1997 290 Sundancer

[Oceanwave1]

Hi, I'm new here, any help is much appreciated. I'm looking to move up from a 22 ft center cockpit to a Sea Ray 26 to 30 foot. I have found a 1997 290 Sundancer with twin 190 HP, about 450 hours. Boat looks to be in very nice shape from outside and from speaking to owner on phone, will see interior this weekend. generator does not work, I'm told it's a timing belt which will cost about $1500 i'm told. Anyone have any thoughts on the 1997 290 Sundancer? Any issues with that model? With that year? Is twin 190 HP going to be enough power? Thanks for any info, this site looks great, and from what I've seen, Sea Ray's seem like the best quality and design I've found.

 

[Sadler]

It's a great boat. Having a generator is a real advantage. Twin engines can be tight. If you plan to do your own maintenance, see if you can get to things you need to maintain. Does it have vacuflush and a windlass--necessities for me.

 

[Oceanwave1]

Thanks, I'll check the ER space out on Sat. And it does have those 2 features, yes. Hopeuflly the years of dragging up anchors by hand may be over soon. Nice pictures, you take good care of your boat. How long have you had yours, and have you had any problems or issues with it?

 

[Sadler]

I've had the boat about six years. I had a 1995 290DA without generator, etc. before that, so all together, I've owned a 290 of the same hull type for about 11 years. I've had no major problems with either boat. I like the layout, and it has all the amenities of a larger boat. I've driven both twin and single 290's of the 1994-1997 type, and each has its advantages. The twin definitely handles easier around the dock, but with a little practice the single can be docked fine. The single is lighter and sits higher in the water, has less noise and vibration, and I just prefer messing with a single lever rather than dual levers. And, the engine room on the single has more room to work. It's all in what you prefer.

 

[Oceanwave1]

Thanks for your help. Test drove it today, is a great boat, rides well. A few things to fix, but overall boat in great shape. The generator does not work, which I knew, so I'm considering putting in a new one or trying to repair this one. All the proper maintenance was done on it evidently it just stopped last month. We tried starting it, it sounds like it's about to start, but won't. I heard one mechanic who saw it said the timing belt needs to be replaced...about $2k. The anchor windless works from the bow, but not the cockpit, the lever seems stuck. Also the spot light comes on, but does not move around from the remote control in the cockpit. Other than that, all works well. If anyone has any info or suggestions on generator, light or windlass, please let me know. Thanks all. Great site here.