'99 290 Sundancer???

[hogfan]

I'm driving a 99 290 this weekend that barring any large mechanical problems, I intend to buy. It has twin 5.7's and a 4kw? generator.

Can anyone with experience with these please give me some things to look for and/or ask about? A mechanic is driving it and downloading the engine's history for me tomorrow while completing some other repairs.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can throw my way.

 

[Sadler]

That's a very nice boat, and is the successor to mine. A friend at the marina where I keep my boat has had one for years and his has held up well, and as far as I know, he's had no unusual problems. Those boats are on the heavy side for trailering and dry stacking, so they tend to be left in the water. I'd look for corrosion issues on the stern drives, especially if left in salt water and especially if they are Bravo IIIs. Beyond that, I'd look for the usual--maintenance records showing regular oil and filter changes, etc, and that vintage should have had the risers and manifolds changed at least once by now. If not, you'll need to budget for that. I'd also look for leaks around the oval port and starboard windows. And unless you're up for doing all the due diligence yourself with regards to a thorough hull and engine examination, I'd get a good surveyor. Best of luck to you.:thumbsup:

Sadler

 

[Tacoma290]

I love my 290!

Lesson from our purchase: Check the gimbals and the steering shaft. My boat has BravoII's, and the port gimbal and shaft are being replaced as we speak. When purchasing, we knew there would need to be some work done there, but it was not until the outdrive was removed that we knew how extensive. We negotiated $1000 for the work as part of the purchase, and will be more than that once all is said and done.

 

[hogfan]

Thanks, that's good advice. This boat is currently out of the water to have a drive shaft replaced in on of the outdrives. the mechanic pulled both and checked them out. He replaced the impellors, but didn't mention any problems with the gimbals. I'm supposed to drive it this weekend, but it looks like its going to be extremely cold. (Nashville)

 

[keokie]

Checking the gimballs is good advice. They are often neglected during ownership, over-looked during inspections, and expesive to repair. Twin engine boats are harder on them, although this can be offset by a tie bar. The tie bar can also be used to give a more precise 1/4 inch toe-in which maximizes performance.

That vintage 290 is a very fine boat, and makes a real nice cruiser.