SeaRay Amberjacks

Hello All
I own a 2000 AJ bought new in 2001. Currently running through our 7th season, we have cruised her extensively on the South Shore of LI as well as extended runs to Newport, Block, Shelter etc.
Powered with T 7.4 EFI B3 all options except Genny. Cruises at 30 knots at 3400 RPM burning roughly 16 GPH X 2. WOT 4400 RPM >40 knots.
Cruising I find her to be one of the finest bay cruisers around. On the South Shore with shallow water, I/O's give her great flexibility. She is very stable and deftly knocks down the bay chop. In the flatter water she will itch to cruise faster humming along at 34 to 36 knots. Good stuff.
In bigger water she is competent but you have to know her limits. Anything over 3 footers accompanied by 15 to 20 MPH winds will get this hull pounding. With the tabs and the awesome grunt of the big blocks you can throttle and tab down to make do, but you will have to be content to holding plane at 22 knots or so. With weather and or stronger seas you will have to take her off plane for a slow go.
All other systems 12v and 110 have performed well. Some have been replaced and or upgraded.
I am sorry for the long post but I figured it might be interesting to those who would like some real world info. If there is interest I can give more updates on mechanical issues and updates.
Harris
 
Hi Harris,
How far offshore would you go and still feel confident in your 290?
Would you buy her again?
Thanks,
Charles
 
"How far offshore would you go and still feel confident in your 290?
Would you buy her again?"

Charles,
Your first question:How far offshore would you go and still feel confident in your 290?

In the best of conditions It would be as far as I could go and have the fuel range to return. The problem is that sea conditions can change in a heartbeat. I have been to the canyons (125 miles out) in a friends older Jersey that was 42'). No matter how big the boat is, with bad conditions you could die. I could not make a trip there with my boat because of fuel range (I have gas) and to be totaly honest I would not do it anyway because my boat is not the type of boat that should be that far out. My boat, like yours is a pleasure/ fishing boat, if you want to make those kinda trips you need a real machine (Cabo, BlackFin, Jersey, Hatteras, etc).

In answer to your question I would be ok 30 or 40 miles out. The 290 is a good boat and a good fishing boat, I would be a little concerned with your skills if you were to encounter rough seas. If you want to do some good fishing then take your 290 to Montauk Point and fish out from there.

Would I buy this boat again?
In a heartbeat..........

Walter
 
Would the 40EC be considered an Amberjack larger with a name change?
 
Not really Art, at least IMO. The Amberjack design prioritizes the cockpit, moving the helm as far-forward as is practical to allow for room for fishing, sports and other outdoor activities. The 400EC was a straight-shaft cruiser that was aimed at more of a balance between performance, roomy cabin and comfortable cruising.

In my mind, the spirit of the Amberjack line continued in larger boats as the 330EC and 370EC.
 
With respect to the 270 Amberjack, what's your definition of "cruising in style"? Let me describe my impressions for you.

I have an '06 270 AJ and so far am very happy with it. But it's not exactly meant to be a cruiser in the same way as a Sundancer.
If you want more cruiser features in a 270 AJ, consider going with the optional back-to-back helm seat cockpit layout.
You lose the captain's chair and the livewell, but gain an additional seat that folds down into a lounge area. I did this and
find it very useful for my at-anchor and traveling activities. I don't fish with live bait, so the lack of bait station is no
loss for me.

One thing I wish had been available was the aft cabin that's on the '07 models. I don't know what impact it has on the cockpit storage
locker, but I think it would significantly improve the "cruisablity"; I would have opted for that in a second.

In terms of the cabin, it is quite nice. My wife and I can sleep fairly comfortably in the v-berth, and our son's pack-and-play fits
very nicely in the cockpit. (An aft cabin would have been perfect). The clearance in the shower/head is a bit low, but workable.
(In contrast my in-law's '97 270 DA has full standing room in the head for me at 5'10".) There is so much storage in the cabin and
under the cockpit floor it's almost ridiculous (in a good way). The cockpit locker is HUGE.

Ride. I have the FWC 350 Mag engine. I find it's just fine for my needs. Current models offer the larger 6.2 engine as a base. I think the
big 496 Magnum engine is overkill, but others will disagree. She rides nicely and hops on plane quickly and with an even rise in speed.
(Contrast that to the 270 DA I mentioned - it lumbers a bit to get on plane and then the speed spikes up very fast.) The 270 hull takes chop
well, but waves over 2.5-3 feet get uncomfortable (esp for more "sensitive" passengers) but not dangerous. Larger cross waves will push you
around a bit but it is manageable. The bow splits waves nicely, but rough or cross seas will send back some spray; this is no Carolina flair.

The fuel capacity is good at 100 gallons and enables some good distance traveling, but clearly this is not a canyon runner, either in features,
tankage, or structural design. Fishing capability is good, with great access to the huge swim platform and a large fish box at the back.
(I use the fish box mostly for storage and sometimes and an enormous cooler) The fishing package with arch, livewell, raw water washdown,
and rod holders improves fishability.

