May buy 290 - advice needed

[3toSea]

I'm new to the site and hope to be a more frequent user (but not for repair advice )....

Looking at a number of 290's and before I buy, would appreciate some advice.  My biggest boat previously was a 24' i/o Grady so the size and inboards are new to me and will take some learning.  Looked at 3 boats today and learned a lot from one of the owners, would appreciate this groups input on:

1 - I was told the fiberglass on the 82 model was laid much heavier than later year models.  This seemed to be supported by the visible inspection of an 82 vs. an 86.  Was this apprearance just the difference between maintenance or is there really a manufacturing difference?

2 - The 82 model was 'upgraded' (in 2001) with crusader 320hp mpi engines.  The others (and most i've researched) seemed to have the various chevy engines.  First, is there any concern with getting crusader parts?  Second, is there any additional benefit of the MPI vs. the traditional carbeurated engines?

3 - While not surveyed (yet), what's the hull/stringer track record for these boats?  Have there been issues with delamination

Thanks in advance and I look forward to full membership (with ownership)

[SaltH2OHokie]

I own one, and don't know any of the answers to your questions (but certainly would be interested in hearing the answers).  My boat passed the "knock" test when it was blocked up, so I call that 'sound'.  :tongue:

[fitz73222]

I can tell you that the later 320 Crusaders were also GM (Chevy blocks) 454's if memory serves. There are many after market sources for Crusader designed parts. The only real differentiation between Crusaders and brand "X" were cooling system, exhaust manifolds, risers and hose routing. You will have no problem upgrading or sourcing aftermarket original replacement parts for the engines and transmissions. MPI's will do better on fuel consumption and to my knowledge was a very reliable fuel delivery system which I thought was a Mercruiser application.

[seabob4]

Just a little note on Crusaders VS Mercruisers.  When GM replaced the 5.7 and the 7.4/8.2 with the 6.2 and the 8.1, we started to have water injestion trough the exhaust failures at Stamas, even went to 6" spacers on the risers.  Swapped over to Crusaders.  Same blocks, but most likely different cam durations...

Tons of Crusaders out there, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.  In fact, I'd prefer them over Mercruiser...

[3toSea]

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback.  My local mechanic also said not to worry about the replacement parts, not a big deal.

Anybody have an idea about the hull/glass differences between the '82 and later models '86+?