Calling lower Potomac Boaters

RT 240SD

RT 240SD

New Member
Jun 16, 2005
329
DC
Boat Info
2000 240SD
Engines
5.0 BIII
Ok folks, I'm in the process of convincing the significant other that a move from the 240SD to a 290 Sea Ray Sun Sport is a justifiable need. Her requirement is that we can do some overnight trips further south than we generally go. Currently, we really only get as far south as Tim's in Dumfries. So I need some good places from woodbridge south that offer transient slips and good times, ie interesting towns etc.

Help me get into my new boat!
 
Hey, let me know if you put that 240SD up for sale. :smt001

We always run around the lower Potomac, around the vicinity of the St. Mary's River on the Maryland side. Check out Dennis Point Marina (now called St. Mary's Yachting Center) at http://www.stmyc.com/ . They have slips available, a restaurant, pool, playground and a campground to stay at. Nice place; thats where I always put-in. Just a couple miles downriver from my place.

Wile in those neck of the woods you can visit the remnants of the Ragged Point light house, the Piney Point lighthouse and the bouy marking the U-1105 sunken WWII German submarine, among other things. (Some of those sights I've taken photos of
here.
 
I'll add Port Kinsale Marina and Cole's Point Plantation Marina to the list - we typically meet Skip and his family there when we go. Haven't been to the new St Mary's Yachting Center (old Dennis Point Marina) this year, was there last year and it was a bit run down then. Of the three I think our favorite is Port Kinsale.

We'll be at Cole's Point 15-16 June, meeting Skip as usual. We're only staying the one night, but I think he will be there longer.

-CJ
 
290 SunSport? Not a 290DA?

I have a 280SS, which after 10 years has the same cockpit/cabin layout as the current 290SS. The older 280SS's are a good value, but lack the cool navy blue hull, the arch, and the extended swim platform.

In all honesty, I consider the 290SS to be primarily a day boat. The cabin is a bit tight to for two people to live in, and you only have standing head room at the cabin entrance. There is simply no place for kids or other people to sleep.

What makes the 290SS really nice is the *excellent* cockpit layout. Lots of seating area. room to move around. Eating at the cockpit table is prefered spot. And don't estimate the joy of the cockpit fridge! I can risk going to the cockpit fridge while in a channel, where I won't dare go down below for something. When running at night, the front cockpit seats will keep you out of the cool wind (if that is necessary).

From what I have been reading, the 290SS is somewhat faster than the 240DA. 28mph is minimum planing speed for me, and I cruise at 28-32mph.

If you truely want to overnight, I would consider the 280DA or 290DA. I did not look at those boats in detail, but you get true standing headroom, more storage space, and a bigger head. Some of the stats would suggest that with twin drives, the 280DA and 290DA are equally quick to the 290SS. The dry weight of the 280DA equals the 290SS. . . which doesn't make too much sense to me, given the boat configuration. My 280SS (without the arch and swim platform) is nominally 1500lbs lighter.
 
Here are a few examples of things that may add to the appeal! From our marina there is a contingent of Sea Rays (I think that they were expecting about 16 boats) headed to Colonial Beach Yacht Center this weekend - I guess that Colonial Beach is quiet an enjoyable place to spend a day or so (I have not been, but I am told that it is desirable to rent a golf cart to get around). Then a group is heading to Colton's Point for the Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival at St. Clement's Island on 14 July 2007. And then there is a trip to Smith Creek - Point Look Out Marina for a Bluegrass Band and BBQ on 18 August 2007.

Happy shopping for your new boat!

- Scott
 
Thank you for the suggestions... I'm filling my arsenal.

The boat will be 99% day boat and the cockpit layout is really what matters most to us. For this step, the 290ss is the key the only problem now is no A/C w/o being w/ shore power as they don't have a gen.

If cruiser I really don't want to go smaller than a 320 if that is the direction I head... and it is 2x the cost. 85k vs 160k. I'm only eyeing boats in the 2003-2004 range. I'm not bashing the 280s, but have spent quite a bit of time on them and the cockpit layout drives me insane w/ more than 4 people on board. I regularly have 7-10 folks on board and am already dropping my limit back to a max of probably 8 on a 290ss

Right now I don't want to go over 90k and need the perfect boat. Otherwise I'll stick w/ the 240SD and relegate myself to the upper potomac.
 
And, of course, there is also Aquapalooza at Tim's II (Fairview Beach) on 28 July 2007. - Scott
 
RT 240SD said:
The boat will be 99% day boat and the cockpit layout is really what matters most to us. For this step, the 290ss is the key the only problem now is no A/C w/o being w/ shore power as they don't have a gen.

<snip>

I'm not bashing the 280s, but have spent quite a bit of time on them and the cockpit layout drives me insane w/ more than 4 people on board. I regularly have 7-10 folks on board and am already dropping my limit back to a max of probably 8 on a 290ss

<snip>
Click to expand...

