RJBBC

We looked at a Velocity 290 SC at the Chicago Boat Show powered by a 525 EFI. We have never boarded a Velocity and have to admit it was impressive. Fit and finish looked strong, alot of room in the cockpit and cabin. The DVD in the cabin was a nice touch. The boat show price listed $84,900. Appeared to be alot of boat for the money. What is the top speed of a 290 SC with a 525 EFI?

Steet

290 SC with the 525EFI will run about 82 to 84 on GPS. This is on the one I drove. It does have the ITS standoff and built in steering. It now belongs to a friend. It is a very nice boat.

GatorDave

I looked at a 290SC at the Spring 2004 boat show in Jacksonville. It had an HP 500 and they wanted $125K for it. If they had been asking $85K I'd probably own that boat now. The dealer still has it on the lot. Down to $100K last time I looked.

RobIII

I also looked at the 290 SC. I was very impressed, no wood with the VR-1 bottom. However, after discussing the specs with Jeff Ziegler from Modern Marine in Schoolcraft, MI. the actual show price on that particular 290 SC with the HP 525, ITS drive, air conditioning, DVD, LCD screen, etc. was $125K on a trailer. For the $84,900 it did not have the HP 525 or the ITS. For the $84,900 it included the 496 MAG and few options.

If more power was wanted than the base 496 MAG, Jeff suggested the RayLar engine based on the 496 MAG for a $13K premium over the 496 MAG base engine, instead of $26K premium for the HP 525 over the base engine. According to Jeff, the RayLar engine comes with Mercury computers for ease of diagnostics. The Raylar engine that was at the show is the largest of the two they offer and supposedly dyno's at a peak of 600 horses. The ITS drive runs about $8K over base drive. So you could save at least $13K if you could live without Mercruiser. Just a thought. Very nice boat.

STUCK

Did anyone take any pictures? We were planning to go because I wanted to check out the 290 also but my wife and I were both sick and didn't make it.

RJBBC

RobIII,
Thank you for the insight on the 290 SC at the Chicago Boat and RV Show. I feel much better knowing the boat equipped with the 525 EFI and ITS is 125K. Now I know I can't afford it.

STUCK

That doesn't make sense if they have boat show special shouldn't that be for the boat they are showing. Now I wonder if everyone does that show a real nice boat and list boat show special but they mean the base models for that price. I always thought a person could make a better deal at boat shows.

GatorDave

Me either.

RobIII

Stuck,

You can get a so called better price at a boat show. And, you weren't the only one who noticed the listing of options on the 290 SC that was located in the engine compartment with the Show Special of $84,900. However, when I entered the boat, I must say I was feeling quite enthusiastic about this 290 SC with a HP 525/ITS on a trailer. Until, I thought this was too good to be true, and read the always last to read smallish print. The smallish print indicated a 290 SC with a 496 Mag, no DVD, no Flat screen, no head, no air-conditioning(yes, actually the show model had it), etc.

I have been looking for a boat to enjoy on Lake Michigan that had decent power at a decent price. For $84,900 with all of the options including the HP 525 I thought I might finally pull the trigger. As usual, after talking to Jeff from Modern Marine(who was/is very knowledgeable and very helpful) he burst my fantasy bubble. He indicated the 290 SC at the show has a list of about $145K fully loaded, selling for about $125K at the show.

I may never(?) pull the trigger on a decent boat purchase as the cost of boats certainly has increased faster than the rate of inflation and well, I do like a little extra power, and that means a lotta dough(technical term).

Rippem

A whopping 20K off full blown retail on that boat?

Big deal...

100K no trade.

Steve is doin' a nice job on those boats though. Some of the finest 'glass/gel/finish work I've ever seen out of there.