FYI! If you are interested in a review of the 290, a pricey one at that, the September issue of Sailing Today has a very complete review with numerous pictures and a full color 3-D exploded artist's rendering of the 290. Sailing Today is an English Magazine which, in my opinion, has a format and level of information which puts U.S. magazines to shame. I usually pick up a copy at Barnes and Noble. It is the only magazine I buy anymore, but a $7.00 I still feel it is worth it.
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Dave Derr
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Dan Johnson
290
I was considering upgrading from my 260/270 to the 290, but after looking at the boat, and getting a quote of 70K for it, I'll wait another year and buy a 310. One disappointment was the salemen gave me an invoice showing the boats base price at 45k, plus options, prior to it arrivng from the factory. Needless to say, it's no longer a bargin at 70K. (this boat came in bare bones, so after you add options, it's close to 80 or 90K). Dan Johnson "Unruly Julie"
I was considering upgrading from my 260/270 to the 290, but after looking at the boat, and getting a quote of 70K for it, I'll wait another year and buy a 310. One disappointment was the salemen gave me an invoice showing the boats base price at 45k, plus options, prior to it arrivng from the factory. Needless to say, it's no longer a bargin at 70K. (this boat came in bare bones, so after you add options, it's close to 80 or 90K). Dan Johnson "Unruly Julie"
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Steve B
Find another Dealer
You need to find another dealer, not another boat!! I too am interested in moving up to a 290 and anxiously awaited arrival of the first one (in NC at least). It is all I expected it would be and more. The one I looked at was "Fully equiped" . . . almost every option listed on the spec sheet at least, and was qouted to me in the low-mid $60's. Sail magazine listed a base price of $57,900 (which my dealer also mentioned), and then he broke down all the options that were installed at the factory and discounted the whoel package. With the last 280's priced in the low-mid $50's and the 310 starting in the low $70's it sounded right in line to me . . . . now all I need is someone to give me SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! I'm not sure since I never bought a new boat before but my guess is that dealers are all over the place price-wise, especially with a new model (that seems to be selling quite well!). I'd expect that by the Winter-Spring boat shows a good market value will have been established. Sure hope I can scrap up the money before it get out of site. And by the way, it looks great in person..........better than the photos and ads. The use of more wood trim below, heavier, metal framed ports and hatches, and an overall improvment of "Quality Feel" in everything about it is what I came away with after spending an entire afternoon crawling over-under-around-and through the 290. I hope to actually sail on one as soon as the Open-House opportunities are available. Anyway, good luck to you. PS Dave, leave the light on for me!!
You need to find another dealer, not another boat!! I too am interested in moving up to a 290 and anxiously awaited arrival of the first one (in NC at least). It is all I expected it would be and more. The one I looked at was "Fully equiped" . . . almost every option listed on the spec sheet at least, and was qouted to me in the low-mid $60's. Sail magazine listed a base price of $57,900 (which my dealer also mentioned), and then he broke down all the options that were installed at the factory and discounted the whoel package. With the last 280's priced in the low-mid $50's and the 310 starting in the low $70's it sounded right in line to me . . . . now all I need is someone to give me SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! I'm not sure since I never bought a new boat before but my guess is that dealers are all over the place price-wise, especially with a new model (that seems to be selling quite well!). I'd expect that by the Winter-Spring boat shows a good market value will have been established. Sure hope I can scrap up the money before it get out of site. And by the way, it looks great in person..........better than the photos and ads. The use of more wood trim below, heavier, metal framed ports and hatches, and an overall improvment of "Quality Feel" in everything about it is what I came away with after spending an entire afternoon crawling over-under-around-and through the 290. I hope to actually sail on one as soon as the Open-House opportunities are available. Anyway, good luck to you. PS Dave, leave the light on for me!!
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Jeff
They Liked it!
Overall they were fairly well pleased with he boat. It was a prototype which they sailed in Florida. Positive areas pointed out were : Composite Rudder shaft More bulkheads than the 280 for a stiffer hul l Double skinned hull along the centerline Lower third of rudder break away in the event of a grounding Loved the arch and traveler arrangement liked the reefing Space below and inthe cockpit. Integral mainsail cover Easy handling Claimed forward V-Berth bigger than on the 34. Cons: Galley too small Stove when gimbled hit gas outlet pipe in back Compromised windward performance, 40-45degrees tacking through 85degrees. OTHER: Top speed 6.5 knots downwind in a 13 knot breeze and 5.5 knots beam reach in 10 knot breeze. These are just some of the highlights of the article which is 6 pages long with 19 pictures of the 290 plus the exploded drawing and a line drawing. As I mentioned in my first post, this magazine puts U.S. magazines to shame.
