Looking for info on a 2x0 ss

[nauti medic]

Hi there, I'm trying to do internet searches for 280ss and 290ss models. One thing that we want is the "galley" in the cabin, with the fridge, sink prep area. Is there a certain year I should be looking for that this became an option, standard equipment, has it ever been standard? We just don't care for the "jump seat" Thanks everyone.

 

[chuck1]

Hi there, I'm trying to do internet searches for 280ss and 290ss models. One thing that we want is the "galley" in the cabin, with the fridge, sink prep area. Is there a certain year I should be looking for that this became an option, standard equipment, has it ever been standard? We just don't care for the "jump seat" Thanks everyone.

As far as I know the galley has always been in the cabin. Have you checked the info on the SeaRay site for past models yet? What "jump seat" are you talking about? The 280 & 290 Sun sports are some sweet boats. Hopping it will be my next boat.

 

[nauti medic]

I know it is a bad picture but the "jump seat" is on the port side across from the head in the cabin. She is one sweet ride, My wife and I were on a 2005 290ss that is on consignment we fell in love with it. Just a little pricey and in doing research there doesn't seem to be that big of a difference with the 280ss. Of course I could be wrong, that is why I'm here to do homework.

 

[chuck1]

Interesting?? I guess all the ones I've seen have had the galley. I've really only looked hard at the newer 2005+ 290SS. There is a sweet 2006 with all the options I want (Windless, AC. Twin 350s, Trailer, Cockpit Fridge, Etc)

 

[nauti medic]

I've been looking at '99 and up, so not sure if on older models the galley was an option, but yeah on the newer models and on all the 29's I have only seen the galley as well. Sounds like you've found a great boat, I know what I'd like but it is going to be hard when you have to buy used. Found better pics

 

[nauti medic]

Another question do you know if Generators are avail on 280 or 290 ss? Haven't seen any of them with it, even newer ones

 

[chuck1]

I've been looking at '99 and up, so not sure if on older models the galley was an option, but yeah on the newer models and on all the 29's I have only seen the galley as well. Sounds like you've found a great boat, I know what I'd like but it is going to be hard when you have to buy used. Found better pics

Thanks for the pictures, ye I went and looked at Sea Rays archive and noticed the "jump seat" on the 280SS. The archive is a great feature on the Sea Rays site, plus being able to get manuals helps.

Another question do you know if Generators are avail on 280 or 290 ss? Haven't seen any of them with it, even newer ones

Not from Sea Ray. I had one of the guys here on the board check out the 290SS I was looking at and he could put one in it for me. He is based out of Gainesville GA(Can't remember his name off the top of my head), but I'm sure you could find a reputable company around you that could do it.

I figured if we keep talking it up some of the 280/290 owners would chime in.

 

[nauti medic]

I did a search on it and found a former 280ss owner ran a 2k watt portable Honda geny strapped to the back of the boat, Wondering if that would be enough power to run the A/C and Fridge(s) at once or if he left the fridges on 12v and ran the battery charger and A/C of the geny. Did he just plug his yellow shoreline plug into the geny? (I don't need shore power with my bowrider now) How loud comparable to an installed unit was the portable. It is actually kinda funny I already have that exact portable generator. I'd hate to strap it to the back and have it make so much noise you can't sleep even with the A/C. Thanks again for your help.

 

[chuck1]

Not sure if want to get the thread going into the fixed/portable genset direction. Do a search for portable honda generator and you will see some very heated threads on the topic. The guy I was talking about was "Never Monday". I think we were talking about a 3K or 3.5K genset. Can't remember the price but I'm thinking it was around 5K.

 

[comsnark]

At the threat of needlessly raising my post count. . . .

. . .the SeaRay archives are very informative on what options are available on which model year. From the archives it looks like in 1999, galleys were not present (just the microwave option) and in 2001 the full galley with fridge is present.

My understanding is that the primary physical difference between the 290 and the 280 is the aft transom locker on the 290. You will also notice that newer boats tend to have larger engines than earlier boats (this is what I see on the "street"); and tend to have both arches and extended swim platforms. I suspect with the weight of the arch and the platform, you might want the larger engines.

Personally, I think if features like "gen set", "galley" and "AC" are important to you. . then I would be concerned that you really need a 280/290DA instead of a SS. The 280SS cabin is somewhat small even for two people, and you do not have standing headroom. The head is a bit small to close the door while using. We tend to clear the cabin and close the companionway door when using the head. Don't get me wrong. . the boat is *fine* for an occassional overnight, but if I was thinking to use the boat as a floating condo, I would look to the Sundancers.

Where the SS's shine is day-use fun factor. And if the weather turns nasty. . the boat handles slop very, very well.

I see the 280DA owners tout the high performance of their boats with single 496's or T-4.3's. . . .let me tell you that my 280SS with T-5.7's is definately faster and cruises on plane at much lower RPM. Getting on plane? Even with carbed engines, I am usually on plane by the time I finish pushing the throttles forward to cruise position. I have had people fall over in the process due to acceleration and change in boat pitch (now I always ensure everyone is hanging on or seated when I go on plane). And as you have probably already seen, T-350's in newer boats is not uncommon.

 

[chuck1]

Comsnark, where have you been(Grin) I know a couple of you SS owners would be chiming in if we keep this post going.

 

[nauti medic]

Chuck1 agreed nuf' said about the gen debate. Wow! Also wondering if anyone here has a 280ss with the Corsa exhaust. It looks like the pics I've seen the exhaust comes through the fiberglass on the port and starboard transom. How is the fiberglass holding up from the exhaust temps? Seems like it should be going through a Stainless fitting or tip No?

