New to saltwater, some general questions.

[b_arrington]

Again, Thank You for the great advice. What is your opinion on the Sea Ray Amberjack 290 with v drive and Horizon engines?

Good boat. Good layout for fishing while retaining cruiser features. I strongly considered one but for my purposes it wasn’t enough of an upgrade from my 270 AJ. I found the following:

• V berth was too small. My wife and I didn’t fit comfortably.
  
• Aft berth was suitable for kids only. It’s only about 5’5” long due to fuel tanks on either side.
  
• Cockpit gives up some seating for the fishing station. I didn’t fish enough to want the whole station; my 270 AJ had the optional layout without the bait station a live well.

If the layout works for you it’s a good boat. The v drive situation will reduce the maintenance quite a lot vs out drives. It will be more maneuverable around the docks and take heavier seas better with the props more forward vs. a bravo 3.

The penalty vs. outdrives is the following:

• Slower top end.
  
• Somewhat lower fuel economy.
  
• Engine space will be more cramped and some things will be harder to get to.
  
• Can’t raise drives in skinny water.

If you like the boat it’s a good one, solid. Horizons all the way especially in salt water. It’s a big deal - closed cooling saves so many issues.

 

[carterchapman]

Todd
What is an estimated monthly cost for the diver to clean/scrape a boat?

As others have said, depends on the length. Don't forget the tip. At $3 a foot monthly, I budget $200 a month in salt water...

 

[Scott3430]

Good boat. Good layout for fishing while retaining cruiser features. I strongly considered one but for my purposes it wasn’t enough of an upgrade from my 270 AJ. I found the following:

• V berth was too small. My wife and I didn’t fit comfortably.
  
• Aft berth was suitable for kids only. It’s only about 5’5” long due to fuel tanks on either side.
  
• Cockpit gives up some seating for the fishing station. I didn’t fish enough to want the whole station; my 270 AJ had the optional layout without the bait station a live well.

If the layout works for you it’s a good boat. The v drive situation will reduce the maintenance quite a lot vs out drives. It will be more maneuverable around the docks and take heavier seas better with the props more forward vs. a bravo 3.

The penalty vs. outdrives is the following:

• Slower top end.
  
• Somewhat lower fuel economy.
  
• Engine space will be more cramped and some things will be harder to get to.
  
• Can’t raise drives in skinny water.

If you like the boat it’s a good one, solid. Horizons all the way especially in salt water. It’s a big deal - closed cooling saves so many issues.

Thanks again, there seems to be some much to consider in picking out the best boat for my needs/likes. Kinda overwhelming. I do like the layout of the 290 Amberjack, but I’m feeling it may not be large enough for 4-5 day stays. But I may be wrong, I’ve never stepped on one. Let me give you a little more detail of my needs/wants in a boat and maybe you could recommend something. Like I said, 4-5 day stays. I would say 75 percent of the time cruising, not terribly long distances, and 25 percent fishing. Length 29-34’. Nice cabin with air conditioning, etc..As for as motor, either twin outboards or v-drive with twin Horizon engines. Definitely used, probably 10-15 year old boat. And a price of $50k-80k.

 

[b_arrington]

Thanks again, there seems to be some much to consider in picking out the best boat for my needs/likes. Kinda overwhelming. I do like the layout of the 290 Amberjack, but I’m feeling it may not be large enough for 4-5 day stays. But I may be wrong, I’ve never stepped on one. Let me give you a little more detail of my needs/wants in a boat and maybe you could recommend something. Like I said, 4-5 day stays. I would say 75 percent of the time cruising, not terribly long distances, and 25 percent fishing. Length 29-34’. Nice cabin with air conditioning, etc..As for as motor, either twin outboards or v-drive with twin Horizon engines. Definitely used, probably 10-15 year old boat. And a price of $50k-80k.

How many people.

 

[Scott3430]

How many people.

Just my wife and I probably 90% of the time

 

[NotHerDecision]

Size is totally your choice but I would stay away from outdrives in salt and buy v drives. Also the most sound piece of real advice I can give is this. Buy your second boat first and you will save tons of money and time.

 

[b_arrington]

Just my wife and I probably 90% of the time

I liked the 290 AJ on paper but found that in person it didn't work. I would try to see one in person before you commit especially to check out the bed.

If it's just you and your wife it might work. @NotHerDecision has a very good point; if you are on the fence about a boat being enough for you, move up now vs. selling and getting a larger one later. The 290 AJ is already a twin engine so that's not a consideration. In my case I wanted a single so that greatly limited my options for larger boats.

I'll mention that having a camper back on whatever boat you like makes it tremendously more useful. We added one to our 270 AJ and it was like an entirely new boat. That upgrade got us about another 6 years of use. The fastback canvas looks sleek but really limits the utility of a cockpit when you want to be closed up.