Finally decided on buying a 290 or 300 sundancer. Looking for info.

C

camaro_z28

New Member
Nov 26, 2010
26
Huron, Ohio
Boat Info
1988 230 Sun Runner weekender
Engines
5.0L Volvo penta 290-DP
I just came across this forum today and thought what a good place to get more info! Right now my wife and I have a 1988 230 Sunrunner (sea ray spin-off from what I've heard) and its just too small for weekend trips. I've done a ton of research (internet, boat shows, boat dealers, etc.) for awhile and we finally decided on a 290 or 300 dancer. We are looking to only spend around 30K max, we would like a newer one (94-97ish) but year is negotiable. Now on the my questions.
1) 290 vs. 300- how much more space will 1 ft length and almost 1 foot beam get me?
2) on the 290s, I've seen alot of single 7.4's and twin 4.3's, will these be underpowered?
3) finally, any likes and dislikes of these 2 models from real world experience?

We cruise lake erie, and like to spend pretty much every weekend on the boat (weather permitting) during the summer. We go out to the bass islands and other places within about 50 miles.

Any input is appreicated, thanks
 
I have a 97 290 with twin 4.3's IMO it is not under powered I cruise most of the time at 24 to 26 knts. My wife and myself are on the boat every weekend and gone somewere for over night trips about 3 weekends a month. As far as having a single 7.4 I have never beem on one so I have no idea if it would be better than the twins IMO I would I like the idea of having two engines instead on one As far as room goes after about a week together on the boat the wife starts talking about a bigger one and yes it would be nice to have a bigger boat and with any luck we will fine one this winter Good luck in you search
 
Are you planning to moore the boat at a marina or trailer the boat? Either will be plenty for the two of you. If you ever have folks on board for the afternoon, evening or overnight it might be nice to have the larger bot but it will depend on the layout. The cost of twin engines is primarily in maintenance. The difference in fuel burn between two smaller motors vs. one larger motor is not substantial. Make sure you get a survey done on the hull and drive train including engines. This is a great place to look around and ask questions. You can also go to Sea Ray's website and look at PDF's of the older boats in the archive section. It gives you length and beam along with weight, options and you can see the floorplan. it's a great way to save some time.

Welcome aboard and good luck with your search!
 
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Originally we were going to look for about a 26-27' with an 8'6 beam to trailer, but we've decided to give up that option for more space of a bigger boat.
 
camaro_z28 said:
Originally we were going to look for about a 26-27' with an 8'6 beam to trailer, but we've decided to give up that option for more space of a bigger boat.
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You can still trailer a larger boat, you just need a capable tow vehicle and an oversize load permit! Piece of cake! We do it every weekend!
 
I got the vehicle, an 02 silverado with a duramax diesel, I just dont really want to mess with the hassle, wide load permits, and the hour drive to lake erie pulling a 10k+ boat every weekend. We have a decent lake not too far from us where we have been going, but when the water gets low like it did this past summer, it was a trick trying to get our 23 footer on the trailer, so a bigger boat is out of the question there. It is nice trailering because it opens up some options but it does become a hassle and presents its own set of problems as well.
 
I think for what you are doing you will have plenty of boat in the 290 or 300. You are right about the trailering, it is a hassle. Besides pretty much all of the resevoirs in Ohio are too small for that size boat. Were will you be mooring?
 
we've been looking at places around Port Clinton or Catawba Island. I'd say bass haven is at the top of our list, but still shopping around.
 
I would skip the 29 and go to the 30.the smaller beam on the 290 really makes the cabin cramped.Don't rule out a late 80's 30 though.the 11 beam is even better and these boats are tanks.there are some real nice ones around for reasonable $.Another nice thing on the 30 over the 290 is its available with inboards or I/O.
 
camaro_z28 said:
we've been looking at places around Port Clinton or Catawba Island. I'd say bass haven is at the top of our list, but still shopping around.
Click to expand...


We are right next door to Bass Haven at Marina Del isle. Whille i like bass Haven and we were close to going there last year i didn't like that everyone bowed in. I asked a dockholder why this was the case and he said "we like our privacy over here..."

Just a preference, but part of boating is friendships at the Marina.

If you have any questions about any of the marinas up there or anyhitng in general let me know, we went through the same decision process you are in right now.

Alex
 
Never knew that, we back in even at our current inland podunk lake. I dont think I'd every want to bow in. I like talking to people at the dock, thats what most boaters are there for, getting away from the work and mingling with people just like them. We went to skipper buds just last we and looked at a few boats, I believe that is where marina del isle is?
 
camaro_z28 said:
Never knew that, we back in even at our current inland podunk lake. I dont think I'd every want to bow in. I like talking to people at the dock, thats what most boaters are there for, getting away from the work and mingling with people just like them. We went to skipper buds just last we and looked at a few boats, I believe that is where marina del isle is?
Click to expand...

Yep you are correct. If you find a boat there PM and i will give you some info on who to talk to. We are good friends with one of the salesmen. We really enjoy the marina and even on weekends we just stay at the dock we really enjoy our time there.
 
Having a 270/290 with a single 454 is fine for trailering and plenty of room for my wife and myself for a few days. We're planning on boating on Erie (out of Erie). To really get more room, I would only step up to a 310 or 330/340. I would do twin 350 or 6.2L sterndrives in freshwater because I'm not a V6 fan. 350's live forever in my experience. The 1998 310 would probably be my next boat and the most I could trailer. The 270/290 I have is a pretty long combination to tow....the weight is not the issue with a good trailer, Mike.
 
I have been very pleased with my 94 290. With 2005 4.3 MPIs, it cruises at 28 mph and 3300 rpm, and tops out at 42 mph. Very fuel efficient at cruise, burning a combined 15 gph, giving nearly 2 mpg.

The cabin length between the 94-97 290 and 300 is identical -- the extra 1 foot length on the 300 is all in the cockpit. The 300 cabin is still a bit larger, though, due to the additional 10 inches of beam. My 2 only complaints on the 290 are that it has a relatively small cockpit and a very tight engine compartment with twins and genset. I went with the 290 over a 300 because I wanted a trailer and mine came with one.

Since you do not plan to trailer, I suggest the 300. The additional cockpit space over the 290 is significant. The 94-97 300 only comes with 5.7 V8s, which perform fine. I suggest a 96-97 model with the optional Bravo IIIs for the best performance and efficiency. In my opinion, the standard Alpha drives don't have enough prop blade area to hold a loaded 300 on plane when the waves kick up and you have to throttle back a bit. V-drive inboards are great around the dock, but performance and fuel use really suffer. Also, get one with a genset, Vacuflush head, and anchor windlass.

Good luck ---
 
We have a 1997 300 and would definitely recommend it. The extra beam makes a difference in the cockpit area and cabin. It also has twin FWC inboards which makes it very easy to maneuver around the docks. My only complaint is that it is a little tight around the engines with the generator. Good luck with your decision.
 
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