Perceived Design Flaws of Current 290 DA

[Mark Thompson]

I am considering the purchase of an '08 290 DA and bewildered by the posts criticizing the boat's design or suggesting Sea Ray intends to destroy the mold. For any car enthusiasts out there it reminds me a lot of the Chris Bangle controversy when he revolutionized the design of BMWs. The guy was despised by traditionalists at first but now those same design cues are copied by almost every manufacturer domestic and foreign. What am I missing? Is it you just don't like the appearance of the boat, its layout or is there some design defect in your opinion that compromises its utility or sea worthiness? I am not trying to pick a fight here. I have never owned a Sea Ray and respect the opinions of those who have. Please educate me.

 

[Dave S]

Mark............coincidentally there is another thread going on this same subject that was just started by a different user. Look at this posting http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7322

You may want to chime in on that thread so we don't have duplicate postings going on at the same time on the same subject.

It would also be good to know what boat you currently own and what you have owned in the past.

Dave

 

[Mark Thompson]

So the only criticism that would apply to the 2008 model is cockpit configuration? Why would they destroy the mold and abandon design cues replicated in the 310, 330 and 380 (and I believe the new 350) to remedy one of the easiest components to change? Seating is an easy fix.

 

[Dave S]

So the only criticism that would apply to the 2008 model is cockpit configuration? Why would they destroy the mold and abandon design cues replicated in the 310, 330 and 380 (and I believe the new 350) to remedy one of the easiest components to change? Seating is an easy fix.

Cockpit layout and seating is not necessarily an easy fix. The whole upper part of the boat is a single mould and some times that includes the seat bases, the wet bar, etc. For example the "side saddle" seating in the 290 has an integral seat base so it would require changing the whole upper mould to put something like a lounger in there.

As I mentioned earlier, I think you should ask your questions in that other thread because anything else I say on the subject would be a duplication of what I have already posted in that thread.

 

[Mark Thompson]

I stand corrected. I assumed cockpit seating was bolted onto the floor. What you said makes sense if its integrated. BTW, I did go onto the other thread but found it lacking in substantive criticism of anything other than cockpit configuration.

 

[RiverRat]

I am considering the purchase of an '08 290 DA and bewildered by the posts criticizing the boat's design or suggesting Sea Ray intends to destroy the mold. For any car enthusiasts out there it reminds me a lot of the Chris Bangle controversy when he revolutionized the design of BMWs. The guy was despised by traditionalists at first but now those same design cues are copied by almost every manufacturer domestic and foreign. What am I missing? Is it you just don't like the appearance of the boat, its layout or is there some design defect in your opinion that compromises its utility or sea worthiness? I am not trying to pick a fight here. I have never owned a Sea Ray and respect the opinions of those who have. Please educate me.

Mark, IMO the differences between the 280 and 290 for the most part are cosmetic... I don't beleive either boat has any major design flaws... Boils down to a matter of taste in which one you like the best, or which will meet your needs the best for the type of things you like to do aboard...

 

[dpvandy01]

I BTW, I did go onto the other thread but found it lacking in substantive criticism of anything other than cockpit configuration.

Guess I'll head back to the peanut gallery with the rest of the rubes

 

[JV II]

For any car enthusiasts out there it reminds me a lot of the Chris Bangle controversy when he revolutionized the design of BMWs. The guy was despised by traditionalists at first but now those same design cues are copied by almost every manufacturer domestic and foreign.

Thank you. My point exactly. In fact, I made the same argument in a previous thread.

 

[teekster]

IMHO, the Bangled BMWs still look wrong and I won't buy one.

Many like the look and that is why they sell quite well.

The lack of decent seating on the 290 is more than a cosmetic difference, however.