Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 vs Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 vs Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 measures 54,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 25,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 at 29,0 feet (2005). At 77 lbs and 5 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 tops out at 684 hp. Engine specs for the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 carries 13 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2013 at 54,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea Ray 290 Select EX 2005 at 29,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model290 Select EX
Model540 Sundancer?
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 8 in. (2.95 m)
Beam15 ft. 3 in. (4.65 m)
Beam - Meters2.95
Beam - Meters4.65
Beam - Inches116
Beam - Inches183
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58.4 cm) Twin Stern: 24 in. (61.0 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (96.5 cm) Twin Stern: 35 in. (88.9 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail50 in. (127 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Meters1.27
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches5
Weight - Detail7,700 lbs. (3,493 kg)
Weight - Detail50,000 lbs. (22,679 kg)
Weight - kg3492.66
Weight - kg22679.6
Weight - lbs.77
Weight - lbs.5
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet54.75
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 2.5 in. (9.82 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]54 ft. 9 in. (16.7 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMX6.2L MPI Bravo? III MCM Stern Drive (320 hp - 239 kw)
Engine/s standardTwin QSM-11 715 T2 with DTS
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492.1 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail600 gal. (2,271 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters2271.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeV-drive
Engine makenot available
Engine makeCummins®
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Horsepowernot available
HorsepowerTwin 684 php (510 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity24 gal. (90.8 l)
Water capacity150 gal. (568 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail68 gal. (257 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Liters257.41
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Holding tank capacity - Gal68
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeSemi Displacement