1988 290xf with tower

[Jrpinoy]

Hello I'm new on here.  I see their is some 290 owners I just bought a 88 290 xf currently reredoing the cabin in stalled new teak and Holley deck ripped out old fridge put new one in and reupholstered pads.   Ripped out the hot water tank don't think it was needed. It does have a/c  the old owner ripped out the fuel tanks and put Polly 100 gal for both sides and 06 crusaders 5.7.  Just want to know more about them how they handle ect. 

[George290]

Welcome, the boat is solid and rides well.  I have the same boat with out the tower and love it.  I am currently doing a lot of work as well getting things updated.  Any questions just ask. 

[Jrpinoy]

Thanks do you know what size flax packing for the stuffing box

[George290]

I have not messed with the packing yet, it is working good for me. My boat has the original 1988 270 hp 5.7 Crusaders. I cruise 20mph @ 3400 up to 22 mph @ 3800.  You may get an extra mph or two with the extra hp and newer motors.

[Jrpinoy]

Good info thanks. I am not planning on going over 3890 rpm.  Just can't wait to put her in the water she should be ready by May.   Just finished redoing all the electrical and installing new bildge pumps. 
Where do you keep your boat.  I am in Rhode Island

[Jrpinoy]

 What is your fuel burn at cruise

[George290]

 I run my boat out of Barnegat Inlet in NJ. I don't have fuel burn numbers yet. I only ran my boat 2 months before I pulled it. Considering adding flow scan.

[Jrpinoy]

How far do you go because planning on taking her about 60 miles out to fishing grounds. 

[George290]

I have only been out 3 miles off the beach striper fishing with this boat.  I do plan on running up to 30 miles out this summer, but typically fish inshore.  I have read that guys do take this boat out to the canyons which is 75 miles out, and it handles 10 footers confidently. 

[Jrpinoy]

Very nice makes me happy that she can handle some seas

[Jrpinoy]

How's the 290 doing

[George290]

Running well!!  How about you?

[Jrpinoy]

Running really good it took abit to really work bugs out of it seems the more I use it the better it gets

[George290]

 Did you figure out what size flax?  Looks like I will be doing that in the off season. 

[Jrpinoy]

Yes 5/16.  Flax.  I was have a problem on engine when cruising for awhile and bring down to idle sometimes port engine will stall or if I shut it down it will take about 10-15 min to let engine cool to start back up not sure why it does this