
Of all the sweet new 2017 Sea Rays revealed at the media launch in Florida in December 2016, this all-new SLX 400 was the one that gave us the biggest “wow” moment.
Thinking outside the square, Sea Ray has produced a futuristic multi-function flagship in the SLX range that says everything about where the big brand sees the pleasure boating future.
A premium luxury day boat, the all-new Sea Ray SLX 400 packs a pile of amenities and new design tricks aboard in a stylish open-bow layout that not only serves the time-poor day-boating set but also those with weekending aspirations.
The boat is a bit like a survival knife with fold out functionality, hidden appeal and cleverly conceived integrated amenities.
Dubbed "The Entertainer," the SLX 400 has a standard hardtop, generator and air-con, sleeping for four down below, but also an amazing convertible deck for enhanced entertaining and day boating.
Sea Ray explained to us that through design and development, its team has rallied around the idea of creating a purpose-built entertainment hub.
FOLD DOWN COCKPIT
The biggest feature of the game-changing maxi bowrider and open-bow boat is the fold-down cockpit patio. The starboard wing of the hull opens 90 degrees to expand the cockpit and create a bigger user interface along the waterfront.
The plush transom lounge and sunpad has a backrest that swivels around to face over the opening starboard platform, thereby boosting the premium seating options and swimmer/on-board communication.
"The SLX 400 was conceived as the ideal entertaining vessel for socialising with large groups of family and friends, no matter the boaters’ preferred on-water fun," said Brad Anderson, Sea Ray president and general manager of sport boats and sport cruisers.
"It truly is ‘the Entertainer,’ not only for Sea Ray’s luxury day boat offerings, but also for the market as a whole."
For entertaining, the expansive cockpit is a party platform in wait. There’s a well-appointed wet bar with refrigerator, sink and dual grill option, while the transom entertainment zone features a stereo, sprayer, and that comfy aft-facing seating overlooking the integral extended swim platform. An extendable sunshade deploys electronically to add sun protection.
THE BOW WOW
The bow is another social zone that Sea ray says can accommodate a crowd with ease. A row of forward touring seats features armrests and convenient cup holders, with additional forward benches that surround a stylish bow table, which also converts into a sunpad. A bow sunshade stretches over this zone, too, providing additional shade.
TECH INNOVATIONS
Innovations found throughout the SLX 400 include Axius joystick control for docking and manoeuvring in tight spaces; proprietary Quiet Ride technology that reduces noise, vibration and harshness for easier conversation even at speed; and intuitive command courtesy of an advanced Digital Dash featuring standard twin 12in Raymarine glass displays.
The boat’s Dynamic Running Surface has been designed to boosts precision and stability and automatically optimises the running attitude and trim. But while it bears all the hallmarks of the SLX series including lifted fit and finish, the SLX 400 also hides serious weekending accommodation.
CABIN COMFORTS
Premium comforts extend to the cabin concealed below the sweet and sporty lines. In the aft section, a queen-sized bed allows for overnighting. The forward bunk converts from a social gathering area to a wide bed to sleep additional passengers.
The elegant enclosed head ensures comfort during extended outings, while available flatscreen TVs inspire memorable movie nights on the boat.
"Sea Ray continues to push the envelope for performance, design and capability," said Kevin Reilly, product portfolio director for sport boats and sport cruisers.
"We’re proud to introduce a new flagship in our SLX series that embodies Orchestrated Excellence on a whole new level."
The innovative SLX 400 will officially makes its debut at the New York
Boat Show from January 25-29, 2017. Specs and more details to follow.
Meantime, see the Sea Ray line-up as it stands at searay.com.