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Random Quote: I feel dumber now than I did before you said that!
I gather that Searay is not a greatly respected builder on this forum. Is anyone familiar with this specific model (supposedly Searay's "fishing" boat)? Seems to be better setup and built than other Searay models I've loooked at. I have a 23' Sea Craft Septre now but need more room. We do more family boating than fishing but do want to be able to fish. Any feedback on this specific model would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I have no personal experience, but you may want to check out www.yachtsurvey.com
It seems that Pascoe uses Sea-Ray as an example on how not to build a boat on a regular basis.
well i will give you my thoughts on the older ones. i have an1982 24.5 (measured at water line) sedan bridge later measured from bow to stern and called the 26'. so it is close and i beleve this is the same hull as an amberjack. the older searays had thick solid bottoms with wood stringers and deep v bottoms (need hp to push) the decks were plywood incapsulated fiberglass. off shore they will cut through some rough stuff but lack bow flair and are very wet (i have gotten wet on fly bridge) i have seen the problems pascoe talks about but most are with the family cruisers with the long front decks with long windows under them and little acess to hull. . i have read/heard that their fishing boat is a higher caliber boat than their family cruiser ,but I don't know that to be a fact. Take a good look at it before you buy it and check the known problem areas. If it passes everything o.k., you should be fine. For the money that I have invested in mine and for what I use it for, I couldn't be happier. Is it one of the top-ten off shore boats-no. But it is still a good one in my opinion.
purchased a 2000 aj last season out of S Jersey and have no regrets. I was in the same position with the family and fishing combo. The engine power was my only concern and seeked the bravo three outdrives which I feel is important with that size boat. Other then that you will not make a mistake with the boat its a solid all around boat and needless to say they are still selling the same model for years which says alot about the boat. Good luck, AntJam
Thanks much for the info AntJam. It's always preferable to hear directly from someone who has experience with the exact same boat in question. I'm glad to hear positive comments. Are there quirks or problems you can give me a heads-up about? Anything that didn't hold up the way you would have liked? I sea trialed one in 3-4 foot chop and did not find it to wet at all but did wonder if the twin 5.7 litre (260HP) Bravo III set-up would be enough power with a full load of kids and junk or fishing gear and a bunch guys. Previous comments very much appreciated and all others welcome.
I have a Pro-line 2950 with the same power set up (5.7L 260hp w/Bravo III's). I believe the two boats to be similar in weight and size. I cruise at ~28mph at 3100 rpms and run ~44 mph at WOT according to the gps with a regular load. I think you will find the power sufficient.
B-Faithful (Greg), thank you for the boattest link- I've been trying in vain to find a write-up on this boat. Is this a truely independent review? There was a lot of Sea Ray advertising info included? Nonetheless, it was very helpful. Thanks again--John
Independent? Na! you won't find an independent review online other than on forums like when owners give their feedback. I am sure boattest makes its money of of the advertising you see. That is why it is free for us to use. The video is essentially a commercial but it does give an overview of the boat.
No problem with the feedback wideopen, I wish I had as much input at the time of my purchase. The 5.7 I feel are suficent engines sometimes getting out of the hole with such a wide beam and up on plan can be alittle slow with a load. Top end on my gps is in the 44 mph with perfect conditions. I had an isolated problem this past season with the bravo 3 drives corrosion got to them. Cant complain about much to be honest except of the fact that rear removable transom seat is a bear to put on an take off. Trust me you will remember this statement when your trying to put it on or even stor it! GO for it!! you wont be disapointed Its a Sea Ray
I read the thread about the Bravo III corrosion problems and, frankly, it scared the bejesus out of me. I guess the saving grace is that the dual Mercathode set-up for each engine should remedy this problem. It was mentioned in the thread that the problem was resolved beginning with the 2001 models- good news for me since that is the year boat I put a deposit on (a dealer left-over; never in H2O; being sold to me as a new boat- same warantty, interest rate, and registered/titled as new). I will continue to research this problem and keep you updated. Bravo IIIs definetly seem preferable to V-drives according to the link B-Faithful referenced in this thread. I'm reassured to hear that you're happy with the boat. The seat removal problem can't be much worse than I experience with the 3rd row seat in my Expedition. Thanks again- keep in touch. John.
Searay 290 Amberjack-Feedback? 
