Official 290 Sundancer Thread

Hi, what replacement batteries are recommended? Should all 3 be the same? I have 3 deep cycle batteries now, not sure how old, but one or more is failing. Have had to use "Both" when starting, and have used the emergency start feature twice now.

Thanks
 
Emergency start feature? Mine doesn't have that....




Hi, what replacement batteries are recommended? Should all 3 be the same? I have 3 deep cycle batteries now, not sure how old, but one or more is failing. Have had to use "Both" when starting, and have used the emergency start feature twice now.

Thanks
 
Hi, what replacement batteries are recommended? Should all 3 be the same? I have 3 deep cycle batteries now, not sure how old, but one or more is failing. Have had to use "Both" when starting, and have used the emergency start feature twice now.

Thanks

I replaced mine with the Sears AGM batteries. AGMs are nice since they offer both deep discharge and high-crank, so are suitable for both house and engine batteries. Also, they have very similar charge profiles as the traditional wet lead-acid (AGMs are, in fact, lead-acids batteries), and so work fine w/ the standard, OEM charger as well.
 
Moving to the newer 4x3 Bravo3 props made a *big* difference for me... I went with the 24p (I also have twin 5.0L MPI) and have better performance and economy.

For me, I keep the trim tabs all the way down when 1st starting out. First of all, the boat handles better when in the no-wake zone with them down. Then as soon as we get in open water, I throttle up and having the trims down allows me to get on plane much faster and at a lower speed. I then trim all the way up and trim the engines just a touch up.

FWIW, I am selling my old 3x3 props: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercruiser-Bravo-III-3x3-22-Pitch-cupped-Dual-Propset-/271616533549
 
Hey everyone. Can someone point me to some how-to's or pics on removing the A/C unit? I'm tackling the condensate pan replacement project before I put it away for the winter. Thanks in advance!
 
Correct, after you start one engine, you hit the emergency start switch (the one in between the port and starbd switches), then start the other. It will draw power from the running engine vs the battery, as I understand it.

That middle switch, between the 2 engine start switches on your right...
 
Just purchased a 1997 Sundancer 290.
Very excited.... getting hauled to my house on Thursday Oct 16th......
Cannot post a pic for whatever reason...
 
Has anyone here dismantled the window frame on a 2006 SR290 that can tell me if it is difficult and perhaps provide some tips? Hope you understand what I mean. My English may not be the best :)
 
If I want to disconnect my batteries for winter, how do I lower the engine hatch back down after disconnecting? Is there a manual process?
 
Hello all, i noticed this threads quiet so hopefully a 290 owner can chime in for some advice.

We're in the market for our first cruiser and while I've focused on the 26-28' range, a 2001 290 Sundancer has come to market with an attractive price and it's pretty well equipped.

Its twin 5.7 BIII, kohler 5kw genset (needs an impeller/pump, runs fine on dock water), windlass, heat/ac, water heater leaked and has been bypassed.

The boat was wintered (~3mo/year) for 3 years in florida, but has been fresh water for the last 3 years. The broker said the drives were gone through when it returned to fresh water and corrosion is minimal.

It needs a camper canvas refurb or replace, but the original cover is in near new condition.

I am waiting on the service records as I want to see when the last i/o service was performed as well as the risers and manifolds, considering the time it spent in the salt. It is the original owner and has been stored indoors.

The dealer made a mistake last year when the boat was laid up for the winter and one of the blocks cracked. The block was replaced by the same dealer and has less than 40 hours on it, the hour meters read 621.

It is a ways away, so it's a flight out to go physically look at it which is why I'm trying to collect as much info as possible before booking a trip. Does anyone own this year 290 or have experience with it? I like the layout, and all fabrics look to be in great shape. No tears or rips in the photos, and the broker confirmed that to be true. The engine replace throws some flags, as well as the salt but if the service records check out I'm leaning towards going to take a look.
 
Last edited:
Hello all, i noticed this threads quiet so hopefully a 290 owner can chime in for some advice.

We're in the market for our first cruiser and while I've focused on the 26-28' range, a 2001 290 Sundancer has come to market with an attractive price and it's pretty well equipped.

Its twin 5.7 BIII, kohler 5kw genset (needs an impeller/pump, runs fine on dock water), windlass, heat/ac, water heater leaked and has been bypassed.

The boat was wintered (~3mo/year) for 3 years in florida, but has been fresh water for the last 3 years. The broker said the drives were gone through when it returned to fresh water and corrosion is minimal.

It needs a camper canvas refurb or replace, but the original cover is in near new condition.

I am waiting on the service records as I want to see when the last i/o service was performed as well as the risers and manifolds, considering the time it spent in the salt. It is the original owner and has been stored indoors.

