A handsome boat by the standards of her day with first-rate accommodations, the Sea Ray 290 Sundancer (note an earlier 290 Sundancer built in 1994–97) offered just about everything one could desire in a quality midsize family cruiser. Sea Ray always builds a solid boat, and at over 10,000 pounds, the Sundancer is no lightweight. The interior was originally offered in two configurations: Plan A has a convertible dinette forward, and Plan B has a double berth forward with the dinette table in front of the starboard-side settee. In 1999 a new cabin layout replaced the original floorplans. Topside, the cockpit includes a portside sun lounge and a removable aft bench seat in addition to a very stylish helm console. Standard features include a cockpit shower and wet bar, excellent storage, a drop-down helm seat, and a transom door. Note that the side decks are narrow and the engine room is a tight fit. Among several engine options, a single 310hp MerCruiser sterndrive will cruise the 290 Sundancer at 18–19 knots (about 25 knots top), and twin 260hp MerCruisers cruise in the low 20s and reach a top speed of around 35 knots.