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I found another set of twins when I lifted a hatch in the center of the salon: two optional 660-hp Caterpillar 3196TA diesel inboards. The alley between these big engines is a little narrow, barely wider than the span of my shoulders, and without hatches directly over each engine, access to their outboard sides is not at all easy. But the compartment is well organized, and daily maintenance can be undertaken comfortably enough. [links]
The salon features two settees, one U-shape to starboard with enough room for five and another to port that can seat two more guests in comfort. Add the starboard dinette forward on the same level (opposite a galley equipped with a full-size Norcold refrigerator/freezer, three-burner Kenyon stovetop, and Sharp microwave/convection oven), and you could conceivably host cocktails for 10 without anyone fidgeting for space. here
Both the helm and the aft deck are on the same level, under a hardtop shaped like a stealth fighter, so the skipper will never feel cut off from topsides socializing. In fact, the cockpit wetbar is right at his back and includes a standard icemaker, sink, and built-in drink holders. With the standard cockpit enclosure, the entire space can be effectively air conditioned for cruising comfort no matter what. All you need to add are a few pieces of teak furniture. For open-air relaxing, the sunpad on the bow is reached through crystal-clear acrylic doors port and starboard that open onto wide side decks fully enclosed in waist-high stainless steel rails. more
Sea Ray describes the 480 as a wedding of its Aft Cabin and Sundancer series yachts. Although her bridge is about as high off the water as those on Sea Ray Aft Cabins, the long, chic, Sundancer sweep from the bow to the helm and same-level aft deck imparts a sleeker profile and a sportier feeling. At first glance you don’t realize the generous extent of the space below decks. After five years bottled up for the sake of Nielsen ratings, Nelson’s Jeannie can finally stretch out in a cabin that includes three staterooms, two full heads, a decked-out galley, and a spacious saloon. here
I followed my perusal of the engine compartment with another look down below, at the utility room, accessed beneath hinged stairs just forward of the galley. This compartment houses a standard, all-in-one washer/dryer, water heater, and dry stowage for tools, spare parts, and lots of additional galley supplies. One look and I realized that along with the impressive amount of space in the galley and under the saloon settees, provisioning the 480 for weeks of cruising would be a piece of cake.
Still, what could better suit an astronaut’s sensibility? Sea Ray boats are technologically advanced, they’re powerful, and their profiles are aerodynamic. I pictured Major Nelson tooling down the coast in a long, low Sundancer, throttles close to wide-open and no pesky geeks at Mission Control suggesting his next waypoint. But today he would be in his early 60s, well-to-do, and surrounded by grand-genies. Being a flyboy, he’d still want a stylish, adventuresome yacht, but he might feel the need for something a little more roomy, a little more family-oriented. more
*FLAG BLUE HULL WITH JOYSTICK CONTROL* The 540 Sundancer takes signature sleekness and purposeful design and adds new hull and vinyl color options, plus next-generation technology such as joystick-controlled Zeus pod drives. A centerline helm enhances visibility and pivots to face the starboard lounge at rest, while in the cockpit a transom "sun gate" opens to extend the sun pad. Inside, the redesigned sofa and new hinged table improves. more
The 540 Sundancer takes signature sleekness and purposeful design and adds new hull and. more
It has it all - power, speed, and a revolutionary configuration. [displayForm Photos and description courtesy: Sea Ray Yachts
The distinctive Sea Ray 500 Sundancer mid-cabin combines impeccable lines, luxurious comfort, and unconditional seaworthiness. The 500 Sundancer is designed for serious cruising. here
There’s plenty of fishing room in front of the console, with a hatch to a big fish box under the deck and ample drains. [links]
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As Doug has been using one for the last two years, I’ll let him sum up the Bayliner Discovery 288. “For two, it’s perfect and for four, it’s fine. There’s plenty of room. It’s a great size boat.” more
If you're into family cruising you'd be hard pressed to find better value for money on the market
From the flybridge and the lower helm station the corners of the boat can’t be seen, so a third control station is positioned in the cockpit for docking, useful when just 2 of you onboard.
I own a 2004 Sea Ray Select 200 with the same I/O engine (only 160hrs) and absolutely love the boat. SInce I've taken up fishing, I've moved on to a larger boat which is more condusive to fishing. Loved the Sea Ray when skiing or cruising and mileage was excellent! As in all boats, maintenace is the key and I babied the boat & engine & have never had a problem with it. Great quality boat. here
To answer your question explicitly - is Sea Ray a good brand? Absolutely. here
I like(d) both the Sea Ray and the Bayliner. I knew what the boats were before I bought them, I paid what I considered to be reasonable prices for what I got, and would buy both again.
In general, Sea Ray is a good brand. It's sort of like GMC vehicles. Upper-middle tier, but not necessarily a luxury car.
If you are not boat savvy, pay to have the boat inspected and evaluated. It could be the best money you ever spent.