Looking for opinions on a 1992 290 open

[FLYBOY]

I posted about a month ago about looking at a luhrs 320 convertible, but have since decided to adjust my search more torwards the 290. I have found one with cummins diesels that I really like and was wondering what ya'lls experience has been with your boat. I have heard some really good things about them and also some not so good things. The one that concerns me the most is that the ride is not very good. Almost everyone on the hull truth says they "wallow" and rock back and forth? Has anyone experienced this? I am just looking to get some feedback from folks who have actually used the boat. Thanks in advance!!!

[flbluerunner]

Hey, I have quite a few hours fishing on a 29 and the only bad wallow I have experienced is with a quartering sea trying to hold a bottom spot.
The run fine on plane and troll well.
I find that Luhr's in general don't like a quartering sea. Lot's of hours in 38's and 41's.
The 29 is not a wde beam boat so some of it's handling characteristics have to do with beam.

Good luck,

John :patriot:

[FLYBOY]

thanks flbluerunner, It's good to hear that, and since I don't bottom fish very often anymore (spearfishing is very addictive) this boat sounds good. One question though you say this is not a big beam boat? I have shopped around and in the 28-30 ft range have yet to find a boat with more beam...the 290 has an 11'6" beam... it's almost 2 ft wider than most of the boats in this range and some say this and a round bottom are to blame for it's rolling. Any thoughts? I'm not trying to sound like a smarta$$....thought I should put that in there because sometimes the internet can be misconstrued.

[flbluerunner]

As you get a little bigger the beams go to 13 pretty quick.
The 29 has a high deadrise which I think plays in the way they handle.

John :patriot:

[witeagle]

We were looking at a 290 as well and ended up with a 32 open.

heard about handling issues and we were having a hard time finding one with a generator (and diesel). There are a lot of 290's out there on yachtworld that might able to get a good deal on one.

We also liked the layout of the cabin on the 32 better.

Good luck with your choices and don't forget to get a survey.

[FLYBOY]

Anyone else??? Heading to sea trial Friday, so if anyone else has any comments PLEASE post. I really like this boat and and will probably buy it if it passes trial/survey.

[witeagle]

Flyboy -

Just ensure you check all the systems like you would on any other boat. If you like it, like the way it runs, go for it.

Where are you doing the sea trial? Hopefully you will have the chance to take the boat through an inlet during a wind against tide condition (be careful) or in some 3-5 foot seas to see how it real handles.

Justin

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

I think with the diesels you may notice less roll. My only real complaint is I didnt buy the diesels, nobodys fault but my own...The MP 350 motors are strong. I have a boat with a deep vee and I think it rolls harder when drifting, my 29 does seem to list a bit at WOT, the trim tabs work well for this. I like the bow lip. I love how the boat is laid out.The boat handles very well in the harbor for fueling and docking. she is also very responsive in steering. She has been fairly reasonable to work on. We just had 6' whitecaps on the mooring, I could see the props coming out of the water!!! She held fast, I was sure she was going down. After what I was watching I am more confident in her ability to stay upright.
Over all, I will sell my Bertram 28' over the luhrs, and be very happy about it!

[FLYBOY]

Thanks Guys, If it passes I think I am going to buy it!!!

[witeagle]

Flyboy,

How did your seatrial go? Did everything check out?

Did you pull the trigger and join the Luhrs family?

[Fish All]

Advise if you want more feedback as I had a Yanmar diesel 29 for about 4 years and many long trips.

[FLYBOY]

Well unfortunately I got deployed to Iraq before I could sea trial the boat. I live in Destin FL and the boat is in NC. The owner has agreed to deliver the boat by water to Destin since I obviously can't go get it. My wife is planning on going and looking at the boat this week before I pull the trigger. I would love to hear any more info on this model or what ya'll think about me purchasing the boat while I am deployed.

[FLYBOY]

Fishall, please tell me all you can...much appreciated