Well. . . for a 99% dayboat -> you can't beat the 290SS. I routinely have 4 people on my boat, and with 4 on board, the cockpit is s-p-a-c-i-o-u-s. Nobody bumps into each other, and you could lol-about.

I peaked out at 9 people last summer for a 2 hour ride. With 9 on board, it is crowded, but everyone had a seat. At times, we had 4 people up at the front window area with no issue (I still was comfortable at the wheel). There was not a seat for a 10th person, unless you doubled up on the front seats (which I wouldn't do), or forced people into the cabin (which would be unpleasant). At full load like that, I noted a 2mph reduction in my cruise speed.

I hear you on the cost factor. Cockpit layout and price (not to mention a perceived performance perk) were what put me into the 280. I couldn't afford a 2003 or 2004, however. :huh:

As for the overnight aspect: I am a bit dubious on that point. As I said. . .the 240SD interior will be bigger than the 290SS interior. The galley is not much to speak of for preparing meals. Putting the boat into a marina for the night, with shore power for A/C and shore bathroom facilities would be the way to go in my mind. If you are only doing this once or twice a season. . then yes, I think you have your priorites straight. if it winds up once a month. . . .. . .you will need to break open the piggy bank.
 
Being bored, with a rum-n-coke in hand. . .I was prowling Yachtworld.com. Can you tell I am just WAITING for the weekend? This time tomorrow, I *will* be on the water :grin: (I don't fear the dark! :cool: )

There are a few 290SS's listed -> a surprising number have the "big sunpad" option. Huh. I wonder if that means alot are BUILT that way. . .or that the owners tire of them quicker?

For my money. . . I would get the varient with the "U" seating at the stern. That arrangement works really well with the cockpit table up! Had more than one nice romantic dinner back there. . . .
 
I wouldn't take the sunpad options. Must have U seating, extended platform and twins.. those are my main MUST haves
 
RT 240SD said:
I wouldn't take the sunpad options. Must have U seating, extended platform and twins.. those are my main MUST haves
Click to expand...

Still bored, with only a coke in hand (no rum, since I am at "work"), I downloaded the 290SS manual to get NMMA information. On page 65 or so they state that on European boats you get a CE sticker instead of the NMMA sticker. The CE sticker lists capacities of 10 people, and a capacity of 1180KG. (1180KG = 2600lbs).

Not sure where person number 10 would sit in the cockpit with U seating. . . . and you definately don't want 10 people in the cockpit with the (rather useless) sunpad.

Did not find the NMMA design rating (B or C). . .

But this information should help in the discussions with the other half. . . .
 
CJ Martin said:
Haven't been to the new St Mary's Yachting Center (old Dennis Point Marina) this year, was there last year and it was a bit run down then.
Click to expand...

Yes, at the end of last year we started to see signs of life again. First the new classy signs. Then, paved roads all the way into the marina. They've moved all of the boats sitting on trailer in the grass to a (new) gravel lot. Painted the workshop garage. New swingsets for the kids. This fall they are to install new floating docks. Haven't been inside the restaurant this year, but it is quickly turning around for the better. Nice to see.
 
Holy Cow! Gunn, that's a great restoration on your boat. From the pictures it looks brand new or at least significantly better than some boats that are only a couple of years old. With your skill and patience to do a quality restoration, you could really snatch some great boat bargains if you were interested in upgrading.
 
I'd also add Port Kinsale on the Yeocomico-a really nice marina/restaurant. You can also turn the corner at Smith Point in the right weather conditions and head down the bay to the Tides Inn on the Rappahannock --a wonderful place.

regards
Skip
 
Thanks guys. I'm still working on a deal. I have the missus 90% there... just a matter of the seller finding his next boat.
 
Lower Potomac

I currently keep my boat at Goosebay Marina, which is off the Port Tobacco River & Potomac River. They have transient slips, a pool, camp grounds, arcade, grills, and Saturday nights they generally have entertainment at the pool. There are a number of dock side restaurants within easy reach, such as:

Port Tobacco Marina: Restaurant & Tiki bar
Capt. Billys: Crab House
Tims II: Beach & Restaurant
Gilligans Pier: Restaurant, Beach/Volley Ball, Saturday night bands
Cobb Island: Restaurants and Pubs
Robertson's: Crab House

These places are all in the Charles County Area (Between the Nanjemoy River and the Harry W. Nice Bridge). There are also a number of similar places in St. Mary's County.
 
Grada, where would you recommend in Port Tobacco? We want a cool bar, and a slip for the evening. Sounds like Port Tobacco Marinia? Do they usually have transient slips for those that over indulged at the Tiki bar? Can you walk to a good bar from Goosebay? .
 
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