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SeaWell 290CC (2024-)

2 x 200-hp Mercury V6



Brief Summary

With an exceptionally high freeboard, lots of flair and a 21.5-degree transom deadrise, the SeaWell 290CC is intended for bluewater fishing. She’s more affordable than some in class and is built by a Brazilian company with over 15 years in the business.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
650 3.3 2.8 1.1 2.9 2.6 384.8 334.4 57
1000 5.4 4.7 2 2.7 2.3 352.4 306.2 64
1500 7.5 6.5 3.4 2.2 1.9 287.1 249.5 70
2000 8.7 7.5 6 1.5 1.3 189.3 164.5 72
2500 15.5 13.5 8 1.9 1.7 254.4 221.1 81
3000 23.6 20.5 11 2.1 1.9 280.4 243.7 81
3500 29.8 25.9 14.6 2 1.8 267.2 232.2 83
4000 35.1 30.5 19.5 1.8 1.6 234.9 204.1 87
4500 39.6 34.4 23.4 1.7 1.5 221 192.1 90
5000 45.2 39.2 31.2 1.4 1.3 188.9 164.2 90
5500 47.9 41.6 34.2 1.4 1.2 182.7 158.8 92

Specifications

Length Overall 29'
8.8 m
Beam 9' 5"
2.9 m
Draft 2'
0.6 m
Deadrise/Transom 21.5°
Fuel Capacity 145 gal
549 L
Water Capacity 26 gal
98 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Climate 5-10 wind; flat wave

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 225-hp Mercury V6
Std. Power 2 x 200-hp Mercury V6
Opt. Power 2 x 225-hp Mercury V6
2 x 250-hp Mercury DTS V8
2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8

SeaWell 290CC: A Taste of Brazil

Captain's Report by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Seawell 290CC running

The well-appointed SeaWell 290CC brings it on with performance, handling and fishing amenities.

Feijoada is one of Brazil’s most famous and revered dishes. Filled with tasteful ingredients and savory flavors, it typifies the country’s exciting passion for food and almost everything else including, at what may at first seem an incongruous comparison, boat building.

The shipyard was founded in 2008 and began taking the best of what it had learned about American boat building specifically in the center console sector. The company higher-ups then turned their ideas over to its research, design and engineering teams. With its well-known beaches, a 2,112+ mile coastline, tropical weather acting as an influence and a cadre of veteran and professional fishermen, the company came up with a line-up of purpose-built boats of which the 290CC is one of the entry-level models.

Adding just the right requirements in just the right balance, with a reasonable approach to space and layout and a competitive price point, SeaWell carefully builds its boats before shipping them to its Ft. Lauderdale, Florida facility for rigging and outfitting. Our look at the 290CC resulted in a positive reaction to this tasteful import.

Major Features & Notable Options

Major Features

  • One-piece acrylic windshield
  • U-shape bow seating with three, self-draining boxes
  • Port and starboard removable fish boxes in the deck sole
  • Port gunnel storage
  • Aft bench seat w/livewell and storage
  • Freshwater system
  • Stainless steering wheel
  • Stainless aft ladder
  • Four rod holders on aft gunnel
  • Hydraulic trim tabs

Notable Options

  • Elite package featuring 2 x 200-hp Mercury V6 & Vessel View Screen, fiberglass hardtop with 4 rod holders on each side, 8 additional rod holders, 6 rod holders at aft seat, aft & bow spreader lights, saltwater washdown, holding tank, 1 livewell, Lenco/Bennet trim tabs, Jabsco electric toilet, deck and windlass freshwater washdown, 3 Rule bilge pumps @2,000 gph, fuel system and electronic fuel filter
  • Power options include:
    • 2 x 225-hp Mercury V6 + VesselView screen
    • 2 x 250-hp Mercury DTS V8 + 7” VesselView screen
    • 2 x 300-hp Mercury V8 Verado + joystick and 7” VesselView screen
  • Simrad electronics package includes:
    • Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer
    • RS20S VHF radio
    • AP44 AutoPilot controller unit
    • xSonic SS175H-W/20 Chirp transducer 20° 1kW tilted element
    • NAC-3 VRF Core Pack AutoPilot system
    • HALO20+ radar
    • NSS12 evo3S with C-MAP® US enhanced charts
  • Fusion® marine stereo amplifier & 6 marine speakers
  • 700W Italwinch w/anchor kit
  • HTEC 12.000 BTU air conditioning
  • Battery charger system w/shore power system
  • TACO™ GS-280 outrigger kit
  • Quick Gyro MC² X7 antiroll stabilizer

Bow

SeaWell packed a lot into the 290CC. From bow to stern, we discovered there is more than meets the eye aboard this sturdy, well-appointed center console boat.

