Larson Cabrio 290
By Capt. Bob Smith
The Cabrio 290 offers plenty of room topside and in the cabin below allowing for a full weekend away.
Starting at the Bow
The bow is accessed through a center walk-through in the full-framed windshield. Up here is a great place to catch some sun. The two large hatches allow light and air into the cabin, yet they do encroach a bit on the sunpad. Up in the bow, you can add an optional remote controlled spotlight on the top of the railing and another popular option for cruising is the windlass.
At the Controls
Stepping into the cockpit of our test model was another popular option- the forward swept sport arch over the cockpit. This is very handy for attaching the antennas as well as the canvas for over the helm and aft cockpit. The helm now features brushed aluminum accents rather than burlwood. A mahogany tilt wheel dresses up the dash with a elegance and the double-wide driver’s bench has a bolster for stand-up driving and for getting a better view over the bow when getting on plane. Over to port is a lounger for your friends to join you while underway.
Cockpit Seating & Wet Bar
The cockpit features an aft facing bench for the whole family and there is room for the carry-on cooler just below. If you need space to eat, just set up the table. A cockpit wet bar provides room for preparing a quick snack. The 290 now has an electric engine hatch that opens wide for access to the engine and accessories. Our test model came equipped with twin 280-hp Volvo 5.0 GXi engines and there was plenty of room for routine checks and maintenance of the through hull strainers.
The battery switches and main breakers are conveniently located near the transom door along with a courtesy cockpit light. The integrated platform has an extended platform creating a large play area while at anchor. A large dunnage box is across the stern and the swim shower is tucked inside. The swim ladder is concealed underneath the starboard side of the platform.
In the Cabin
Once in the cabin you’ll get an appreciation for the light and air the large bow hatches provide. The forward cabin has plush carpeting with V-berth seating. The solid wood table is finished in high gloss and looks wonderful. If you enjoy watching movies at night, opt for the Majestic 13” LCD TV with DVD player.
Galley
The galley consists of granite looking countertops, a Black and Decker coffee maker, Tappan microwave, sink with hand wand sprayer, single-burner cooktop, and an Isotherm refrigerator. The Clarion Marine stereo is also mounted in the galley and includes six months of Sirius Satellite service.
Sleeping Accommodations
The mid cabin has pockets for your guests to store their carry-ons or for the kids to store their toys. The mid cabin has its own reading lamps and the flying steps allow natural light to enter and open up the space.
Pantry & Head
Across from the galley is a vertical pantry locker with a silverware drawer. The enclosed fiberglass head has a VacuFlush toilet, sink with hand wand shower, shower curtain, grab rail, and towel loop.
Specifications
The Cabrio 290 measures 27’10” in overall length and 9’6” across the beam. With the 2-foot deep swim platform extension she extends to 29’10” overall. She weighs in at 9,000 lb dry and carries 100 gallons of fuel. For those long weekends aboard, she carries 28 gallons of fresh water. Her maximum draft is 28” and bridge clearance with the arch is 8’6”.
Performance
The 290 Cabrio was a smooth handling cruiser, easily slicing through the waves off shore from Key Largo. She makes smooth turns and handled well at the docks. Her best cruise was at 3000 rpm and 27 mph for a full tank range of 174 miles. She reached a top speed of 49 mph at 5180rpm.
For someone new to cruising or those stepping up from pocket cruising, the Cabrio 290 offers some very good amenities and a great value.
