Sea Ray 290 Dancer - 220 HP vs. 260 HP

[ptallen]

We are currently in the market for a 2007 SR 290 DA. It is between two boats. One with the upgraded twin 5.0L bravo 3 (260 HP) and one with the standard 4.3 bravo 3 (220 HP). Everything else is almost equal - hours, options and price.

Any advise, comments or suggestions?

 

[CV-23]

I'd be happier with the twin 5.0L or 5.7L in a 290, Mike.

 

[moparlvr4406]

more is better when you are dealing in that kind of weight IMHO

 

[Lazy Daze]

If price is similar, I wouldn't even consider the 4.3's. Fuel economy between the two will be negligible, at best.

 

[Bridog]

Twin 5.0's

 

[Quint4]

Here is the nicest 290 you will find. I have been on it many times, the owner is a friend. He maintains it impeccably.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007...38508?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item4cfec5022c

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Thanks, Quint.

Definitelty go with the 5.0's if cost is relatively the same.

 

[Bucit]

I have the twin 4.3's in a 2005 280DA and I personally would want the bigger engines in anything bigger/heavier. I wanted that package in the 280 but couldn't find it when I was looking so I settled for the 4.3's.

 

[MT Pockets]

If I may, 5.0,5.0,5.0,5.0"SSSS !!!! Ok maybe overstated. Prior to buying my 06 290, I ran both 4.3 and 5.0's ( had a very fortunate opportunity). by far the 5.0's won out. Simply stated, why push the 4.3's in the upper third of their power band to achieve what the 5.0's achieve in the midlle third of theirs. No it's not a scientific measurement of horsepower, but the 4.3's seem to working alot harder to accomplish the smae results. I plane off at about 2500rpm and cruise very comfortably at about 3150. about 24 knots. low engine noise, smooth ride and still another 1000 - 1500 left in the throttle. sustained run times of 2-3 hours, burning about 11 gph / engine total of 22 gph. No offense to Bucit, but I am not one to settle for less than I want. Sorry that sounds a bit assey but I feel that I work too hard for my money and if I am going to spend it on my enjoyment, i am going to get what I want. Good luck on your descion and whatever you decide, just get out on it and use it till it blows up!!!!

 

[ptallen]

Thanks for the feedback. We put a K on a 2007 290 DA with 5.0/260 hp. Now just waiting for inspection and survey.

 

[matthewmiller01]

Good luck! I know we love ours (twin 5.0s).

 

[Bucit]

If I may, 5.0,5.0,5.0,5.0"SSSS !!!! Ok maybe overstated. Prior to buying my 06 290, I ran both 4.3 and 5.0's ( had a very fortunate opportunity). by far the 5.0's won out. Simply stated, why push the 4.3's in the upper third of their power band to achieve what the 5.0's achieve in the midlle third of theirs. No it's not a scientific measurement of horsepower, but the 4.3's seem to working alot harder to accomplish the smae results. I plane off at about 2500rpm and cruise very comfortably at about 3150. about 24 knots. low engine noise, smooth ride and still another 1000 - 1500 left in the throttle. sustained run times of 2-3 hours, burning about 11 gph / engine total of 22 gph. No offense to Bucit, but I am not one to settle for less than I want. Sorry that sounds a bit assey but I feel that I work too hard for my money and if I am going to spend it on my enjoyment, i am going to get what I want. Good luck on your descion and whatever you decide, just get out on it and use it till it blows up!!!!

No offense taken. I would love to have the 5.0's just couldn't find them in our area. I didn't have the time to fly/drive long distances to buy a boat and the boat I purchased was very clean and a local boat maintained by local MM. All in all I'm happy with it. I have to say though that I cruise at 3200rpm's , running at 28-30 mph and burn roughly 16 gph. Where we normally run to that woudl be another 12 gallons per trip x $5.00+ per gallon and it really adds up.