The market for super-size runabouts was undergoing explosive growth in the early 2000s when Sea Ray introduced the 290 Bowrider. She was then the company’s largest open-bow model ever, and her wide 9'8" beam offered interior space for a small crowd. Built on a deep-V hull, the 290 has the size and bulk to handle offshore waters with ease. Two cockpit seating plans were available: The standard layout has U-shaped seating aft, a back-to-back companion seat, and a centerline transom walk-through, while an alternate plan features a large sun pad aft, a starboard walk-through, and bucket seats forward. A cockpit wet bar is standard in either arrangement as are an electric engine compartment hatch and an in-floor ski storage locker. In the bow, a table and filler cushions turn the forward seating area into a huge sun pad. A lockable head in the portside helm console comes with a VacuFlush head, sink, and pullout shower. Additional features include a flip-up helm seat, transom shower, and an extended swim platform. Twin 260hp MerCruiser sterndrives deliver a top speed of around 45 knots.