270 Amberjack or 280 Sundancer ?

[krs616]

Looking for one of the above in the 2004 - 2006 year range.

Wondering if anyone has made a 280 in the above year range "salmon-fishable"?

Obviously the 270 is geared for it, just not sure if I want to give up extra beam, engine, seating etc.. vs the 280

The price difference isn't that much either way, so looking for opinions etc..

Any help is appreciated!

Scott

 

[scoflaw]

The 280 is def. not a fishing boat. Look for boats that are easy to clean, wash down pump, rod holders, the fish list goes on

 

[dan313]

I have a 05 270 Amberjack, and like the features that it has. The boat is a single screw, The 280 comes with twins. The 280 is a pleasure boat not made for fishing. You might want to look at a 290 Amberjack. It may fit you needs better.

 

[krs616]

Thanks for the replies...trying to keep the whole family happy...got kids that want to tube once in a while, have friends out, and me to salmon fish.
I like the additional seating on the 280, also the wider beam and twin screws....more to maintain and go wrong with add'l systems
Both can keep the rear cockpit clean with a fold up transom seat, removable snap in carpet etc..
The 290 AJ gains some width, but still mainly comes with the huge bait prep area which I have no need for.
+ Reply to Thread
Lenny -- nice looking AJ ~ exact same name as my boat!
What's real world performance with the 350 MPI Horizon that I think is the standard engine on the 270 AJ

Scott

 

[mygirl]

I have 07 aj and for me it's a perfect cross between fishing and cruising. My dilemma when looking for a boat is keeping everyone happy. I took out the live well and put a bench seat in that doubles as a cooler. I will post pict when I figure out. I luv my aj!!

 

[krs616]

Thanks my girl...would like to see the pic. I've seen a few that come with the back-to-back set up, but then they typically don't have the flush mounted rod holders and arch.

Is the 320 B3 the same as the 350 Horizon engine or is that considered the 6.2L that I see as the upgrade?

 

[b_arrington]

Thanks my girl...would like to see the pic. I've seen a few that come with the back-to-back set up, but then they typically don't have the flush mounted rod holders and arch.

I have the back-to-back layout. Love it. Gives me the extra seating space for the family, but ditches the livewell I'd never use. No arch, but I did have the dealer add 2 rod holders in the gunnels. You could easily add them if you found a boat you like.

I think the arch looks cool but find it's not really necessary, for me anyway. If you need extra rod holders you could put 2 in each gunnel. Angle for forward one outward and the aft one straight back so the lines are offset. I know there are advantages to getting the lines spread our more but with the rod holders in the tower, it's hard to reach up and get the rod out anyway.

Also consider how much you want to increase your operating costs with a second engine. I specifically got the 270 AJ because it was largest boat with the most flexible layout that had a single engine. I don't want twins. In fact, if I ever upgrade to a larger boat it will be to a single diesel so I keep the maintenance and operating (fuel) costs low.

 

[Ididntdoit]

The 270 AJ is essentially a 260 DA with a different deck and add on swim platform - much smaller than a 280 DA.....that said, if your going to pull a tube or do any watersports get the 270AJ the 280 will use WAY too much fuel and throw a huge wake......if your going to do a lot of family weekend trips where you will all stay on the boat, consider giving up the watersports and get the 280

 

[krs616]

What type of performance do you get with the 350 mag? The AJ I'm looking at has that engine.
Thanks
KRS

I have the back-to-back layout. Love it. Gives me the extra seating space for the family, but ditches the livewell I'd never use. No arch, but I did have the dealer add 2 rod holders in the gunnels. You could easily add them if you found a boat you like.

I think the arch looks cool but find it's not really necessary, for me anyway. If you need extra rod holders you could put 2 in each gunnel. Angle for forward one outward and the aft one straight back so the lines are offset. I know there are advantages to getting the lines spread our more but with the rod holders in the tower, it's hard to reach up and get the rod out anyway.

Also consider how much you want to increase your operating costs with a second engine. I specifically got the 270 AJ because it was largest boat with the most flexible layout that had a single engine. I don't want twins. In fact, if I ever upgrade to a larger boat it will be to a single diesel so I keep the maintenance and operating (fuel) costs low.