The dealer made a mistake last year when the boat was laid up for the winter and one of the blocks cracked. The block was replaced by the same dealer and has less than 40 hours on it, the hour meters read 621.

It is a ways away, so it's a flight out to go physically look at it which is why I'm trying to collect as much info as possible before booking a trip. Does anyone own this year 290 or have experience with it? I like the layout, and all fabrics look to be in great shape. No tears or rips in the photos, and the broker confirmed that to be true. The engine replace throws some flags, as well as the salt but if the service records check out I'm leaning towards going to take a look.

Take a look over here:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/34545-Official-1998-Sea-Ray-Sundancer-290-Thread
 
Need Help

I have 2006 SD 290. My port engine 5.0 is over heating at idle. Had guy come change impeller in sea pump. Had him do both whlle he was here. The SB side hose gushed water when he disconnected and was below water line but port side only trickled water. Obvious blockage somewhere. We tried forcing water back through line with garden hose and appeared to help..Still not the flow SBoard had so we figured lets see if new impeller would help. It didn't. It over heated again

Now whats confusing is that it overheated a few weeks ago I gave it RPM and it cooled. Took boat out next day up and down intracoastal and was fine. Next weekend took out, cruised about 10 miles at idle and was fine. Stopped to eat at Bokampers couple hours , head home night time got almost all the way home and alarm sounded. Over heat.

Help
 
Hello there,

I just recently purchased a 1996 Sea Ray 290 and it still has the stock Clarion radio (definitely time for an upgrade). Anyone know how to remove? Does the whole panel have to come off to change it out?
there are two black bands on either side of the radio chassis gently pry the covers off and remove the two screws to slide the radio out, ... however having said that it was easier for me to just remove the panel as the wires were tied in a hap hazard manor behind it anyway..... Good luck. on my 07 the serius/xm module was In the compartment under the stairs the amps were mounted behind the tv in the cross beam berth comp?!?!
 
Hello all, i noticed this threads quiet so hopefully a 290 owner can chime in for some advice.

We're in the market for our first cruiser and while I've focused on the 26-28' range, a 2001 290 Sundancer has come to market with an attractive price and it's pretty well equipped.

Its twin 5.7 BIII, kohler 5kw genset (needs an impeller/pump, runs fine on dock water), windlass, heat/ac, water heater leaked and has been bypassed.

The boat was wintered (~3mo/year) for 3 years in florida, but has been fresh water for the last 3 years. The broker said the drives were gone through when it returned to fresh water and corrosion is minimal.

It needs a camper canvas refurb or replace, but the original cover is in near new condition.

I am waiting on the service records as I want to see when the last i/o service was performed as well as the risers and manifolds, considering the time it spent in the salt. It is the original owner and has been stored indoors.

The dealer made a mistake last year when the boat was laid up for the winter and one of the blocks cracked. The block was replaced by the same dealer and has less than 40 hours on it, the hour meters read 621.

It is a ways away, so it's a flight out to go physically look at it which is why I'm trying to collect as much info as possible before booking a trip. Does anyone own this year 290 or have experience with it? I like the layout, and all fabrics look to be in great shape. No tears or rips in the photos, and the broker confirmed that to be true. The engine replace throws some flags, as well as the salt but if the service records check out I'm leaning towards going to take a look.


I called on that boat as well - Seems like a decent price - The outdrives & bottom look a little beat but the dealer said it was cosmetic - All seal areas on the drives looked good when services. If it were in the spring I would be more apt to take a look - I am across the pond in Michigan so it's a little bit of a hike - Maybe when it freezes over :) - Good luck & if you buy it make sure to post up some pics.
 
Need Help

I have 2006 SD 290. My port engine 5.0 is over heating at idle. Had guy come change impeller in sea pump. Had him do both whlle he was here. The SB side hose gushed water when he disconnected and was below water line but port side only trickled water. Obvious blockage somewhere. We tried forcing water back through line with garden hose and appeared to help..Still not the flow SBoard had so we figured lets see if new impeller would help. It didn't. It over heated again

Now whats confusing is that it overheated a few weeks ago I gave it RPM and it cooled. Took boat out next day up and down intracoastal and was fine. Next weekend took out, cruised about 10 miles at idle and was fine. Stopped to eat at Bokampers couple hours , head home night time got almost all the way home and alarm sounded. Over heat.

Help

It is likely not your problem, but when you replace impellers, always inspect the sea pump housing. I had to replace the entire pump and impellers on my 2006 290 because the impellers wore grooves into the metal. This was also the case with my previous 2004 Sundeck.
 

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