SeaVee’s new 290B appeals to boat owners seeking a capable offshore fishing boat that’s also easy to trailer.
SeaVee utilizes the vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding technology (VARTM) that infuses the cored hull, stringers and bulkhead simultaneously. The center-console model is 600 pounds lighter than the previous 290. It is also more rigid, and that allowed SeaVee to reduce the number of stringers from four to two, creating more space belowdecks for larger epoxy-coated aluminum fuel tanks. The 290B features a 251-gallon fuel capacity, up by 19 gallons from the original model.
A heavy-duty transom door in the port quarter eases the task of landing a big tuna or swordfish. A new option is the Coastal leaning post with a stylized backrest that incorporates rod and drink holders and a grab rail, as well as a tackle cabinet and slide-out cooler. The helm provides enough space to flush-mount twin Garmin GPSMap 7616xsv multifunction displays. The center-console’s forward lift-up hatch grants easy access to a step-down interior and its 6 feet 4 inches of headroom. Quality construction is evident in the heavy-duty deck hatches, which close with an authoritative thump, and immaculate rigging and cable routing. Deep gutters around the level, self-bailing deck route water to scuppers in each corner of the aft cockpit.
A pressurized 50-gallon livewell resides in the transom and is fed by a pump box. You can add more bait capacity with a transom livewell in the starboard quarter and/or a deck well below the aft cockpit sole. Twin insulated forward fish lockers keep plenty of ice.
The 290B’s deep-V hull slices smoothly through chop. Powered by twin Mercury 350 Verado outboards, the boat displays crisp handling. Bow flare deflects spray down and away. Turning Mercury Revolution 4 21-inch-pitch four-blade stainless-steel propellers, the twin 350s pushed the 290B to plane in 4 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. Top speed was a pleasing 63 mph at 6,200 rpm. The 290B achieved its most efficient cruising speed at 4,000 rpm and 35.2 mph, consuming 18.5 gph for 1.9 mpg — remarkably efficient for a boat of this size with 700 ponies on the transom.
High Points
- Vacuum-assisted, resin-infused construction cuts 600 pounds off the original model.
- Want a highly capable offshore center-console that’s relatively easy to trailer? This is it.
- The 290B carries 19 more gallons of fuel than the original model to give you greater range.
Low Points
- When lifted up, the forward console door can block the view ahead from the helm.
- This is completely custom — don’t expect a lot of standard equipment.
- Opt for the clear polycarbonate wraparound windshield if you want maximum helm protection.
Toughest Competitor
Regulator’s 28 ($206,995 base with twin Yamaha F300s) also boasts a deep-V hull but features a bolt-on Armstrong bracket versus the 290B’s integrated engine bracket.
Price: $210,079 (as tested)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engines: Twin 350 hp Mercury 350 Verados
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14 5/8″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 140 gal.
Crew Weight: 700 lb.
More Information
SeaVee Boats – Miami, Florida; 305-759-6419; seaveeboats.com
