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I'm also looking to upgrade from a 24 WA to something a little more of an Express Cruiser but still fishable.
I saw some posts regarding the corrision concerns but nothing else on the pros and cons of the 290AJ.
Is it still very fishable?
How does it back up?
Sounds like they replaced the I/O drive with a V-drive in 2001. How does that affect handling?
Thanks,
From the North Shore in Mass.
A friend has a 27-foot AJ from the late 80's with twin 470 mercruiser I/O's. Apart from being a little underpowered it's a good boat for here on the Great Lakes. It has a 10' beam and a good cockpit. The amenities are fairly sparce -- but it's supposed to be a "fishing boat" not a cruiser.
Backing up? That will depend on the power. I.O versus inboard -- others can speak more intelligently on that than I. If you're going to be in salt your decision is probably made right there, AIUI.
Hello aiwright,
I found a marina buddy that had a 25 foot amberjack, 80's vintage also, and loved it.
The newer models are now only 29 and 34 footers. But that is OK since I'm looking to move up to more comfort for those long weekend trips.
I'm in salt water and the wider beam (the 290 is at 10-6) and manuverability are key.
They just started up the Amberjack line back in 200, so not too many new ones seem to be around yet.
Thanks,
Carefree
If you are looking for a cruiser that is fishable, I think the 290 AJ is a good choice - though expensive. I know a couple of people at my marina who have them and they are happy with them. The model is offered with a choice of I/O or v-drive and the v-drive can be gas or deisel. Boating Magazine did a comparison of all the different power offerings on the 290 AJ a couple of years ago. I don't know if that article is still available on its web site, but you might want to take a look. The bottom line from the comparison was that the I/O out performed the v-drives in both fuel mileage and speed (both cruising speed and top end). But if you are in salt water you still probably want to avoid the I/O (which is a BIII).
I looked hard at the 29' amberjack. But for the same price you can buy a 33' late 80's maybe even early 90's Bertram. Which I think would ride and hold up better. Not to mention the value they hold.
I helped R&R a motor in an older (not sure of year) Amberjack, I beleive it was a 29'. It was a tight squeeze. IMO you shouldn't have to have arms like toothpicks to work on a motor in a 29' boat. Sea Ray makes a pretty good boat, but not a top tier boat. Why they rise so high on some folks lists I don't know for sure. They've have come up with a lot of very eye-pleasing designs over the years so perhaps that's it. I've owned three of them so I figure I gotta right to be critical about them if I want to. The old ones were built like tanks (which I like). But they used Zymak in place of stainless in many areas. The new ones use all stainless from what I hear but like many new boats the accountants seem to be controling build quality.
BTW, they also made the Laguna center console fishing boats. Not a bad looking rig that seems to command good money on the used market. I rarely see one for sale.
Feedback wanted on Searay 290 Amberjack