As compared to the 290 AJ, these really are very different classes of boats. The 290 carries a Class B construction rating (offshore) vs.
the 270's Class C (Near- or in-shore). I very much liked the 290 AJ, but the main reasons I went with the 270 vs. the 290 are:
a) cost - the 270 cost much less, plus I got a great end-of-year deal; b) engines - I specifically didn't want the fuel and maintenance
costs of twin engines; and c)size - I didn't want a boat quite that big, partly because of the twin engines.

Additional differences between the the 290 AJ vs. the 270 AJ. Beam: 290 is has a much wider beam ( 10'4" vs. 8'6"). Twin engines on the 290
as noted. Cabin: larger v-berth, plus aft cabin / sitting area (less difference on new '07 models as noted). It also has a separate dinette.
Head: Full standing room in the shower. Bow access: 270 has walk-through windshield vs. 290 walk-
around. I like the walk through as I am often alone or with crew that can't help much (young kids on board). Cockpit: The 290 cockpit
is considerably bigger. Also, the rear bench seat does not fold up as on the 270 but must be removed and stowed.
The 290 bench seat is wider, though. Dash: the 290 possibly has *less* space for electronics.

Hope this helps a bit.

Brad
 
Charles
Sorry it took a while to respond. As to offshore use the AJ is fine in seas up to 3 feet. I am confident running it to Block and Newport, Red Bank NJ etc. It is not a Canyon runner; as stated it does not have the tankage for that kind of run. As far as durability, the passengers will say Uncle long before the hull and structures.
IMHO the 27 and 29 AJ only share their model name. As a_b_arrington stated in the end of his post between the beam no aft cabin, single engine, these boats are more different than alike.
Would I buy another, if was a bit bigger maybe. Problem is the 340 AJ has even less space inside than the 29. Truth is I am having a hard time moving to a 340 dancer with a 12 foot beam, might need to turn my sights to the 370 instead. Only reason I am looking to upgrade is b/c long trips with 3 kids makes the 290 just too tight!
Anything else, LMK
Harris
 
Wasn't the Amberjack meant to compete with Tiara for the fishing/cruiser market?

If that's the case, why not consider Tiaras in the same size range as well? How do they compare?

Just asking.
 
Tiara, Cabo, Blackfin, are all in a similar class and purpose. Problem is when it comes time to pay the bill those babies are going to cost you a third more. New or used these brands hold a serious price premium and tend to hold their value much longer.
Harris
 
Very interesting that Tiara was brought up because that's another boat I'm seriously looking at. Ive seen the 2900 and have to say it's one great boat.290 AJ possibly new or 3-4 yrs old as opposed to a 2900 Tiara of 8-9 yrs old. Any opinions?
 
IMO, Tiara is a whole different level above the AJ series. I can always pick out the Tiaras in the mooring field. Very good looking, built stronger, with both more luxury touches and fishability features.
But like alliecat said, they also cost much more. If I had the $ to toss around, I would really look at the Tiara.
 
I'm not taking anything away from the AJ series but with the used market as soft as it is, it would seem like a good idea to look at all of your options. I don't think the age differential among the boats is as big as you might think for the same money.

That said, there was a late model AJ in Milford this past weekend and it was a great looking boat with a satisfied owner.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Scratch1Flattop

What about I/O's as compared to inboards? Is the handling similar? I hear about the advantage of twins in maneuvering, but does that apply to any twins?
Click to expand...


Inboards steer by rudder. Handling improves with speed. In reverse the stern of a single engine inboard will "walk" in the direction the prop rotates.

The advantage of twins in maneuvering lies in the separation between props. This distance may be constrained by a smaller beam or just by design. The further the props are apart the more easily you can steer with the transmission while docking. This advantage is only significant at low speeds.

I have v-drives and recognize that they minimize the space needed for the boat's drive train and maximize the space available for a boat's interior or storage, but they are a pain to access the tranny for service and I will look to avoid this in future purchases (but it wouldn't keep me from buying a boat if most other factors were attractive).
 
It is true that at docking, twins can help maneuver and a single prop can "walk" that boat to one side. The walking issue is significantly
reduced with a dual prop counter-rotating stern drive such as the Bravo III. I think all AJs that use outdrives have the Bravo III.

One of the boat mags recently did a test of two Sea Ray Sundancers (33 footers?) exactly alike in every way except engine package. One had
twin Bravo III stern drives; one had v-drives. My recollections of the differences summarized below:

* Overall, stern drives rated better. Better top end; hole shot; cruising speed; fuel economy; drive efficiency, engine room space, layout,
and maintenance access.

