Official 1998 Sea Ray Sundancer 290 Thread

[Strecker25]

Thanks, That unit looks nice up on the dash. I guess I was picturing the old bulky ones and not liking the idea of that.

I've also been reading through the Ipad threads, intriguing as well since we are really just bay/lake ontario boaters. Would still need a fishfinder though, so not sure it would end up being worth the multi device setup in the end. Unfortunately my IT background has me interested in playing with the ipad.

 

[magstang1]

The iPad may be a less expensive alternative if you're just looking for an inexpensive solution. Not being waterproof, it's reflective screen and succeptability to heat are its weak points. I know others that have gone that route though.

As far as the Garmin 740 is concerned, I can't say enough good things. I'm completely satisfied with it. Size, functionality, accuracy... I highly recommend a serious consideration if you're thinking about a fixed mount GPS.

 

[Strecker25]

Here's a few shots of her from the other day when we made the offer. Survey is 3/16, hoping for a clean report

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[alwhite00]

Looks really nice, C'mon warm weather.

 

[magstang1]

Looks nice. Basically a twin to mine.

 

[Strecker25]

thanks guys. Tell me about it on the weather. We started melting up in NY yesterday but this morning was -1 with 3 fresh inches. The dealership was closed today where the boat is from the weather. Hopefully it ends soon.

 

[John_Gault]

The iPad may be a less expensive alternative if you're just looking for an inexpensive solution. Not being waterproof, it's reflective screen and succeptability to heat are its weak points. I know others that have gone that route though.

As far as the Garmin 740 is concerned, I can't say enough good things. I'm completely satisfied with it. Size, functionality, accuracy... I highly recommend a serious consideration if you're thinking about a fixed mount GPS.

I second the comment - very nice install on the dash. Unfortunately, I have the 540S, without touchscreen, and I can't imagine attempting to reach that far and navigate through the menus with the directional pad...
Sounds like a good reason to upgrade!
-Laurence

 

[Strecker25]

Does anyone know if it is possible to someway get the original invoice from our boats? Is that something Sea ray would provide if we could prove ownership and give HID? I'm just curious as to what it was equipped with and of course to see what the original price was. Not a ton of value to it im sure, but interesting nonetheless.

 

[Strecker25]

In order to make height for shipping I'm going to have to remove the mast light on top of the arch of our 290DA. Does anyone know what I'll need to do so? I'Ll ask the marina service dept but just in case I need to do it myself I'll bring tools. I was thinking packing tape to cover the hole from the elements during hauling.

 

[magstang1]

There is an access plate on the bottom of the arch. Remove the plate to access the fastners for the mast light.

 

[Strecker25]

There is an access plate on the bottom of the arch. Remove the plate to access the fastners for the mast light.

thank you!

 

[Strecker25]

Did the final sea trial/ captains orientation of the boat today. Ran great, the chesapeake bay was pretty choppy and even in the marina it was extremely windy. Made for an interesting docking and maneuvering lesson, being my first time on a twin screw boat and first time on anything over a 22' runabout.

The only two issues we had were the tachs were bouncing like crazy and the engine synchro gauge is off. The dealer is looking to see why that is, anyone have any issues with their tachs? I'm sure it's not a simple fix, but here's to hoping.

The shifters are TIGHT. its tough to make incremental throttle changes (especially with the tachs off) because it feels like im jumping 400+ RPM at a time. I'm hoping it's just a shift cable issue, anyone have any experience with either the cable replacement or the entire shifter assembly?

It was quite a rush seeing out over the bow for the first time, and the twins in docking are fantastic. The captain wouldn't let me touch the wheel and instead used only throttles, and I got the hang of it quickly.

 

[AFD]

tight shifters could be at the other end, start on the carbs first before you tear into the shifters but if it is the quicksilver shifters I have the schematic.
aconso@gmail.com and ill send it to you

 

[gtfireftr]

Anybody have any experience changing the hot water heater?
Mine is/was leaking, so I just looped the water lines while I decide what to do.....
It appears that if I remove the batteries there MAY be enough room to slide it out....
Any thoughts....??

 

[Tacoma290]

gtfireftr: Let us know how the water heater replacement went. For my 2000 290, the water heater is on the stbd side, adjacent to the holding tank.

Just went through a rough year:
New Port engine (second replacement!), new stbd outdrive housing, new bottom and OD paint, new group 31 house batteries, new cockpit carpet.

 

[Strecker25]

gtfireftr: Let us know how the water heater replacement went. For my 2000 290, the water heater is on the stbd side, adjacent to the holding tank.

Just went through a rough year:
New Port engine (second replacement!), new stbd outdrive housing, new bottom and OD paint, new group 31 house batteries, new cockpit carpet.

What happened to the motor?

 

[gtfireftr]

Have not done anything with the water heater... probably going to leave it for this year...It is on the port side, and I most likely would be able to squeeze it out if I removed the batteries and lubed it up good....LOL....
Sorry to hear of your bad start this year... hopefully you got everything worked out...
As for my motor, I am going to do as described in the other thread, and will post my results...

gtfireftr: Let us know how the water heater replacement went. For my 2000 290, the water heater is on the stbd side, adjacent to the holding tank.

Just went through a rough year:
New Port engine (second replacement!), new stbd outdrive housing, new bottom and OD paint, new group 31 house batteries, new cockpit carpet.

 

[Strecker25]

FINALLY taking delivery at our marina this Friday. Weather is supposed to be mid 80s and sunny. We could not be more excited

 

[Tacoma290]

Strecker 25: Enjoy! Have a great cruise.

 

[Tacoma290]

gtfireftr and Strecker25: Here is the abbreviated version of the Port Engine saga:
The port engine was replaced in 2011 after an exhaust riser failed; went with a Jasper short block (we'll call this Engine Port#2).
Piston #4 of that engine fractured 6 months after the engine was installed. Jasper refused the warranty claim, so the local shop paid for a replacement Jasper engine (we'll call this engine Port#3), installed in October of 2011.
The head of that engine failed two years later (2013), and was repaired. The lower portion of the engine was assumed to be ok. I agreed to pay for head work.
Then in August of 2014, the engine failed (rocker stud failed, causing the #5 piston to go through the wall of the block; so many engine shards in the bilge!). It was a long process of finding a new mechanic, determining failure, attempting to work with insurance, and proceeding with repairs. In the investigative process, we discovered that the engine has been significantly over-bored, which is not normal for marine engines. I wonder about the background of that engine that the local shop paid for. From an insurance standpoint, BoatUS paid for the investigative process, but since the failure was deemed mechanical, I was left with paying for a new engine (calling that Port#4).
I went with a long block Mercruiser. The base warranty is less than Jasper, but Mercruiser has an extended warranty program (less than $300 for an additional two years). I hope to not need it.