Official 290 Sundancer Thread

I have just realized this weekend that I'm missing my wrench/crank to manually use my windlass, never had one when I purchased the boat. Does anyone know where I could get one? Also as grill mounts go I've been enjoying my pedestal mount that I mounted on my extended swim platform. I think I posted a pic of it earlier on this thread.

I have also wondered where the ipod connection was -I'll look for mine this weekend. Thanks
 
I found my Ipod connector this weekend! Its in the cabinet above the "black end table aft of the couch" on the side. There's an outlet in there too.
 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
I found my Ipod connector this weekend! Its in the cabinet above the "black end table aft of the couch" on the side. There's an outlet in there too.
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Sorry i thought someone had already told you it was there.:huh:
Kind of a dumb place for it I think. there is plenty of room in the CD storage area and it could have been installed there. We don't use ours anyway. We just load up the cd changer and head off.:grin:
 
Thanks for the info. I did not know that I had an IPOD connection. Again, not sure why they hide it in that cabinet.

BTW - Bill - The flag pole I bought for the holder was a Perko. Works very nicely. Did you get a grill to work in that "flag holder?" - Anyone else have the "flag holder" bracket on the stern on their boat?
 
pete5016 said:
Thanks for the info. I did not know that I had an IPOD connection. Again, not sure why they hide it in that cabinet.

BTW - Bill - The flag pole I bought for the holder was a Perko. Works very nicely. Did you get a grill to work in that "flag holder?" - Anyone else have the "flag holder" bracket on the stern on their boat?
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I don't have a flag holder. Now that I think about it, I could use my rod holder for a flag when the grill is not in use.
 
I haven't looked into using the flagholder for the grill just yet. I have to imagine someone could fabricate a piece that would allow the grill to sit out over the swim platform and well enough away from the rear vinyl.

I'm still hoping someone with the aft cabin TV option can snap a couple pics to show me how its mounted?

I'm ready to mount mine and wrap that project up but want it to look "factory" as close to factory or better. Since I don't have an additional outlet behind the access panels back there I'm going to simply plug in an extension cord to the existing outlest and run it immediately behind the wood cabinetry to the right. Then I plan to pull the cords for the TV and the PS2 through the back to the extension cord. I'll take some pics tomorrow of my progress.

First, I need to get the right mount and figure out how I want the TV mounted before I go drilling into that nice wood work.
 
Hey All,
Newbie here - not just to the forum but new Sea Ray owner. My wife and I are just completing purchase of a very clean '98 290 'Dancer. Completed the survey yesterday, and aside from the usual punch list of fixits no big surprises, except needs bellows and bottom / drive paint.

We're thrilled to be moving from our previous trailer boat to a moored situation since it will significantly change our boating experience for the better.

When we started looking at boats we found the second gen 290's to be the perfect setup for us. When my wife say the "Plan B" layout in this '98 it was a done deal. I can't imagine a better boat, and this one is loaded - 2500W inverter system w/ 4 house batts, Furuno radar/gps, a rib tender with motor on a full Weaver setup, propane stove, camper and slant canvas.

The best part is I've got an offer on my old boat (and they say Bayliners are like herpes - you can never get rid of them).

Looking forward to a good year on the water and hope everyone here does the same.
 
Hello first time Searay owner,I have a 1992 290 Sundancer.I have a single 454 with a bravo 3 outdrive.Im looking forward to summertime weather in Tennessee.My wife and I have been out several time this year in between rain.
 

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I'd like to solicit some recommendations for a trailer for my 290. Manufacturer? Tri-axle versus dual, weight limit I need to be at, etc. From my quick research looks to be in the $5k range for what seems to be the right size.
 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
I'd like to solicit some recommendations for a trailer for my 290. Manufacturer? Tri-axle versus dual, weight limit I need to be at, etc. From my quick research looks to be in the $5k range for what seems to be the right size.
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I had a tri-axel built by Loadmaster for my 280 last year for around 6k new with LED lights and sling pockets and 12" electric brakes on all 6 wheels... you will need a tri-axel, a tandem wont cut it for your load.
 
