Spotlight: Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Outboard

One of Sea Ray's most innovative new boats yet, the Sundancer 320 we raved about during Sydney Harbour testing has now been released as a triple outboard variant to open up the options for coastal and saltwater cruising folk.

The Sundancer 320 — as we tested it with 300hp 6.2L sterndrives on Sydney Harbour (video included in this review) — represents a bold vision for the sportscruiser genre by blending the values of a weekender with a sporty bowrider.

Now, there's the added versatility of triple outboard power (and a price premium with three engines, we should add). Check out our video from the U.S. launch, where we got a decent drive and report back forthwith.

Brad Anderson, president and general manager, Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers, said the boat provides all the benefits of an incredible sportcruiser with those of outboard power.

"The Sundancer 320 was a game changer. Now, the Sundancer 320 Outboard will redefine the boating experience for a whole new set of boating enthusiasts," Anderson says.

The new Sundancer 320 Outboard was launched to select media in late-2017 and tested by your boatsales' crew at Sea Ray's Yacht Expo in Florida. You can read about the great innovations coming down the 2018 model line-up from Sea Ray in the report in the above link.

The Sundancer 320 Outboard maximises the use of onboard space through a re-examination of deck architecture, explains the big U.S. boatbuilers, courtesy of three primary entertainment zones.

>>The traditional bow sunpad has evolved into a much more robust lounge seating area, which can be enjoyed at rest as well as underway. Actuated headrests, armrests and seats allow users to adjust for perfect comfort, with a stowable table conveniently within reach. A bow sunshade extends over the area to offer protection from the sun.

>> The cockpit provides abundant space for socialising, flows from the helm all the way through the transom, and onto the integrated swim platform. The standard wet bar includes a sink and storage and is available with a refrigerator and grill. Comfortable seating and ample storage space accommodate a large group and all their belongings for a full day on the water.

>> For escaping the elements or taking an overnight trip, the contemporary cabin has sleeping accommodations for four. In the aft berth, two sliding twin beds can be combined to form a queen bed. In the forward V-berth, a stylish wood table converts via filler cushion to form a comfortable full-sized bed. The compact galley has extending countertops, fridge and microwave oven. There's also a deluxe head with shower, plus a flat screen TV and generous storage for those lazy days down below.

OUTBOARD POWER
Underway off Captiva, we found the Sundancer 320 Outboard delivered truly hot performance with the standard triple 250hp Mercury Verado outboards. The boat absolutely rocked out of the hole and hit top speeds around 50mph on the US dial or display.

The joystick control makes for effortless docking and manoeuvring, while state-of-the-art Digital Dash feature dual Simrad 9-inch or 12-inch displays and a simple but advanced navigation layout.

"The Sundancer 320 Outboard brings the benefits of outboard propulsion to what is truly a remarkable boat," said Anderson.

"Customers no longer have to choose between day boating and cabin cruising - the Sundancer 320 Outboard encompasses it all beautifully," said Anderson.

Of course, with the outboards tilted clear of the water, the boat has reduced draft, easier beach and shore access, plus lower maintenance when moored in the water.

The new outboard variant of the Sundancer was officially launching at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show opening February 15, but the boat is available in Australia now through llocal Sea Ray dealers.

Meantime, there's a lot of common features in our full test with video of the Sundancer 320 with 300hp 6.2L sterndrives on Sydney Harbour.

AT-A-GLANCE: SEA RAY SUNDANCER 350 OB
LOA: 9.82m inc swim platform
LOA with Outboards: 10.70m
Beam: 3.25m
Fuel: 833lt
Water: 121lt
Holding Tank: 106lt
Hull Deadrise: 21 degrees
Sleeps: 4
Standard Power: Triple 250hp Mercury Verado with Joystick Piloting
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