, my wife wants the grille, frig, and TV in the berth. I'm glad you mentioned trailering because we plan to trailer between our houses in Florida and Georgia. I'm not going with the windlass either for the same reason. I was curious about the handling in rough water due to the hull design vs. an SLX. Thanks very much for the info.

We really enjoyed the fridge and grill as well as the vacu-flush head. The windlass made dropping the hook so much easier. Rough water - we had the boat in some pretty rough water as well as a major storm and she handled beautifully. Having the windlass in a storm was a major plus.

 

[gwa348]

thanks

 

[zboaterctf]

Agree - my wife was in the same camp until we looked at cost and benefits of how we would use - once we spent time on the boat she has now realized she far prefers the open counter sapce and extra storage where the frige would have been. It all depends on how you plan to use the boat - if you keep at dock with shore power ... then may make more sense. I had same concerns about bow on 290 (keeping kids in and water out) vs the 270 slx ... but no complaints and now glad we went with the 290 ... enjoy and good luck.

 

[gwa348]

Alot to consider. I'm glad so many owners answered. I've never seen a 290 on the water and there are so many lefovers in inventory I was beginning to wonder if anyone had actually purchased one. thanks

 

[zboaterctf]

If you are going to store outside (not in covered slip or barn) consider buying or negotiating into the deal a mooring cover. The current design of the front cover “velcro'd” to the cockpit cover at the windshield has design issue that lets significant water come in right at the windshield where the 2 covers meet. It runs down the door of the "side cabin" and because that door is not sealed and does not have a lip - significant water enters the side cabin berth and there is always standing water under the cushions after any rain. I am working with a canvas person to see what modifications could be made to address this.
As for the TV in the cabin – a portable player works great for kids (it is small in there) .. and I am looking at mounting a removable 19 inch TV (Skyworth 19" Marine Version 12 Volt Color TV/DVD) out on the bar area …

 

[gwa348]

Very valuble information. I had planned to store it outside during the winter months.
Thanks you very much.

 

[chuck1]

..... The current design of the front cover “velcro'd” to the cockpit cover at the windshield has design issue that lets significant water come in right at the windshield where the 2 covers meet. .....

How does it meet? Is the tonneau cover on top or the cockpit cover on top where the velcro meets?

 

[zboaterctf]

Cockpit cover over window, bow cover comes upto window, and velco over the cockpit cover. Water pours in the corner(s) where they meet on left and right. Looking at sewing some corners on to extedn out on each side ... intersting if all other sundecks / bowriders have same issues.

 

[chuck1]

Interesting. My cockpit cover goes over the bow/tonneau cover. Never had a problem with leaks. The only time I've had a problem is when I'm using the full camper top with the isenglass installed. Then the bow/tonneau cover is snapped to the center windshield glass and some (maybe an once or two) of water can leak down into the floor in a heavy rain storm. I'm assuming Greatlakes made your cover for the 290SD. Have you talked with them?