Sea Ray Review

Operating out of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of recreational powerboats. Sea Ray currently produces more than 40 models that range from 17’ to 60’ and fall into four series, based on size: Sport Boats (17'-30'), Sport Cruisers (24'-37'), Sport Yachts (38'-51'), and Yachts (52'-61'). Sea Ray was founded in 1959 and has been a boat manufacturer that has aimed to break new ground in terms of construction materials and methods. In fact, Sea Ray was one of the first builders to incorporate high-tech composite materials, such as fiberglass, into the construction of pleasure boats. Sea Ray was incorporated into the Brunswick Corporation in 1986. Brunswick, along with the customer base of Sea Ray, is twice the size of the next largest marine company, and their vast resources continue to keep Sea Ray at the top of the power boating list for numerous awards and accolades. Sea Ray has won: “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Award with Small Runabouts” from J.D. Power and Associates, a “Best Bet” award from Boating magazine for the Sea Ray 230 Fission, a “Best of the Year” from Motor Boating magazine for the Sea Ray 43 Sundancer, and “Excellence in Design” awards from Trailer Boats magazine for the Sea Ray 230 Sundeck and Sea Ray 270 Sundancer.

Pricing

New Sea Ray boats are priced to order, and the sheer number of boat sizes and styles makes for a huge range of prices. Pre-owned Sea Rays are available for anywhere in the thousands to millions. For instance, a 68' 2004 Sea Ray Sun Sport is $1,050,000, while a 21' 2001 Sea Ray Signature is only $19,995. The average pre-owned Sea Ray can be equated to a 31' 2002 Sea Ray Sundancer at $112,000.

Pros

• Sea Ray boats come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and price levels, ensuring that boaters of many tastes can find what they’re looking for.
• Sea Rays offer luxurious options and amenties that are perfect for the whole family.
• Sea Rays consist of all-fiberglass and composite construction for a long lasting and easily maintained boat.
• Sea Ray dealerships are plentiful, so it's easy to find one.

Cons

• New and used Sea Ray boats are expensive. Most new models are well over $100,000.
• While Sea Ray claims to be tailored to the sport-minded boater, they do not manufacter fishing boats; nor are any Sea Rays good for fishing.

Featured Models

The most popular Sea Rays in various size ranges are as follows: Bowrider 175 Sport, 230 Fission, 260 Sundeck, 270 Sundancer, 290 Amberjack, and 58 Sedan Bridge.

Conclusion

Sea Ray is a huge player in the recreational/pleasure power boat game—maybe the biggest. Families tend to love Sea Rays because of ample room for kids and adults. Also, comfort and luxury amenities such as multiple TVs, stereos, and even custom furniture sets make for boats that are perfect for entertaining and relaxing. However, for that amount of money, some people, like anyone who wishes to do some fishing, will be disappointed in Sea Ray’s leisure-oriented layouts.