The Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 is a deep-V design and the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 at 28,2 ft versus Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 tips the scales at 9 000 lbs - 2 700 lbs less than the Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 at 6 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 tops out at 260 hp. Engine specs for the Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 carries 175 gallons versus 120 gallons in the Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Baha Cruisers 290 Mach 1/BR 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.