Overall they were fairly well pleased with he boat. It was a prototype which they sailed in Florida. Positive areas pointed out were : Composite Rudder shaft More bulkheads than the 280 for a stiffer hul l Double skinned hull along the centerline Lower third of rudder break away in the event of a grounding Loved the arch and traveler arrangement liked the reefing Space below and inthe cockpit. Integral mainsail cover Easy handling Claimed forward V-Berth bigger than on the 34. Cons: Galley too small Stove when gimbled hit gas outlet pipe in back Compromised windward performance, 40-45degrees tacking through 85degrees. OTHER: Top speed 6.5 knots downwind in a 13 knot breeze and 5.5 knots beam reach in 10 knot breeze. These are just some of the highlights of the article which is 6 pages long with 19 pictures of the 290 plus the exploded drawing and a line drawing. As I mentioned in my first post, this magazine puts U.S. magazines to shame.
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Steve B
Day Late....
Jeff - When I read you post this afternoon I went straight to Barnes and Noble and, guess what, the October issue was already out! Drats. I will start looking for it as you pointed out it is very well done. Thanks for the tip
Jeff - When I read you post this afternoon I went straight to Barnes and Noble and, guess what, the October issue was already out! Drats. I will start looking for it as you pointed out it is very well done. Thanks for the tip
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Jeff
Sold Out
Steve B, I think they still have a few issues left at the Barnes and Noble here. E mail me and I will purchase a copy for you if you are still interested. $7.00 plus shipping. timedoc@compuserve.com
Steve B, I think they still have a few issues left at the Barnes and Noble here. E mail me and I will purchase a copy for you if you are still interested. $7.00 plus shipping. timedoc@compuserve.com
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Stephen J. Baltes
One more source
Jeff - I'm going to try Borders tonight, which is similar to Barnes and Noble. If they don't have it I'll take you up on that offer. Where are you (USA or UK?). Thanks.
Jeff - I'm going to try Borders tonight, which is similar to Barnes and Noble. If they don't have it I'll take you up on that offer. Where are you (USA or UK?). Thanks.
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Roy and Karen in Va.
Annapolis Boat Show 290 & 310 review
10/9/99 We just saw the 290 and the 310 at Annapolis Boat Show. We got there early, so we had a fair amount of time to browse and ask questions before the crowd arrived. The 310 lists about $13,000 more than the 290. There's not much difference between the boats. In our opinion, the 290 may be better. As an example, the companionway steps are much easier to use on the 290. The steps on the 310 are steep, with insufficient handholds. The salesman admitted that the 310's steps were very steep and he has heard that another step may be added to correct this problem. The cockpits of the 2 boats are essentially the same. The stainless steel arches replace last year's white arch on both boats. Either you like it, or you don't! We liked the location of the Nav. station and electric plane on the 290 . In the 310, the electric panel is in the aft cabin which seemed inconvenient. The location of the the head on the 290, being starboard & aft seemed more private. Karen's comment was, "Who wants a bathroom in the middle of the living room?" Specs: The 310 has approximately 1000 lbs. more displacement and has only a little more capacity for fuel and water: 310 fuel 28 gal. 290 fuel 20 gal. 310 water 50 gal. 290 water 40 gal. In-mast furling system, Bimini top are options on both boats. The aft and fore cabins are almost the same on both boats. The V-berth on the 290 seemed to have more "toe room" and the passageway into the aft cabin on the 290 is roomier. Engine access on the 290 is much better. All-in-all, the 290 seems a better buy. We currently a 1990 Hunter 27 and like to upgrade. The 290 is very attractive. Roy & Karen
10/9/99 We just saw the 290 and the 310 at Annapolis Boat Show. We got there early, so we had a fair amount of time to browse and ask questions before the crowd arrived. The 310 lists about $13,000 more than the 290. There's not much difference between the boats. In our opinion, the 290 may be better. As an example, the companionway steps are much easier to use on the 290. The steps on the 310 are steep, with insufficient handholds. The salesman admitted that the 310's steps were very steep and he has heard that another step may be added to correct this problem. The cockpits of the 2 boats are essentially the same. The stainless steel arches replace last year's white arch on both boats. Either you like it, or you don't! We liked the location of the Nav. station and electric plane on the 290 . In the 310, the electric panel is in the aft cabin which seemed inconvenient. The location of the the head on the 290, being starboard & aft seemed more private. Karen's comment was, "Who wants a bathroom in the middle of the living room?" Specs: The 310 has approximately 1000 lbs. more displacement and has only a little more capacity for fuel and water: 310 fuel 28 gal. 290 fuel 20 gal. 310 water 50 gal. 290 water 40 gal. In-mast furling system, Bimini top are options on both boats. The aft and fore cabins are almost the same on both boats. The V-berth on the 290 seemed to have more "toe room" and the passageway into the aft cabin on the 290 is roomier. Engine access on the 290 is much better. All-in-all, the 290 seems a better buy. We currently a 1990 Hunter 27 and like to upgrade. The 290 is very attractive. Roy & Karen
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Rusty
Locating the issue direct from publisher
You can order the September issue direct from the publisher in the UK. I apologize for the long http address. Its the only way I found to get there - but it works.. www.futurenet.co.uk/futureonline/magazines/magazine.asp?div=4&id=52 Cheers..
You can order the September issue direct from the publisher in the UK. I apologize for the long http address. Its the only way I found to get there - but it works.. www.futurenet.co.uk/futureonline/magazines/magazine.asp?div=4&id=52 Cheers..
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