Spotlight: Sea Ray Sundancer 520

Sea Ray's exciting new Sundancer 520 builds on the 520 Fly sistership launched in 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 this report.

Our extended drive on the 520 Fly certainly revealed a whole new breed of Sea Ray, with hitherto new levels of Zeus pod performance, design innovation, interior flair, light penetration, and space.

Sea Ray says the stylish new Sundancer 520, which is based on the same platform (sans flybridge) as the 520 Fly, is designed for maximum flow of natural light and freedom of movement from bow to stern, thereby creating a seamless yachting experience and maximum onboard enjoyment.

After its launch at the 2018 Miami Boat Show from February 15-19, Sea Ray anticipates the new Sundancer 520 will be one of its most popular sportyachts ever.

"In terms of design, aesthetics and performance, this model represents an exciting step forward for us," Scott Ward, president and general manager, Sea Ray Sport Yachts and Yachts, enthused.

Given the popularity of previous Sea Ray Sundancer models like the 510, the new 520 is in a great position to assume the mantle of the best-selling luxury 'Dancer in the line-up.

With favourable exchange rates, the new Sundancer 520 should make a decent showing Down Under.

We also feel this boat is a superior coastal saltwater cruiser to some of the European sportyachts heading to Oz, which are built lighter, with less impressive offshore credentials, than this solid and surefooted Florida-built Sea Ray.

The boat's bow isn't overly full, the chines aren't too big and bangy into a headsea, and the proportions look just right. It's also going to be a really planted boat without the rather large flying bridge carried aloft by its sistership.

The Sundancer 520 is stunning mix of fresh styling, large windows and contemporary materials, all of which have been blended to create a bright, sunlit aesthetic perhaps more in keeping with European than traditionally introspective American sportyacht designs.

There are new light and bright interior joinery selections, expertly crafted and grain-matched throughout (akin to the L-Class Sea Rays), while the design is geared towards what Sea Ray touts as - effortless entertaining and luxurious liveability.

Sea Ray has created some ingenious convertible cockpit seating to maximise your options. The aft lounge, with convertible backrest, slides fore and aft to form multiple configurations - you can face into the cockpit from the aft position or, conversely, overlook the swim platform when the lounge is slid back inboard.

An optional transom gourmet station adds a grill and large storage drawer, while a large lazarette can be accessed from the swim platform for handy water toy and gear storage. At night, upgraded lighting sets a great party mood.

The Sundancer 520 makes full use of its foredeck, with an expansive bow lounging area with room to relax, enjoying music and catch the sea breeze while at anchor. An optional sun shade can be added.

A wide, stainless -steel-framed door leads into the light-filled saloon, with its convenient aft galley aft for al fresco and intimate onboard entertaining. Premium amenities in the include drawer-style refrigerator/freezers, solid surface countertops with sink and faucet, and abundant storage for all your favourite must-have domestic appliances.

Forward of the galley, the salon encourages relaxation with plush opposing sofas and a standard 50in TV, which rises from its concealed location in a cabinet. Otherwise, the surrounding views out the deep windows will occupy your time.

The starboard helm station has twin helm seats, clear views of the ocean 'road' ahead, digital touch switch panels, and a full suite of the latest Raymarine electronics. Joystick docking adds to the ease of performance from the Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HO engines (575hp) with Zeus pod drives.

With two richly appointed lower staterooms with abundant storage, the Sundancer 520 has the perfect layout for owners with guests or family in tow.

The full-beam aft master stateroom with offset queen bed includes an extra spacious private en suite, along with separate entertainment system. Large hull windows add to the sense of space, with full headroom around the bed.

The forward guest stateroom includes a queen bed and access to the communal bathroom, which also serves the third cabin with single beds. The option is for a lower seating area and table.

In terms of performance, the Sundancer 520 has been designed to almost drive itself in perfect trim.

The boat features Cummins QSC 600 engines coupled to Zeus pod drives with joystick propulsion control.

The Skyhook station keeping feature acts as a virtual anchor, perfect for holding position and heading while preparing the lines for docking, while an automatic hydraulic trim tab system allows you to simply advance the throttles and go. Cruise speeds are in the order of 27-28 knots with 30-knots-plus top end.

Sea Ray has used an infused hull and advanced lamination structures to support its offshore-rated and capable coastal cruiser. The Sundancer 520 can be equipped with an optional gyro-stabilization system.

One thing that really stood out from our extensive drive of the 520 Fly was the lack of vibration, noise and absence of any banging - which you do notice in some lightweight European cruiser brands with overly full bows and big chines.

Manufactured in Palm Coast, Florida, at Sea Ray's state-of-the-art facility, the Sundancer 520 has been built to reflect the brand's strong sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The engine room and electrical system have been designed for simplicity, access and ease of servicing.

The new big 2018 model Sea Rays like this Sundancer 520 have a good, sturdy saltwater feel to them, along with a lifted finish, fully functional bow-to-stern deck areas, and new open-plan interiors with more light and space.

At-a-Glance: Sea Ray Sundancer 520
LOA: 16.00m
Beam: 4.62m
Displacement: 19,182kg
Hull Construction: Infused with composite stringers
Hull Deadrise: 19-15 degrees variable
Fuel: 2354lt
Water: 492lt
Waste: 257lt
Sleeping: 2/3 cabins up to 6
Engines: Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HO (575hp) with Zeus pod drives, SmartCraft, Joystick,
Generator: 17kW
Air-Con: 60,000 BTU (std)
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