The Tiara 3900 Sovran offers a fresh interpretation of the ubiquitous express cruiser design with an eye towards upscale offshore cruising without a sacrifice in cockpit capacity or comfort. We had the chance to tour a 3900 while exhibiting our EarthNC Marine Charts for Google Earth at the Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Boatfest. Read on for our full review and be sure to visit our extensive photo album.

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We’d been looking for a small boat to carry on our Regal 2760 for use at anchor or at our favorite beach locations. The Regal is big enough for a modest dingy, but we’re not yet in the position to spend for the necessary outboard to go with it. I’d seen advertisements for the Aquaglide products, but hadn’t had a chance to evaluate one up close until our trip to the Miami boat show last month. At the show, we got to see the Aquaglide Multisport, which is a combination towable, windsurfer, sailboat, and kayak built on an inflatable hull for easy portability. We decided this fit the bill as a carry along ‘toy’ for our cruising adventures and would give us a nice platform to teach the kids some basic sailing techniques. Read on for our review: (more…)

The 340 Sundancer offers everything you need for serious cruising. Twin 370HP 8.1L Horizon Mercruiser engines in V-drive configuration provide standard power. Optional power includes twin 496 Magnum engines with Bravo III outdrives or twin Yanmar 306HP diesel v-drives.

Basic specifications: 37′6″ Overall Length, 12′ Beam, 37″ Draft (drive down) or 32″ with inboards, 21 degree deadrise, 15,500 Dry Weight, 225 gal Fuel, 45 gal Water, 28 gal waste

Click on the Photo to visit our 340 Sundancer Photo Gallery.

The spacious 320 Sundancer is powered by twin 300HP 350 Magnum MPI engines and Bravo III outdrives. It is also available with inboards which improves suitability for longterm in-water storage at the expense of speed and fuel economy.

This cruiser sports an incredible amount of cabin storage and a big cockpit for entertaining.

Basic specifications: 35′6″ Overall Length, 11′5″ Beam, 43″ Draft (drive down) or 33″ with inboards, 21 degree deadrise, 14,150 Dry Weight, 200 gal Fuel, 40 gal Water, 28 gal waste

Click on the Photo to visit our 320 Sundancer Photo Gallery.

Powered by twin 260HP 5.0L MPI Mercruiser engines and Bravo III outdrives, the 300 Sundancer offers good cruising performance.

The cabin is available with either a side sofa/dinette or more traditional booth dinette. We expect most dealers will stock the side sofa model which opens up more floor space in the cabin.

Basic specifications: 33′4″ Overall Length, 10′5″ Beam, 40″ Draft (drive down), 21 degree deadrise 12,500 Dry Weight, 170 gal Fuel, 35 gal Water, 28 gal waste

Click on the Photo to visit our 300 Sundancer Photo Gallery.

Sea Ray’s largest single-engine express cruiser, the 280 Sundancer sports the beefy 375HP 496 Magnum engine and Bravo III outdrive.

In terms of size and weight, it is very similar to the Regal 2760/2860.

Basic specifications: 31′1″ Overall Length, 9′5″ Beam, 39″ Draft (drive down), 21 degree deadrise, 8,500 Dry Weight, 100 gal Fuel, 28 gal Water, Optional 28 gal waste

Click on the Photo to visit our 280 Sundancer Photo Gallery.

The new for 2005 260 Sea Ray Sundancer is our current pick for best 26′ class express cruiser. The 260 has one of the best cockpit floor plans for a cruiser this size.

A bit heavy for her length, you’ll definitely want to consider the 320HP 6.2L MPI or 375HP 496 MAG engine options for optimal performance.

One of these cruisers is slipped on our dock and we’re bartering for a test-run this spring to get full GPS performance data.

Basic specifications: 28′ Overall Length, 8′6″ Beam, 39″ Draft (drive down), 21 degree deadrise, 7,500 Dry Weight, 84 gal Fuel, 28 gal Water, 28 gal waste, 300HP 350 MAG MPI with Bravo III standard

Click on the Photo to visit our 260 Sundancer Photo Gallery.

The 258 Vista is Four Winns entry level cruiser. Pictured is a 2006 model. Built with great fit and finish, the 258 is a good choice for light overnights by a couple or day trips for a small family. New for 2007 is a reversible seating option at the transom. Click on the photo to visit our 258 Vista photo album.

Specifications:
Basic specifications: 26′ Overall Length, 8′6″ Beam, 36″ Draft (drive down), 17 degree deadrise, 6,270lb Dry Weight, 70 gal Fuel

Engine Options include Mercruiser and Volvo twin prop drives from 260-320HP.

The larger of Sea Ray’s two “Amberjacks” the 290 offers the creature comforts of a high-end express cruiser with an aft cockpit suitable for serious fishing. The 290 is large enough to include twin inboard or stern drive engines and a small mid cabin berth. Click on the photo to visit our 290 Amberjack Photo Album.

Specifications: 31′ 4″ Overall Length, 10′6″ Beam, 34″ Draft (drive down) or 35″ with inboards, 21 degree deadrise, 11,300lb Dry Weight, 230 gal Fuel, 30 gal Water, 28 gal Waste, twin 260HP 5.0 MPI Mecruiser engines w/Bravo III as standard power

The 270 Sea Ray Amberjack is Sea Ray’s entry level “hybrid” cruiser which combines an express cruiser hull and forward cabin with a level, open cockpit for fishing.

Specifications: 30′ Overall Length, 8′6″ Beam, 44″ Draft (drive down), 21 degree deadrise 7,325lb Dry Weight, 100 gal Fuel, 28 gal Water, 28 gal Waste, 300HP 350 Mag Mercruiser MPI w/Bravo III as standard power