Sundancer vs. Amberjack

L

Larryo

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exMember
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Oct 31, 2001
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6582
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86
All,
Shopping of a 29 Dancer vs Amberjack....differences:

Is the deadrise the same?
Does the Amberjack have cockpit shower water, sink, frig?
Does the Dancer has any models with a "open" aft cabin like the Jack, not like a cave?
Did any have a walkthru windshiled?

I'd like primarily cruising boat, occasional fishing, but like the amenities for occasional overnites with 4.

Comments?
 
290 Sundancer compared to the 290 Amberjack is no comparision. The Amberjack has more beam, and a more seaworthy vessel. The 290 Sundancer has more fluff and a better boat if u want more creature comforts. Really depends on your use and needs.....

Walter
 
THANKS for the replies....

Bill, I don't like the new Sundancer layout. Im probably going to shop in the 2000 era.

Walter, what's your experience with these.... does the extra 4 inches and 800lbs that the Amberjack has over the Sundancer make that much difference. Again, my needs are as I stated above, mostly cruising, occasional fishing. Located in St. Pete, FL so mostly intercoastal, some gulf.
 
Larry,

2 other things to consider -

The 290AJ has the option of inboards if you want to keep the boat in a slip;

The Amberjack comes with a decent fuel tank rb2@gr5t 250 gallons. I believe that this gives it a cruising range of about 200 miles.

The Sundancer sport cruisers have a shorter range.
 
quote:
Originally posted by WastinAweigh

Larry,

2 other things to consider -

The 290AJ has the option of inboards if you want to keep the boat in a slip;

The Amberjack comes with a decent fuel tank rb2rb2@gr5tgr5t 250 gallons. I believe that this gives it a cruising range of about 200 miles.

The Sundancer sport cruisers have a shorter range.

Click to expand...


Ken,

Very good point on the extra gas, especially if one goes out 50 miles in the gulf. The Dancer would need extra.

I prefer IOs, I have a lift and go thru some really shallow water.....
 
I would go with the Amberjack. Number 1 reason is fuel range. 230 gal cap on pre 2008 and with brovo 3 drives the range is way more than 200 miles. Also the engine room with outdrive setup has enough room for a rollup dingy and outboard storage. IMO the Amberjack is a much more cabable coastal cruiser mainly for fuel range. I have a 1988 270 with 125 gal tank and always want more fuel cap on longer runs. My next boat will most likely be the 290 Amberjack with outdrives and rack stored.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Larryo

THANKS for the replies....

Bill, I don't like the new Sundancer layout. Im probably going to shop in the 2000 era.

Walter, what's your experience with these.... does the extra 4 inches and 800lbs that the Amberjack has over the Sundancer make that much difference. Again, my needs are as I stated above, mostly cruising, occasional fishing. Located in St. Pete, FL so mostly intercoastal, some gulf.

Click to expand...


"does the extra 4 inches and 800lbs that the Amberjack has over the Sundancer make that much difference"

Ok I will be a little funny with this question, ask you wife or girfriend if an additional 4 inches would matter:), now when it comes to boats multiply that answer by 10.

Every inch in the beam means so much, 4 inches is the difference between the queen mary and a runabout.

If the Amberjack will fit your comfort needs, then yes, it is a far superior boat then the 29 Sundancer, resale will also be better.

Walter
 
My parents have an Amberjack and it is a great riding boat. The only downside I see to it is the room for sleeping is a bit tight.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Larryo

All,
Shopping of a 29 Dancer vs Amberjack....differences:

Is the deadrise the same?
Does the Amberjack have cockpit shower water, sink, frig?
Does the Dancer has any models with a "open" aft cabin like the Jack, not like a cave?
Did any have a walkthru windshiled?

I'd like primarily cruising boat, occasional fishing, but like the amenities for occasional overnites with 4.

Comments?

Click to expand...


I have a 2006 AJ 290 which is essentially identical to the 2007. I have Twin V-Drives, generator, AC, Satellite TV, etc...

The AJ does NOT have a walk-thru windshield. There are grab-rails on both port and starboard to assist in getting to the bow. It has hot/cold running water at the transom and with the fishing package, has running sea (lake/river) water for washdown in the cockpit, along with a sink with cold freshwater. There is NO cockpit refrig, but does have a large "fish box" that will take a whole lot of ice. It has a drain in it to let the melting ice water drain out.

Also, there is a large live bait will that will hold ice, if you don't need to maintain live bait.

The mid berth will handle two short people and the dinette pulls out and has filler cushions for an additional sleeping berth, in addition to the vee berth.

The AJ 290 and the Dancer 300 have the same deadrise, 21 deg. The beam on the AJ is 10.5 feet.

The AJ is a nice boat, handles exceptionally well and is a pleasure to own.
 
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