* V drives had the advantage in:
* Close quarters maneuverability. The props are mounted amidships, allowing the boat to "spin" better at the middle. Medium advantage
* Rough seas handling. The props and engines are mounted forward vs. outdrives. During rough seas this provides better vessel balance
and the props won't come out of the water when cresting a wave. Slight to medium advantage, depending on the boater.
* Maintenance / corrosion of gear in the water. The perennial argument. V-Drives have less gear in the water; thereby decreasing opportunity
for corrosion and having to maintain an outdrive. Balanced by generally much more restricted access to key engine components. Very slight plus.

The editors noted that access to the v-drive engines in the model tested was very cramped for routine maintenance. Also the required v-drive engine
placement and transmission ate up the commodious storage and working space available with the outdrives. Also the nature of a v-drive means that the
shaft is angled down, providing less efficient thrust vs. an outdrive. Efficiency losses attributed to transmissions for both types is roughly equal.

I came away with this: If I were going for an off-shore boat, or one where I would travel *extensively*, where I expect to be out in all manner of
heavy weather, I would choose v-drive. Otherwise I would go for the stern drive.

Brad
 
I should also note that now through Aug / Sept is the time of year to buy a new boat from Marine Max, if you are interested.

Marine Max operates on a fiscal year which closes September 30. They want to get rid of the current model year inventory to make
room for the new models. Sea Ray often offers extended rebates / discounts for late summer purchases. All these combine for the
potential of great deals.

Example: I got my 270 AJ last August for about 36% discount from list. The sales manager cited their fiscal year sales pressure
as a prime reason for the discount. I was ready to walk and they came down to my price.
 
quote:
Originally posted by b_arrington

The sales manager cited their fiscal year sales pressure as a prime reason for the discount. I was ready to walk and they came down to my price.

Click to expand...

May I disagree & note that your getting your butt off the chair triggered a survival mode within the entire dealership that forced him to meet your skilfully negotiated offer.
Good work!
 
I'm sure you're right though that my willingness to walk away was a big factor in getting a good deal. I was fully prepared to walk away
from the boat and the sales manager knew it. It also probably helped that I also spent much time with the rep at many boat show (several
years worth) and made several visits to the showroom. They had a lot of time invested.

I think the end of year sales had some impact, too. Businesses want to reduce their inventory at the end of the year. If it carries over,
it will sit on their balance sheet as aging inventory and negatively impact their P&L statement.

I certainly see this in my own company as well as with our reseller partners. For one of our larger parters, we often see a decrease in
buying at the end of their 4th quarter as they sell out their inventory, followed by a marked increase in sales in the beginning of the
next quarter. It's happened for at least the 6 years I've been here. That isn't GAAP speak, but close enough.

Brad
 
quote:
Originally posted by b_arrington

IMO, Tiara is a whole different level above the AJ series. I can always pick out the Tiaras in the mooring field. Very good looking, built stronger, with both more luxury touches and fishability features.
But like alliecat said, they also cost much more. If I had the $ to toss around, I would really look at the Tiara.

Click to expand...


I agree 100%, you cannot compare a SeaRay or my Silverton to a Tiara, they are in a different class and the price reflects that.

I have always bought brand new boats, I never listened to the advice that was giving to me on BE about buying used. The way boats depreciate I find it a crime to buy new. :) If you have a budget that can afford you a new boat, look at used boats with that same budget in mind. What you will find is you can buy a better boat or a bigger boat with that same budget.

Not to take anything away from the Amberjack, but now knowing what I know, I would buy a 2 or 3 year old Amberjack before I bought new. If I wanted to be real smart I would spend the same amount of money and buy an older (maybe 6 years old) Tiara.

Also if I buy used and decide to upgerade a few years later, I will not take the same hit as if I bought new, the new buyer already took that huge hit.

As far as docking with the IO Bravo 3s, after one season with the boat I still sucked, I could not dock this boat for the life of me. I could dock my "kite" (2004 34c)much easier than my Amberjack. I want to believe it was the outdrives, but it could be I just sucked at docking, others that own the boat could tell you more.

Bottom line about IO vs inboard:
IO is great if you travel in skinny waters. If the IO gives you more room to work on your motors (most cases it does on smaller boats) that is a big plus and a money saver. I also understand (but don't get) that IOs are more efficent (again another money saver)

Cons on IOs
Maintenence, you have alot of additional equipment (outdrives) hanging out in the salt water.
Handling around the dock, just not the same as previous posts described.

All boats, makes and models are a trade off, you need to look at all that was posted here and decide what is best for you. Boats come in many flavors, reason being is are needs are different.

Walter
 
Great forum,
I'm told by people "in the know" that SeaRay is redesigning their whole line for '08 and that includes the 290 AJ.What do you think that might do to the value of the current crop of AJ's?
Also, waiting till later in the season to buy does not give one a better deal, just the opposite(same people in the know tell me this) the seller now has more money invested in the boat,hence, less flexibility in the price. Any comments?
Charles
 
Charles,
If they are "redesigning their whole line for '08 and that includes the 290 AJ." then sit back, this will make the older ones cheaper.

Walter
 
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