The Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012 is a deep-V design and the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 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 - Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012 at 27,4 ft versus Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 tips the scales at 7 700 lbs - 2 150 lbs less than the Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012 at 5 550 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 has a 75-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012's 300-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 carries 130 gallons versus 69 gallons in the Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012. 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 Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Sea Ray 255 Sundancer 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2008 could be the deciding factor.