 

[cwellington]

LOL ~ we have an '06 AJ - all maintenance records, VERY clean (husband even keeps the outside outlet plug and HOSE clean and out of the water!).....freshwater, twin Merc I/O's.....

Considering going up in size ~ so, will keep you posted in the instance you are still looking, should we purchase something else! We DO love it, though ~ stay on it every weekend ~ has brand new camper canvas and entire boat is absolutely beautiful! Just replaced all lights to cool LED's (blue accents on deck and cockpit) We're going to Cedar Point boat show in a couple of weeks.....should know more after that.....will keep you updated! ️

 

[b_arrington]

What type of performance do you get with the 350 mag? The AJ I'm looking at has that engine.
Thanks
KRS

My reply in this post should be helpful. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/16123-Any-270-Amberjack-Owners-out-there

Here the performance excerpt:

Top speed: ~34-35 MPH. Assume 1/2 fuel, 2 people, minimal water, calm seas, and clean bottom.
Fuel burn @ top speed: ~22-23 GPH
Optimal cruise: ~25 MPH @ 3400 RPM
Fuel burn @ optimal cruise: ~11-12 GPH
Preferred cruise: ~28-29 MPH @ 3800 RPM. (Where the boat feels "best")
Fuel burn @ pref. cruise: ~14-15 GPH.

I wrote that in 2009. Two weeks ago I make a round trip from Port Jefferson, NY to Waterford, CT across the Long Island Sound. The numbers are still about the same. Here's some performance details about that trip. Conditions:

• Full fuel, full water, 2 adults, 2 kids, 110 lb RIB and 85 lb outboard on the stern, 13 ft. kayak in the cockpit, 2 days work of overnighting gear (eg fully loaded boat).
• Each way had a NNE wind blowing 10-14 mph that produced 1 foot chop.

Outbound: Chop was particularly steep as the tide was running against a headwind. My best comfortable speed for the first 1/2 of the trip was 22-23 mph due to the sea state and wind. Fuel burn was higher than normal, about 16-18 GPH. Speed improved as we approach the lee shore and the waves diminished. GPH was still higher than normal due to the wind. I burned about 2/3 of a tank of fuel.

Return: Same wind, but this time it was on the stern and the wind and tide were the same direction. No kayak, a bit less water. Averaged 27-28 MPH the whole trip with a fuel burn of 11-12 GPH. Burned between a 1/3 to a 1/2 tank of fuel.

 

[krs616]

Thank you for all that info! Exactly what I was looking for! Just had another AJ come up for sale, but with more options (A/C, trailer, auto pilot) and the larger engine...of course about $10k more ask price too!
Hoping to pick one up on a "deal" prior to winter lay up, which in Michigan isn't that far off
:smt089
KRS

 

[OldMasterTech]

Thank you for all that info! Exactly what I was looking for! Just had another AJ come up for sale, but with more options (A/C, trailer, auto pilot) and the larger engine...of course about $10k more ask price too!
Hoping to pick one up on a "deal" prior to winter lay up, which in Michigan isn't that far off
:smt089
KRS

Just saw this thread , time to sell my '05 AJ. Equipped with the 320 hp 6.2 and the Bravo 3 outdrive. It has a list of extras that are impressive like Rupp outriggers, Scotty downriggers, full custom camper canvas with "glass" or screen, Northstar GPS, radar & sonar, Simrad autopilot, 15 rodholders. You can comfortably run 7 lines, usually 5 if I go out alone.
Comes with a tri-axle trailer.
Then the bad stuff, fuel pump failed, blue gelcoat has started to fade, just hit 1,000 hours.
PM if any interest.

Just a side note, the top speeds claimed for these boats are exaggerated, only time I have seen 35 mph is in salt water with a strong tailwind running with the tide! Otherwise 30 -31 is more realistic.

 

[gerryb]

Unless you'll be fishing the majority of the time, and with a large group, the 280 would work better. If family and entertaining friends is important, the 280 will be a pleasure vs the 270 AJ. On the 280, swing back the transom seat and take out the carpets, and you have a decent place to fish of course without all the standard gear in an AJ. I'd buy the boat based on how I planned to use it most of the time.