Sea Ray Sundancer 290

Measuring 9.04m overall, with a wide 3.10m beam, the mid-cabin sportscruiser has found broad appeal in Australia, particularly with boaties seeking a roomy cockpit and open layout to accommodate four adults and a couple of kids, Australian distributor Martin Rose from Sports Marine told Trade-A-Boat.

Fulfilling its ambition to carry the entire cruising entourage, the cockpit comfortably seats eight people on an aft-facing double seat and a removable aft bench seat. The cockpit table (optional) and filler cushions can be stored below the aft-facing bench to convert the table into a sunpad.

The portside sun lounger is designed for sun lovers who prefer to work on their tans in cushioned comfort, with the wet bar located nearby.

Swimmers and divers can board the swim platform via the stainless steel fold-up ladder and enter the cockpit through the transom door.

At the helm, full instrumentation with weatherproof switches, a double helm seat and a circuit breaker panel are fitted. Also standard is a chart tray with protective cover and a curved tinted windshield with an electric vent to aid the helmsman's visibility and comfort.

The cockpit is fitted with a self-bailing fibreglass liner and features sidepocket storage and a gas-assisted engine hatch. PVC gunwale moulding with stainless steel inserts and stainless steel bow and handrails are fitted throughout.

Under deck, a new interior layout for the 1999 model year includes accommodation for up to six. Improved features include extra cabin headroom and additional deck hatches and windows.

Forward is a dinette with filler cushions to convert into a double berth. Amidships on the portside is a second convertible dinette that sleeps two. The midships berth sleeps two adults and features a privacy door, along with a sliding screened window for fresh air.

The full stand-up head, located to starboard, includes a VacuFlush toilet, sink, vanity and shower. A screened port light admits natural light and fresh air.

Also located to starboard, the galley has a flush-mounted dual burner electric stove, dual voltage refrigerator, microwave and sink with hot and cold water.

The 290 Sundancer has a top speed of around 32kt and cruises at round 25kt when powered by a 7.4lt 300hp MPI MerCruiser Bravo III sterndrive combination, Rose says.