Seawell 290CC anchor locker

Fully forward is the anchor locker, a pair of 8" (20.32 cm) pop-up cleats and deck controls for the windlass. The windlass can also be controlled at the helm.

Seawell 290CC bow seating

The bow offers deep, comfortable seating. Note the nearby handy grabs and Fusion speakers. That center cushion can be removed to convert the space to U-shape seating and storage is under the seats.

Seawell 290CC bench seat with storage unit

The bench seat in front on the console has a storage unit below the cushion.

Center Console & Helm

Seawell 290CC stand up head

You can access the stand-up head via a portside door in the console.

Seawell 290CC main electrical panel

The main electrical panel is located here as well.

Seawell 290CC helm bench seat

The bench seat at the helm is bolstered and built on a sturdy frame.

Seawell 290CC The back of the helm seat has five rod holders

The back of the helm seat has five rod holders.

Seawell 290CC fish boxes

There are fish boxes in the deck sole to either side and plenty of room under the helm seat for a large cooler.

Seawell 290CC rod holders under port and starboard sides

Rod holders are found under both port and starboard sides.

Seawell 290CC windshield

The one piece acrylic windshield offers good visibility forward. Note the sturdy supports for the T-Top as well as the black color, this to cut down on sun glare.

Seawell 290CC helm console

The well-laid out helm console offers a pair of 12” Simrad touchscreens, USB port, tilt stainless steel wheel, and all controls, including trim tabs and livewell, within easy reach.

Seawell 290CC tactile buttons

All tactile buttons are located just to the right of the throttles.

Seawell 290CC T-top has six rod holders on each side

The T-Top has six rod holders on each side.

Seawell 290CC stereo speakers and led lighting on the T-Top's overhead

A pair of Fusion stereo speakers and overhead LED lighting are also found on the T-Top’s overhead.

Cockpit

Seawell 290CC cockpit

With a square footage of 23.33 feet, the cockpit can easily supply enough fish-fighting room for your crew. It also offers an optional teak dining table when out with family and friends.

Seawell 290CC hatch

Access to the mechanical space is through this centerline hatch.

Seawell 290CC battery switches

The battery switches are located in the base of the aft bench seat.

Seawell 290CC gunnels

Padded gunnels will help with fighting a big fish.

Seawell 290CC livewell and wet storage

Lift the top of the bench seat aft and find a livewell and wet storage.

Aft

SeaWell 290CC Swim Platform

The starboard swim platform has a three-step telescoping stainless swim ladder for getting in and out of the water.

SeaWell 290CC Engines

Our test boat was powered by a pair of 225-hp Mercury V6 engines. Other twin Mercury engines in different horsepower ratings are available.

Performance

The SeaWell 290CC proved to be a spirited performer on the day of our sea trial. We had two people aboard, 60% of fuel and a test weight of 5,200 lbs. (2,358.68 kg). With the throttles nailed at 5500 rpm, we hit a top speed of 47.9 mph and a best cruise at 3000 rpm, traveling at a comfortable 23.6 mph. On our out-of-the-hole shots, we hit 30 mph after 9.4 seconds.

With our tabs is the up position, we noticed little bow rise. While traveling at high speed and leveling our 290CC a bit, she hummed along nicely even while putting the boat through a series of S-turns and hard-over maneuvers. In addition, with the bow flare knocking down any potential spray, we stayed nice and dry throughout our time on the water.

Summary

Hailing from Brazil, the SeaWell 290CC is a newcomer to the American market. Once built to exacting standards, the boats are shipped stateside and outfitted and rigged according to owner’s specifications at the company’s Ft. Lauderdale, Florida facility. Her amenities are all there to maximize a day out on the water. Four Mercury outboard engine options, from 200-hp to 300-hp models, will fit any power need.

She has a long list of standard and premium options. With so many center console models to choose from, SeaWell offers one which just might have the right price point for your next boat. 

Seawell 290CC

Remember, life is better on a boat!