Sea Ray Boats 290 Amberjack - Cruiser Boat

For years, the Sea Ray Amberjack has faithfully served as the ultimate all-in-one, do-anything-and-everything pleasure boat. It can cruise, fish, day hop, even yank the kids around on watertoys. So what's not to love?

Well, Sea Ray decided to make the boat better by making it more comfortable. Take a look at the port-side seat of the 290 Amberjack. It has a backrest that moves all the way forward or aft to turn the chaise into a 4'-long, stretched out lounge that will pamper you regardless of whether you prefer to travel while looking where you're going or looking where you've been.

The theme continues with the foldaway aft bench seat that provides extra seating capacity when up or disappears to improve angling space. The starboard- side wetbar has a sink and twin cupholders as well as a lighted livewell and a spot to hang rigged baits. Stowage is abundant and includes insulated boxes for fish or provisions and a large locker on the transom.

Everyone appreciates a well thought out helm, and the 290 Amberjack delivers. It has a full complement of digital SmartCraft gauges, and a pushbutton ignition switch lends a big-boat feel. Underway, I felt comfortable driving the boat while seated thanks to the protection provided by the windshield. The boat handles predictably and rates high as a first twin-engine model for family cruisers. Maintenance should be easy, thanks to a smartly laid out engine compartment and solid construction.

Belowdecks, the 290 Amberjack has a comfortable layout for a family of four with mom and dad stretched out in the V-berth and the kids in the aft midcabin.

At the base of the cabin stairs, the private head has plenty of seated headroom and is equipped with everything you need for a weekend away. I found the same strong equipment list in the galley. That's what you should expect from an Amberjack.