Official 1998 Sea Ray Sundancer 290 Thread

That's great news, how fast does it leap out of the water?

Can't say for sure as I really roll into the throttle. Usually 2500 for a couple seconds, then 3000, then 3200 as it comes up on step. Seems to plane quicker even using that method though
 
Question for the group. The anchor light on the radar arch...... does it have 2 bulbs in it?

Yup, aft facing bulb is off when the switch is in nav lights position and comes on when you are in anchor light position. That being said, I rewired mine to be on in both positions and disconnected the stern light because its covered if the dinghy is on the platform.
 
Yup, aft facing bulb is off when the switch is in nav lights position and comes on when you are in anchor light position. That being said, I rewired mine to be on in both positions and disconnected the stern light because its covered if the dinghy is on the platform.

Excellent thanks.
I didn't want to screw around with the canvas top if I didn't have to.
I think it's on borrowed time so wish me luck with the zippers.
 
Can't say for sure as I really roll into the throttle. Usually 2500 for a couple seconds, then 3000, then 3200 as it comes up on step. Seems to plane quicker even using that method though

I'm pretty gentle with my throttles too and never have a problem getting on plane even with full fuel, full water and a bunch of people on board unless the bottom is dirty then it's hard by myself
I want 4blades to help lift the Stern when we carry a lot of people because that's where they all sit dragging her ass and I have to go much faster to keep the bow down
 
Does anyone have some kind of deadener behind their ac cover? Our conpressor is super loud, and something to deaden the sound would do wonders. I know this is the "intake" but even maybe some foam or something. If I put a pillow in front of it I can barely hear it, but it's loud otherwise.

Here's a video but not sure if you'll pick up how loud it really is.
 
Don't have ac, sorry. When it's hot, I go faster/remove more canvass or clothing. Or drink more. If that last one happens, I'm stopping somewhere
 
Thanks guys, dumb video doesnt have sound so I'll retake it this weekend.

In other news, we're going to look at a 340 tomorrow that is absolutely pristine so it may become a reality to list our beloved 290. if anyone stumbles across this thread around the upstate NY and is looking for a really nice 290 feel free to PM me, we'll want her to go to a good home.
 
You fresh water guys have the nicest boats. Good luck moving up and with the sale if it happens
 
You fresh water guys have the nicest boats. Good luck moving up and with the sale if it happens
Thanks man. The 340 was spotless so ours is going on the market this week. I'll link to the ads once I get it posted. We'll still be sad to see it go
 
Hi all,

Considering the purchase of a '99 Sundancer 290. Had a survey done with some questionable results. Interested in your opinions:

"The moisture content of the hull below the waterline ranges from 1.0 to 5.0%, which is high in many areas. The moisture content of the transom above the waterline ranges from 0.1 to 2.0%, which is acceptable. The moisture content of the transom below the waterline ranges from 2.0 to 5.0%, which is high in many areas (most of the wetted transom was over 4.0% moisture content). The moisture content of the swim platform ranges from 0.1 to 2.5%, which is slightly elevated but within acceptable limits."

And this:

"The outdrive bellows and hoses are quite worn, and all should be replaced before further use of the vessel. The outdrive shift bellows are both 100% worn, with much cracking—if these bellows leak this may result in vessel submergence. The u-joint bellows are not completely accessible for assessment. Both exhaust bellows are 100% worn and badly cracked, and the starboard bellows was not suitably fitted. The port outdrive outside water house is also cracked from age—and if not water-tight, could result in the port engine overheating. "

I can get the purchase price down to offset the bellow repairs, so it's really only the moisture that concerns me. But am I wrong in that the 290 hull isn't a wood core? If not, what is the concern with moisture?

Thanks.
 
Moisture inside fiberglass will lead to delamination. Remember, water destroys everything over time, weather speeds up the process, freezing causes water to be rapidly destructive


"Another type of delamination is similar but without the wooden layer. In these cases tiny flaws in the fiberglass itself allow air to be trapped. If the hull is cared for badly, water can enter through microscopic channels and enter these voids filled with air. Expansion and contraction of these tiny bits of water will make the voids grow horizontally along the layers of fiberglass cloth and resin binder.

Temperature fluctuation causes the expansion and contraction of the water and if freezing and thawing are encountered the voids will grow quickly.

Small bumps soon become visible in the smooth finish.

These bumps are called blisters and it’s a serious condition."

https://www.thoughtco.com/understand-fiberglass-delamination-2292919
 
She looks great. Don't let her go for much less than that. I didn't ;)

Extra space is nice but your pictures make me miss my 290, a little...

Thanks! It'll be tough to let it and go and will definitely have to be the right number. Just did a run across lake ontario and back (~110 miles) and it ran perfectly. For a 30' boat, it can stand up to the great lakes pretty well.
 
Thanks! It'll be tough to let it and go and will definitely have to be the right number. Just did a run across lake ontario and back (~110 miles) and it ran perfectly. For a 30' boat, it can stand up to the great lakes pretty well.
i take mine about 90miles twice a year through cape cod canal and through buzzards bay, martha's vineyard sound and Nantucket sound where water gets very big very quick. never been scared though i've been quite uncomfortable quite a few times, these "little boats" were built really well.
 

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