SEA RAY

With its 2009 lineup, Sea Ray is celebrating 50 years in business with boats that combine the classic lines and looks of the past with the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology available. There are more than 40 models on tap, and we are taking a close look at three of them. These are fun and comfortable vessels that are right at home on the Great Lakes.


43 SUNDANCER

The new Sea Ray 43 Sundancer is the company’s first model to come standard with the revolutionary Zeus propulsion system and intuitive helm joystick, which means that docking is as easy as it can be. All the driver has to do is move the joystick in the direction he or she wants to go, or twist it to turn the boat in its own length. Nothing could be easier.

The 43 Sundancer comes standard with twin Cummins MerCruiser QSB 425 hp diesels mated to Zeus pods drives, offering 15 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent faster top speeds than regular inboards. Plus, the Zeus-equipped 43 Sundancer provides a more comfortable ride because gear noise and vibration are significantly reduced. Optional power includes twin Cummins MerCruiser QSB 480 hp diesels also with Zeus pod drives.

Above the waterline, the new 43 Sundancer is a stylish cruiser, starting with the trademark reverse sheer line, two oversize hull windows and 10 portlights. A hardtop integrates seamlessly with the windshield for the ultimate in weather protection, yet you can still let the sun shine in thanks to two retractable skylights.

The cockpit features a double captain bolster seat with armrests, which can be adjusted as one wishes thanks to its sliding adjustment. To port, guests can lounge on the big L-shaped bench. Further aft a U-shaped lounge flanks a convenient fiberglass table, and a wet bar opposite features a solid-surface countertop, sink and icemaker. Also available as options are a removable flatscreen TV, stainless-steel barbecue grill and refrigerator.

Below deck, the 43 Sundancer features a functional double-split stateroom plan. The forward master cabin features an island-style berth, with its own flatscreen TV with remote DVD player and innovative individual head and shower compartments, port and starboard, both with tile flooring. The mid-stateroom has two twin beds that convert to a queen that also has its own private head and shower compartment. In between the two staterooms, the salon and galley have all the modern indulgences of a refined seaside condominium.

The galley is designed to make life as easy as possible for the onboard chef, with plenty of designated storage. Full stainless-steel appliances add more than a touch of luxury. At its heart, the new 43 Sundancer is a boat that will make owners feel comfortable in any situation, whether it be driving, docking, entertaining or cruising with friends and family.


350 SUNDANCER

The sweeping, aerodynamic lines. The extra-large hull windows. The seamless fiberglass hardtop. At a dockside glance, it’s the luxury sport style that first draws your attention to the all-new Sea Ray 350 Sundancer. But look beyond the obvious charm, and you may be surprised by what you see in the flagship of Sea Ray’s Sport Cruiser line.

For example, at the stern when you pull a handle, a two-person transom seat unfolds alongside the spacious standard swim platform. It’s perfect for waterside lounging when the boat is at rest, but disappears again when the seat is not in use.

A convenient door leads to the cockpit, where a big L-shaped settee faces a solid-teak table, which stows in a dedicated storage area. This roomy space can be converted to a sun pad with standard filler cushions. To maximize comfort on deck, the ingeniously designed double helm seat and single companion seat each pivot to face aft, thereby easing conversation when the driving is done.

The cockpit entertainment center features a handsome solid-surface countertop with stainless-steel wet bar, refrigerator and optional barbecue grill. At the helm, high-gloss panels provide room for waterproof switch pads, SmartCraft gauges and optional electronics like the VesselView display.

The 350 Sundancer comes standard with brawny twin MerCruiser 496 Magnum MPI Bravo III sterndrives with Digital Throttle and Shift, but a comprehensive list of options—even inboards, gas or diesel—allows owners to personalize their boat for optimal performance, efficiency and durability based on where they boat.

The cabin is a bright and relaxing place, boasting two oversized hull windows, a pair of skylights and optional wood flooring. First-class amenities in the salon include a solid-wood dinette table and a 26-inch flatscreen TV with remote DVD player. The spacious mid-stateroom makes a great place to talk and relax, and when it’s time to turn in for the night, it converts to a double bed with privacy curtain.

Across from the salon, the galley features cherry mica cabinets with maple interiors, big solid-surface countertop and a full range of appliances. An island V-berth with elastic foam mattress provides the owner with a sweet retreat after a long day of sun and fun. It holds another surprise: an electrically actuated Posturpedic backrest that’s perfect for viewing the optional 17-inch flip-down TV with built-in DVD player.

With all of this, the 350 Sundancer is one example of Sea Ray’s commitment to making the best performing, most comfortable and easiest-to-own sport cruisers on the water.


22 PACHANGA

The original Pachanga was introduced in 1969 and represented a radical departure in style for Sea Ray. Designed to satisfy a growing number of boaters who were more attracted to speed than to size and amenities, the 18-footer could exceed 50 mph and had a low-profile, rakish windshield and prominent racing stripe. The name, which means “lively party” in Spanish, was brought back in 1986, when the 22-foot Pachanga II was launched. It pioneered the 260 hp MerCruiser sterndrive.

Sea Ray’s 2009 lineup gives owners a chance to own a piece of history with its newest incarnation of the 22 Pachanga. This latest version, measuring 24 feet, honors the past while also incorporating the advanced technologies that boaters expect from today’s Sea Rays. The exterior is fast and flashy, with a sleek windshield, reverse sheer line and stainless-steel hardware. The limited-edition red gel coat, Pachanga logo and patterned vinyl give it an eye-catching, vintage feel. And the first 100 of these boats will come with a 50th Anniversary Limited Edition package that also includes special Ultraleather HP upholstery, red gel coat and accents and a numbered builder’s plate.

But don’t let its retro looks fool you. The new Pachanga is a modern hot rod from the keel up. It runs on a deep V-hull and six lifting strakes that allow it come out of the water quickly and provide fast, nimble maneuvering. Standard power is a MerCruiser 350 Magnum MPI Bravo I sterndrive with 300 horsepower. For extreme speed demons, three additional engine options range up to a scorching 496 Magnum HO Bravo III and 425 horsepower. All of the power packages include Digital Throttle & Shift.

Designed as a real “driver’s boat,” the Pachanga has split performance shift and throttle levers for enhanced precision and control. Custom SmartCraft gauges have digital readouts that display vital engine data like fuel consumption and oil pressure. Overall, the helm is a prime example of the sporty, automotive style that Sea Ray popularized aboard boats beginning in the 1960s.

The cockpit of the new Pachanga, like those of its predecessors, is all business. Two swivel bucket seats serve the driver and navigator. The cockpit bench is made up of three individually sculpted seats designed to hold passengers firmly in place at high speeds. A full-beam sun pad stretches aft to border the bolted-on swim platform.

With its mix of classic design and state-of-the-art power, the new 22 Pachanga is all about non-stop, full-throttle action.

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