Makin' the move to Sea Ray, need input

R

Ryanjb01

New Member
Feb 17, 2009
3
Hello,

I currently own a 1994 Bayliner 2855 7.4l BII. I have owned the boat for 3 years and has been trouble free since purchased. In fact, it was my 4th Bayliner.

I sold my 2855 with thoughts of moving up to a Bayliner 3055. While searching for my next Bayliner, I found the boat I think i want to purchase.

The Sea Ray i am currently lookng at is a 1997-8 290 Sundancer.

Things I like about this boat over my current 2855 is the twin I/O's(fuel injected no less), one level cockpit(no steps), more seating space, more standrd equipment. And most important it is still trailerable, unlike the 3055 Bayliner with a beam of nearly 11'

My question:

What should I look for or be aware for with this particular boat(1997-8 290 DA)? The boats that i am considering have either twin 5.0 or twin 5.7.


Ay information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
I trailer our 300 DA with an 11 foot beam? :huh:

I think you will be very happy with the 290. There are a bunch on this board and we looked at one that we almost bought, except for the fact that it had been partially sunk. The performance was adequate with twin 4.3's and the 5.0 or 5.7's are a better option if you have a heavier load. The fuel consumption won't be that noticeable unless you have some fancy fuel monitoring devices! I'm sure others will chime in with gotcha's on the 290 if there are any.

Welcome to the Club and have fun setting up the new boat! Don't forget to have it surveyed since that will give you a pretty good picture of it's overall condition!
 
How far do you tow? Local distances may not be much of a concern. Also, my trailer is not rated for that size of a boat.

Thanks for the info.
 
I have a 1997 290 have had it for four years now and love the boat I tow the two time a year once to put it in the water in April and once to take home in November I don't like towing it thank god it only has to go 23 miles round trip The trailer is rated at 10,000 lbs As far as the boat it is a great boat handles well good on gas easy to run by yourself all in all for what I do and for two people it is perfect
 
I owned a 1998 290DA with the T5.7s. Great boat as far as I'm concerned. It is heavy for a 290. I recall 10,200 lbs. dry. Also has a 10'2" beam, so you may want to check before deciding to trailer it as far as local regs. I had to get a permit. If you're still shopping, be aware that this boat was available with different interior plans. You could get either the booth type seating or the long sofa that pulls out to make a bed. Also, the front berth was available different ways...one with a solid cushion, and the V-type with a center filler. Options for those years were genset, tan dash, windlass, and canvas options.
 
Ryanjb01 said:
How far do you tow? Local distances may not be much of a concern. Also, my trailer is not rated for that size of a boat.

Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...

We tow from Spokane to the San Juans once a year and tow to a different lake in Northern Idaho almost every weekend! Usually we're in Lake Pend Oreille, but we go to Priest Lake and over to Flathead in Montana!

If you are towing a 10' 2" wide boat, what's another 5 inches on each side? :grin:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,202
Messages
1,428,452
Members
61,108
Latest member
asigman
Back
Top