Spotlight: Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard

The flagship of the Sea Ray range, the Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard was introduced in the US in 2017. In Australia, the boat is available via Sydney-based Chapman Marine.

The Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard is an outboard-engined version of the inboard-engined Sea Ray SLX 400. Powering the inboard version are twin 380hp Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive engines, while the outboard engine uses a trio of 350hp Mercury Verado outboard engines.

The Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard is priced on boatsales.com.au from $936,237 drive-away, making it more than $90,000 more expensive than the sterndrive version. Benefits of the outboard version over the sterndrive one include easier maintenance, and the ability to lift the outboard engines out of the water.

Outboard engines also have the ability to trim, meaning you can more easily adjust the way the boat rides to make the boat more comfortable in changing conditions.

Sea Ray says the SLX 400 Outboard offers “massive capacity, deluxe amenities, breakthrough design and incredible versatility” in its 12.4-metre length.

“From the ingenious fold-down swim terrace to the robust cabin, to the amenity-rich cockpit, the SLX 400 OB is the consummate entertainer and a superior all-around performer,” it says.

The Sea Ray SLX 400 features an expansive cockpit complete with a wet bar including refrigerator, sink and the option of dual electric grills.

A transom patio wing folds down to form an easy-to-access swim terrace; the boat does not use a swim deck off the transom.

Up in the bow, a row of touring seats features armrests with cupholders, and benches surrounding a bow table that can drop to form a sun pad.

Audio entertainment comes via a Fusion system with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple AirPlay support.

The Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard features a fibreglass hardtop providing sun and rain protection to the helm and amidships. Optional aft extended sunshades and bow sail shades are available.

The helm includes a captain’s chair with lift-up bolster and fore-aft slide controls, while the first mate’s captain’s chair can flip around to face aft to act as an observer’s chair.

If where you’ve dropped anchor is so good you’d like to stay out overnight, the Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard includes an aft cabin with a queen-size bed, and a forward bunk that converts into a social space when not needed for sleeping.

A fully enclosed electric-flush head is connected to a 100-litre holding tank. The Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard can hold up to 180 litres of potable water, and includes a water heater and separate pressurised sprayers in the head and transom.

All spaces below are protected by a sliding lockable cockpit door.

The flagship Sea Ray also has plenty of onboard storage options, including enough space to stow a pair of stand-up paddleboards.

Powering the Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard are three of Mercury’s 350hp outboard engines for a combined output of 1050hp. The outboard engines come with Mercury’s joystick piloting system that allows the skipper to make precise low-speed movements via a console-mounted joystick. Engine options offered in the US will allow up to 1200hp.

The boat can also come equipped with an optional generator to supplement the onboard batteries, and run the air-conditioning system.

Specifications
Model: Sea Ray SLX 400 Outboard
Length overall: 12.04m
Beam: 3.7m
Draft: 1.14m
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Weight: 8408kg (dry)
Engines: Triple 350hp Mercury Verado with Joystick Piloting
Fuel: 1420L, unleaded
Water: 190L
Holding tank: 100L