The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

MARCH 2009

Length overall  29' 9" Beam  9' 11" Draft  1' 11" Weight7,650 lb Fuel 206 gals/ Water32 gals Max. power  600 hp Base Price  $183,625

The new Chesapeake 290 from Grady-White combines features from the company's three comfortable express cruisers (the 300, 330 and 360) with the builder's 34 years of building walkaround boats. The Chesapeake 290 offers the on-deck security and 360-degree fishability of the walkaround layout, as well as the comforts of a cabin with a full galley, head with shower, V-berth/dinette forward and double midcabin berth. The large helm deck and cockpit are well equipped for both cruising and fishing. Power options can range up to twin 300-hp four-stroke outboards, but the standard choice is a pair of Yamaha F250s, which provide efficient cruising speeds from the upper 20s to the mid-30s. Grady-White, Greenville, N.C.; 252-752-2111; www.gradywhite.com