Thanks.

Anyone know off hand what the diameter of the bow rail is on the '07 290? I'm buying a grill and will use the bow rail mount until I decide when and if I want a different kind that will require drilling. here are my options:

380


"Single" Horizontal Round Rail Mount
(Standard Duty)
T10-380Fits Standard Round Rails 1"(25.5 mm)
T10-385Fits Oversized Round Rails 1-1/4" (32 mm)
T10-390 Fits Large Round Rails 1-1/2" (38 mm)
More Info​

580

"Dual" Horizontal Round Rail Mount
(Heavy Duty)
T10-580 Fits Standard Round Rails 7/8" or 1" (22 mm or 25.5 mm)
T10-585 Fits Oversized Round Rails 1-1/8" or 1-1/4"
(28.5 mm or 32 mm)
T10-590Fits Large Round Rails 1-1/2" (38 mm)​

 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
I'd like to solicit some recommendations for a trailer for my 290. Manufacturer? Tri-axle versus dual, weight limit I need to be at, etc. From my quick research looks to be in the $5k range for what seems to be the right size.
Click to expand...

Bill,

I had one custom made for my 290 down here in Florida. I bought my boat up North, and tried to find a trailer manufacturer up North to make me one so I could trailer my boat down to Florida. I found up North that the trailer manufacturers did not want to make a trailer wider than 8' 6"

My trailer is 9.5' wide (same as my boat). It has three axles, all with disc brakes. Don't go cheap on the trailer. Since mine has already been custom made for my boat, I could refer you to my trailer manufacturer if you want, and it could be made very easily for yours.

The cost was around $7,200, which is a good price for an aluminum trailer designed to support 15K pounds. Price included a spare and LED lights.

I don't know if you want to travel to pick one up, but if you do, drop me a PM.
 
Where have all the 290 owners gone? This post was buried on page 3?!:huh:

Anyway, new question for you late model 290 owners - Has anyone ordered a replacement cockpit carpet set?

When I bought my boat, it did not have the cockpit carpet. I contacted snapincarpets, and they told me that they do NOT have the pattern for our newer boat.

Does anyone have an old carpet set? Or a place where the carpets can be bought (without have to cut and make up templates)????

Any and all help appreciated!!!

Happy Sunday!
 
pete5016 said:
Where have all the 290 owners gone? This post was buried on page 3?!:huh:
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Been boating!! I can't seem to find the time to keep up with the board on the weekends at the boat. Too many other odds and ends to deal with.

I'm almost done polishing and waxing my boat from top to bottom sans the last area right along the water line. Will either have to pull it out for that or get in shallow water. Prefer to pull it out because I'd like to use my rotory to finish it off.

Nick, let me know where you got your trailer from. My friends are all making plans for some trips other lakes and I'm feeling left behind. I may have to bite the bullet and get it this year so I need to start shopping around.

As for carpet, I have a spare brand new set that I have never used. It apparently came from another boat who's owner didn't want it. I was planning on just keeping it as a replacement when mine wears out. Of course, the snaps don't match up so I'll have to move them. Sorry, but that's not any help to you.
 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
As for carpet, I have a spare brand new set that I have never used. It apparently came from another boat who's owner didn't want it. I was planning on just keeping it as a replacement when mine wears out. Of course, the snaps don't match up so I'll have to move them. Sorry, but that's not any help to you.
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Your PBO stole someone else's carpet and kept your flag and boot cover!
 
