Last of the 290s????

[tomh]

Hi there --First, thanks to everyone on this site for the vast knowledge that you have imparted to me thus far.  

Second, I discovered an interesting thing about my soon-to-be-mine 1990 290xf/tm.  I met the current owner at the marina yesterday to go over a few things in advance of the sea trial, test run the engines, explain switches, etc., and he informed me that he believes that this boat is the very last 290 hull produced in Hialeah.  Supposedly, the hull was molded at hialeah, and transported to Genmar for completion along with 3 other 290 hulls.  On its own, it sounds like a "nice story," but there are other things about the boat that are somewhat odd, and lend some credibility and potentially some significance to the story.  First, the infernal in-deck live well is gone -- not like the PO removed it, but more like it never existed!  Instead the livewell is under the portside seat, where the washsink was on earlier models.  Second, it looks like an xf (no tower, originally a softop, etc.) but was apparently sold and titled as a TM, which makes sense given that it has the livewell and the tackle center under the helm seat.  Finally, perhaps the weirdest thing of all, the HIN plate, though it bears an AQA designation, is inscribed "glastron."  What's the word on such boats?  Anyone here have any further history?  HIN is AQAC0003B090, which I believe makes it s February 1990 boat.

Thanks,
Tom

[wingtime]

Pics!  We need pics!

[icemanbryan]

Lots and lots of pictures.

[Capt. Bob]

Pics are good!
It's been also told to me by an old time member that there were hulls moved from Hialeah to the west coast site(s) at the start of the Genmar era so that isn't a stretch.

The "glaston" marking is interesting. A must see.

[tomh]

Lots and lots of pictures.

Working on it -- unfortunately, the only pics that I have thus far are from the ad.  I didn't take my camera with me when I went to check it out.  I'll be sea trialing it in the next few weeks (as soon as the marina reopens post-sandy), so I'll be able to post them then.  Until then, he's an overview pic.
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[tomh]

Well, she is officially mine now.  Sea trial went well, xcept for a bent stb prop that vibrated like crazy.  I've spent the last few weeks grinding and glassing some of the dock rash, so I'll post a full series of pics as soon as I get her cleaned up.  

All in all, she appears to have been well cared for.  I don't think that its going to take too much to get her nice and purty again.  Once the season is over, I might even spring for an awlgrip job.


BTW -- I actually have an electrical manual, right from the factory (boat was listed as a "prototype" build, so I'm not sure if the schematics will carry over to older models).  Let me know if anyone is interested, and I'll scan it.

Thanks,
Tom

[Capt. Bob]

BTW -- I actually have an electrical manual, right from the factory (boat was listed as a "prototype" build, so I'm not sure if the schematics will carry over to older models).  Let me know if anyone is interested, and I'll scan it.Tom

Tom,
First, congratulations and a belated Welcome Aboard.

Second, I would be very interested in the manual. I gravitate toward any kind of Aqua documentation and of course, would want to post it in our documents section.

Please send the scan material to: awashatlowtide@gmail.com

Thanks in advance.

[SaltH2OHokie]

My 290TM doesn't have a tower, and doesn't appear to have ever had one...(which is disappointing to me).  Apparently some purchasers maybe opted out?  I removed my port seat/sink combo.  Either put a cooler there or a deck chair.  Deck chair slides pretty bad in any seas, but is fine when its smooth.  Cooler will stay put with a rubber mat under it, but can't open and shut the cabin door without lifting that heavy thing and moving it.  Haven't found the magic combo.

[sss350]

Your boat appears to be a 290 XF Express Fisherman.......boats with tower are 290 TM Tournament Master....good luck