Sea Ray 270 Sundeck

The 270 Sundeck is the largest model in the 2004 Sport Boat range from US boatbuilding giant Sea Ray. This model features a similar layout to its smaller 220 and 240 Sundeck siblings, but with an overall length of over 8m and a beam of nearly 2.7m, this big sister has room to burn.

With seating for at least 10, the 270 Sundeck is a true entertainer and an ideal platform for a social day on the water. With a wide-load permit required for towing - not to mention a serious tow vehicle - putting the 270 Sundeck on a trailer is probably not worth the hassle.

It would be much better suited to an Airdock at the back of your house, or in the racks at your local marina.

The test boat for this review was supplied by Sea Ray's Queensland distributor who is based at Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast. This glitzy marina precinct is just a stone's throw from Surfers Paradise and an appropriate location to sea-trial a boat of this nature. The only things missing were the bikini-clad girls and a couple of bottles of champagne.

Stepping aboard from the dock is a snap via the fully integrated swim platform, which offers plenty of buoyancy. A small walkthrough transom door means you don't have to clamber over seats to get aboard.

Once aboard the 270 Sundeck, the first thing you notice is just how much seating there is. Sea Ray has certainly made the most of every available space but still maintained an ergonomic and uncluttered layout.

Aft and to port is an L-shaped lounge that seats at least four, and everywhere you look there is a drinkholder within reach. The lounge section located midships rises on gas struts to provide good engine access. Large storage areas are located under the other cushions and a small, circular table keeps your drinks and nibbles in check.

Opposite the lounge on the starboard side is a small wet bar which features a sink and insulated drink compartment plus a freshwater tap with retractable handpiece. A removable icebox slides under the wet bar so it's out of sight but still within easy reach.

The ergonomically designed helm is typically Sea Ray with its stylish lines, uncluttered dash with woodgrain accents and all gauges within easy reach. Helm features include an adjustable steering wheel, custom waterproof switch panel, stereo remote, trim-tab controls and a compass.

I particularly like the fact that this boat can be driven seated or standing up. The helm chair is super comfy and vision is good through the tempered-glass windscreen - but if you want the wind in your hair, flick up the front section of the helm chair and you can drive comfortably in a standing position.

The co-pilot or passenger gets a similar seat, which can face aft if you're towing skiers or wakeboarders.

Between the helm and co-pilot seats is a big deck hatch that opens up to reveal a cavernous storage area. This truly is the black hole and you could store any number of skis, wakeboards, tubes, fenders or pesky kids in there.

The space used behind each dash console is where Sea Ray really starts to get clever. How many 26ft sportsboats have you seen with a toilet that has full headroom? The 270 Sundeck does. What looks like a small cupboard on the port side opens up to reveal a fairly spacious head with a portapotti (which can be upgraded to a vacuflush loo), small sink with vanity, mirror, light and the stereo.

Another surprise is hidden in the compartment in front of the helm, this time in the form of a berth. Not a big one, sure, but it would probably be a good place for a child to lie down or alternatively an ideal spot to change out of those wet togs.

The walkthrough windscreen allows easy access to the bow, where there is enough padding for four to sit or two to lounge in comfort. Each lounge features plenty of storage below and there are a couple more compartments behind each backrest.

Drinkholders and handrails are found just where you need them and another small, circular table fits between each lounge. There is even a small icebox located in the forward section between each lounge, so you never have to go far for a drink.

One of the best features of the 270 Sundeck in my opinion is the retractable bow ladder. This is such a clever inclusion - ideal for nudging up to the beach and dropping off or picking up passengers while keeping your sterndrive in the deep water where it belongs. There is even a freshwater deckwash on the bow so your passengers won't get sand all through your pride and joy.

The test boat was fitted with an engine upgrade to the MerCruiser 496 Magnum, which produces a whopping 375hp or 280kW, and it was matched to a Bravo III leg. Standard power is the 320hp 6.2 MPI.

With only two people onboard there was power to burn. Acceleration was snappy and we reached a top speed of 80kmh in no time. With 10 bodies onboard, though, you may be glad you've got all that grunt.

Trimmed up the Sundeck sat nicely with a very level attitude. A flick of a switch on the dash and the Corsa exhaust system unveils the unmuffled V8 throaty roar that you paid for. Indeed, tearing down the Gold Coast Broadwater at 80kmh provoked the appropriate looks of envy.

I see the 270 Sundeck appealing to the person who wants to entertain a bunch of friends without all the hassle of owning a big boat. Being easy to handle even single-handedly will also appeal to the new boater who wants to get into a sportsboat but may not be ready to invest in a full-blown sportscruiser.

It seems that once again Sea Ray has raised the bar in dayboat design.