Comsnark thank you for chiming in. I've looked at the DA's but I just don't see that fitting our needs right now. My family is just starting out (we have a 5 mo. old daughter) and I'd like to see skiing, wake-boarding and tubing, in her future. I am also a little selfish to give up the performance aspect. Also the type of boating we do is primarly day boating, we live only 20 min from the dock, but would like the opportunity to crash on the water if we wanted to. Our primary water system is a chain of about 10 lakes and 50 miles of river. Mostly bar hopping, dinner cruises, and tying together at the sandbars. I'd like to see a boat that is a good cross between performance (we have looked at 27' and 30' baja's as well), and cabin amenities. We would also like to take it out to Lake Michigan from time to time, so trailer-ability and ability to handle rougher stuff is needed. If you don't mind what type of waters do you have your SS on? Has she lived up to what you were looking for? What has been the max crew you've had aboard? What led you to the 280 over the 290? Thank you so much for your time.

 

[comsnark]

Ok. . .since you asked. . (and once you invite the snark inside. . .)

I picked the 280 over the 290 for one simple reason: COST. When I bought my 280, I could not touch the 290's at a reasonable price. They were too new at that time.

I REALLY would like to have an Arch. I like the Navy blue hulls available on the 290's. I am not such a fan of the center entrance on the 290 U bench; but that is the only nit pick. Honestly. . I never even looked at the 290's. The 280 was right in my budgetary sweet spot when I bought it.

If I was buying in 2009.. . .I would look to the 290. I think the 280's are getting a bit too old now for my tastes as an initial purchase.

I run my boat on the Barnegate Bay in NJ. Water is 4-8' deep. On weekends, you get lots of short period 2' chop. The boat handles this just fine. I have been out on the ocean a few times, but never more than 2-4' swells. The boat handles those just dandy. If the ocean weather threatens to be snotty or has 4-6 footers-> I am NOT going onto the ocean.

My mechanic had to test drive the boat once on a windy day on the bay, and he was really impressed with how the boat handled in sub-optimal conditions.

Knowing what I know now. . for real ocean stuff, the hard cuddy top gives me a fair bit of confidence. I am a bit more skeptical of the scupper drainage on my 1997. If you overwhelm the 4 scupper drains to the sides, water will flow into the bilge where the pumps take over.

In terms of passengers: I think I peaked out at 9 adults. Everyone had a seat, nobody in the cabin. I think I noticed perhaps a 2mph hit on speed. Boat still got on plane rapidly. No real performance or handling hits.

In terms of tubing: I have done it, but not often. I find it a bit hard to slow the boat down enough for good tubing speeds. At 24-26 mph, which is a bit fast for tubes, the boat needs lots of tab to stay on plane. But there is PLENTY of room in the cockpit for people, gear, etc.

Trailerability: Ummm: This ain't no lightweight. Especially a 290 with arch and extended swim platform. The boat also has a 9'-6" beam. The wider beam really contributes to cockpit roominess and generally excellent stability. It also means you need wide load permits -> which generally restricts your nighttime/holiday traillering if I remember the rules correctly. I only trailer at start/end of season; and then I pay other people to haul the boat around. They don't have much of a problem moving the boat

Overall. . my boat does great. It is an awesome boat.

 

[charlg]

I'll also chime in. Last year, when I was looking for 280 /290 SS, I also thought the 290 was too pricey. So, I looked for a range between 1997 - 2002, and found that they made a model change in 2000 that gave more head room around the galley (which was also made standard for that year). I'm very happy that I got the galley. I use it much more than I thought I would.

The cabin size is perfect for what I needed, and is the perfect place for my 3 year old to watch movies, and take a nap.

As for generators, they were not available for the 280SS. I bought an inverter thinking I would need power on the water, but I never installed it. Evereything (fridge, tv, etc) other than the AC and micro works on 12V. And if you cool the cabin down prior to leaving, it stays cool.

I was lucky enough to find a model fully loaded. Like Com said, the arch makes a huge difference. I also have the Corsa exhaust. My wife calls it the "man button". Boy it turns heads when your on plane.

I preferred the u-shaped seating plan over the rear bench (the fishing model). Make sure you get the filler cushion. This seating plan can hold 8 adults comfortably (10 if you lay the back to back seating down).

From what I have seen, most of the SS' come with twins. I would also recommend the twins. Plenty of power, and my Mags use the same amount of fuel than my dockmates with a single 200hp outboard. That is, of course, until you push her!!

Again, to agree with Com, this boat handles the roughest of seas. I've been caught a few times in seas and winds that I shouldn't have been in...in any boat, and she did GREAT.

We just purchased a used trailer, so I can't coment on trailering....yet.

Hope this helps.

 

[comsnark]

Yeah, to round this out: The U seating (very common) is a MUST!! The rear bench just doesn't cut it (unless you are fishing, I suppose). There is also a cockpit fridge and sink option. These are AWESOME options to have. It makes life alot better.

I guess the only complaint I have is that without the arch, you don't have any overhead lights that shine down on the eating area. It makes eating at night a bit interesting. Still don't have a great solution for that problem. Next year, I am thinking to add a grill onto the swim platform (base would mount where the swim ladder is).

I have seen one or two boats with single engines. I suppose in a lake environment, you really don't need twins, but I can't help but think that the single engine boat would underperform.

 

[nauti medic]

I've seen some older 280ss with single 454's and am not a big fan. I'd love to see twin 350 mags with of course the "man button" (that's great) The arch is growing on my wife and yes the u shape seating is what caught our eye to look further. Also just wondering what I should be looking for or worry about with salt water boats. I'm sitting right about the armpit of America so the exposure to salt water boats is limited. I've been looking at what seems like a great boat but am a little apprehensive about it being from the New Jersey shore. Thank you again for all your help.