SeaVee 290B
There wasn’t any time to panic. When sea-trialing a boat with Capt. Bill Pike, there’s no time for anything, really— especially if it’s “a-goin’ machine,” to use an expression Bill is quite fond of. You just grab the nearest handrail and hold on. Fast. The boat was the new SeaVee 290B, a trailerable, stable performer that’s versatile by design.
Before the test, Bill and I were discussing the boat’s build during the Miami International Boat Show at Virginia Key with John Caballero, sales and marketing director of SeaVee Boats. The 290B’s fully cored hull, stringers and bulkheads are resin-infused simultaneously, thereby creating a primary bond between them for a fast, efficient and quiet ride. (SeaVee stands behind its construction techniques by offering a 10-year warranty on the hull.) John jumped down into the forward 110-gallon fishbox for emphasis: Everything on board was solid.
This particular 290B featured plenty of stowage options, from lockable wing boxes at the bow to compartments on the starboard and port sides of the transom. Our boat was classic white, but it’s offered with at least nine factory gelcoat colors, so customers have plenty of options to choose from when customizing their boat.
Founded in 1974 by Miami native Capt. Don McGee, SeaVee boats have long been built for bluewater fishermen. But a recent rebranding has given the company a new post to hang its hat. While it still builds fishing machines, the company’s deep stable of center consoles is now offered with a bevy of options, including bow seating and electric sunpads, aft sofas and more, which are all geared toward the owner who wants to take family and friends out to fish or just cruise.