Room to Move: The Velocity 290 SSC isn't just fast—it's spacious.

By Matt Trulio

It's amazing how a subtle design change can yield a big difference. Take the higher dash Velocity added to its 290 SSC. That cockpit modification enabled the builder to create serious headroom in the boat's cabin—an uncommon amount for a 29-footer. Given that Velocity designed the cabin to actually be used by weekending adults, that's a big deal.

But Velocity didn't make its name on cabin space. For years, the Sanford, Fla., company has been known for building pad V-bottoms that are efficient and fast—and free of steps.

Without question, the 290 SSC we tested in Sarasota, Fla., answered that call. With a 625-horsepower Ilmor Marine MV-10 engine providing the power through a 1.5:1 reduction Bravo One XR drive, the boat reached 84 mph. That's more than respectable for a conventional V-bottom, especially one with a roomy cabin that boasted a galley, a head locker, a flat-screen television and a DVD player.

To put the power to the water, Velocity used a Mercury Maximus 15 1/2" x 26" propeller. The stainless-steel prop provided sharp bite out of the hole as the boat came on plane in 3.4 seconds with the fast-acting Dana Marine trim tabs down. From a standing start, the boat reached 63 mph in 20 seconds.

Midrange was good. The 290 SSC ran from 30 to 50 mph in 5.5 seconds and 40 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Running from 40 to 70 mph took 13.1 seconds, as the power package began to show its upper-end limitations. Still, overall acceleration was strong.

Even though the weekend's 50-mph winds had dropped to 20 mph on test day, the bay still was an absolute mess. Tossed into the mix of 2- to 3-footers were holes and gusts, and everything we didn't need. It was an extreme test of the boat's rough-water performance. The 290 SSC did its best work following the seas. Taking them head-on required throttling finesse.

On the plus side, the depth of the cockpit made the boat feel reassuring in rough water. For the co-pilot, the thick pad on the vertical section of the dash was a welcome feature. Across the aisle, the helm was outfitted with Livorsi Marine instruments and indicators, as well as a Livorsi throttle and shifter.

A nice touch, especially for boats that run as fast as the 290 SSC, was full hydraulic steering at the helm. It responded precisely to input especially in tight quarters at the docks.

A full windshield did a nice job of protecting passengers sitting up front from the wind. Velocity provided in-house-made bolsters with power dropout bottoms on aluminum stands.

To secure the engine, the builder used offshore mounts and L-angles through-bolted to the stringers. Diamond plate was installed liberally throughout the engine compartment, and support for the wiring was ample.

Velocity made its name on building boats that were fast and efficient for the power. The 290 SSC continues that legacy with the added benefits of a roomy, functional cabin.

Click to enlarge.