I am back - well sort of!

[WahooUSMA]

I sold my 270 Sundancer and I am now looking at the 290 Amberjack. I want to keep boat ownership to trailerable since I live in So. Cal and the slip fees bend you over and hurt, so the 34 Amberjack is out of the question. I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a 290 Amberjack - actually I will purchase one but need some advice. I have read the reviews on V-Drives vs Stern, etc. but what I am really looking for is comments pro's and con's from those on both sides of the isle, specifically performance and fuel efficiency. I was hoping since the supply of used V-Drives far outweighs stern drives that maybe the newer V-drives models improved in in both categories?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kreole Kid]

http://www.clubsearay.com/boats/listing/361/29_Sea_Ray_290_Amberjack_2002.html

 

[Henry Boyd]

I'm not sure a 290 can be had with vee drives. Take it from a long term sterndrive owner, they are a money pit. But on a trailer boat it may not be so bad. Good luck, and great to have you back.

Henry

 

[WahooUSMA]

Too bad it does not have the fish package!

 

[Celticknot]

My 05 290 AJ with V drives has been a great boat. My boat loves to cruise at 3800 RPM right at 24 knts, burning 25 gallons/hr. Top end 5000 RPM 29 knts burning a lot. My dock mate has an 02 290 AJ with IO's - A little faster 34 knts at top - a little more efficent at cruise,

 

[copb8tx]

cruise at 3800 RPM right at 34 knts, burning 35 gallons/hr. Top end 5000 RPM 29 knts burning a lot.

One of these numbers is a typo. I'd assume you mean the cruise is 24 knts and not 34.

 

[Mark I]

I had an 05 290 AJ with 5.0 Mercs and B3 Drives.

Great cruise at 27-30 kts burning 22gph. Can handle like an inboard with the bite from the duoprops and that they are spaced apart.

if you are not the kind of guy to use OEM parts, ensure Mercathodes are working, pull and inspect drives annually etc., then B3s are not for you. If you do those things and are anal about maintenance, then they will be dependable and treat you right but of course, that costs money.

 

[EricW]

Since you're trailering, I would definitely go with sterndrives. IMO, the significantly better performance and economy of sterndrives outweighs any advantages of V-drives for boats kept out of the water. Now, for wet-slipped boats, the balance tips toward V-drives due to the beating sterndrives take when kept in the water.

Also, the sterndrive boat is better for regular trailering due to the V-drive running gear that can get in the way.