Sundancer 290

[jcoll]

Hello, I'm looking for input on a 1998 Sundancer 290 I'm considering purchasing. It's equipped with 5.0L twins and Bravo 2 outdrives. The price has been dropped considerably which puts me back into the Sea Ray market. My concern is mostly with the hull integrity. The boat will be surveyed but, I'm looking for input from current or past owners. I can't confirm hull construction below the waterline. Is it cored or solid fiberglass? If it is cored, has anyone experienced trouble? Has anyone had any problems with stringers?

Thanks all for your input.
Jim

 

[Lazy Daze]

Welcome aboard, Jim!

Here's a very recent thread on the same topic: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24726&highlight=290+SUNDANCER

If that one doesn't give you what you want, search around (search tool, near top of page), there's probably more.

 

[Southpaw II]

You might double check that...if its got 5.0 twins, it should have Alpha drives. I don't think this is a cored hull boat. Get a good survey and pull the boat to check the bottom for yourself.

 

[jcoll]

Thanks for the quick replies - I didn't expect them so soon. The boat is currently on the hard but, I'm no expert on hulls so I can't tell if the bottom is cored or not - how do you tell and how do I distinguish Alpha drives from Bravos.
Jim

 

[Lazy Daze]

On the cord hull: if no one chimes in with the answer, best bet would be to email customer service at Sea Ray. But, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a cored hull. It's a very good way to build a boat. Your surveyor should be able to tell if there's a problem - that's what you're paying the guy for. Talk to the surveyor about it and feel him (her) out.

Alpha is smaller than Bravo. B2 has a huge prop. B3 has two props. Google Alpha and Bravo - I'm sure you can find some pics.

 

[Hampton]

I seriously doubt that boat has a cored hull.

 

[KayKook]

I believe the bottom of a 98' 290 is fully cored. Just have it hauled out, checked with a moisture meter by a certified marine surveyor, and if there are any issues with stringers and hull integrity, it will be painfully obvious at that time. If it passes the survey, you should be fine, just be very careful.

 

[jcoll]

I'll email Sea Ray and let you know the answer when I hear back from them.
Thanks,
Jim:smt024

 

[KayKook]

1996 models were cored bottoms for sure. You can check w/ SR if you wish. As far as the drives go, they did not off Bravo II drives in 1998 on the 290DA.
They are Alpha's. Look here. http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNWP3954.pdf

 

[jcoll]

Okay, within an hour I had an answer from a Sea Ray product support rep. He stated that the 1998 Sundancer has a solid fiberglass hull. Thanks all for the help, it's great to have a resource like this. I hope I can return the favor or pass it on sometime in the future.
Jim