So, I have a renewed love affair with my 290 now that the 36DB deal fell through. It's never been neglected, even with my current fractured wrist. Here is what I love about this boat:
1: The design. I think it is a masterpiece, both modern and timeless. There are many Sea Rays at my marina. I have a 300DA and an 260 DA on each side of me. I was looking at the three boats together. The bow of the 290 is as high as the 300. It doesn't dip down in the front like the 260 and 300, making it look more seaworthy. The lines are more square, except for the controversial diving rub rail, which I really like. The square windshield on the 290 is sleeker and goes well with the more square lines of the deck and hull. It has a kind of modern-retro look to it. Functionally, it adds more space in the cockpit. The arch top blends well with the rest of the boat and gives the boat a more substantial look without affecting the proportions. It is more of a roof than an arch, minimizing the amount of canvas needed to enclose the cockpit. The high and substantial bow rail gives the boat a rich look. I get many compliments on the boat.
2. The ride and sea cleaving hull. It is a soft and dry riding boat. The beam and deadrise seem to be a good match for most sea conditions I experience during the season. I've been out in up to 4-5 foot seas and 20 knot winds and can cruise comfortably at 20-22 mph SOG with a side or trailing wind and seas. Mix in the occasional 6-7 foot wave that stand up at the entrance to an inlet and the 290 powers right through with confidence.
3. The power package. The 5.0s provide plenty of punch, and don't ever seem to be working hard. I can power up the back side of a big inlet wave without a problem. The outdrives allow me to maximize efficiency with the trim and let me walk right onto the sandy beaches of Nantucket and Cataumet via the swim platform ladder. I can get up to 1.5 pmg, burn 20 GPH at 30mph. The boat's sweet spot is at ~30 mph at 3500-3800 RPM. They don't burn a drop of oil all season. Everything is easy to access in the ER. Handling at the dock is easy with the twins and I/O.
4. The layout of the cabin and cockpit. The camper top gives me much more room than on a 300, 310, and even 330. The tops on those boats slope down and eliminate the use of the transom bench and aft 1/3 of the cockpit. The open cockpit allows easy movement about. The swim platform/transom storage are large and well designed. It is the first thing people see when boarding and just looks beautiful. The dedicated center staircase to the bow eliminates the need to close the cabin door to access the bow. The instrument panel is striking in its appearance and offers plenty of space for electronics. The v-berth is larger than the 300, 310, 320.
 
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I couldn't have said it better! Every day I'm on this boat I can't help but wonder more and more why it did not fly off the shelves at the dealer. It is one of the "sexiest" cruisers out there in my opinion from every angle. I love the long flat deck and the security it provides when walking up there. I thoroughly enjoy the cockpit and the fact that there are no pure rear facing seats by themselves. My ONLY complaint about the cockpit is that they didn't make a nice angular/squared of continuous bench seat from the port seat to the rear bench. I wouldn't have wanted a rounded seat because it would contradict the lines of the windshield frame that are probably one of my favorite features. But I wish there was seating where that step was or at least a removable cushion.

My only other complaint is the difficulty in making the v-berth because of the attached mattress cusion. Wish it was snapped on or something so you could wrap a sheet under it easy. A memory foam mattress may solve that.

Lastly, coming from a big block 8.1 26ft bowrider I'd like to have seen twin 350 mags in it. I've topped out at 44 but now with it being in the water and loaded up 40-41 seems about max. I'd like to have touched 48 or so to go with its sportiness.

I don't have big seas to deal with but I do really like its ride and planning time even with the 5.0's.

I have the only 290 of this style on on our lake and its been received very well by the cruiser crowd.

I don't know if I'm being niave or not but I think in 10 years this boat will still have that an edgy/trendy look to it that will make it attactive in the used boat market with it being limited in years built.

Seriously, that's a hot looking boat sitting next to that 350 Rinker!

slip.jpg
 
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Man you guys have good looking boats. LOL

On another point, I was thinking I would be the only one that went all white.
When I bought mine in November 2007 I think it was the only all white Twin 5.0 that was the the MM inventory US wide.

May I compliment you on your choices.

Now, this is going to bring on the rain.
 
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