Sea Ray SDX 250 OB

The new Sea Ray SDX 250 will have room for everyone who will be just as happy hooning around as they will quietly relaxing

Changed circumstances across the world are opening interest in local leisure pursuits and, with a coastline primed for water sport, boating leads the charge. Even our most populated cities are backdrops to spectacular waterways and getting out there to make the most of our new stay-cation lifestyle is attracting new owners to our favourite pastime.

Boat ownership takes many levels, and there is probably an option for every budget and taste. You don't need a multi-million-dollar investment to enjoy life on the waves. While it may be described as the ideal harbour- or day-boat, the Sea Ray SDX 250 OB reviewed here will suit most of our coastal cities or towns with a large enough body of water for it to stretch its legs. Best described as bowrider with deck boat roominess, the Searay has several design features that give it roominess that belies its 25-foot length.

THE PROCESS

The deckboat theme combines an expansive cockpit with a deep-V hull for maximum space and performance. Extreme flare up front enables a squared bow for extra deck space while retaining a sharp entry around the waterline. But Sea Ray has taken the concept further with an innovative layout that transforms the bow section with seating across the hull rather than along the sides. To achieve this, they moved the walkthrough forward to the port side rather than the usual central opening. This arrangement adds to the helm seating.

Because Sea Ray is part of the giant Brunswick Corporation, the design team has the considerable advantage of the company's big-spending R & D budget. Every time a new model goes into production, the unit tests the computer concept from a full-size foam mock-up. Then, before any glass is laid, they experience all the ergonomics, styling and best storage options in the proposed layout.

The SDX 250 is offered in either inboard or outboard versions with our review boat signalling its more modern choice with its OB model name. Advances in outboard power over the last decade have had a significant impact on this American-style day boat in particular. The grunt and simplicity of the all-in-one engine gives a performance advantage and beats the inboard and sterndrive’s maintenance issues hands down.

The Mercury V8 on our test boat maxed out the power options for this smallest of the three SDX models and gave lively performance as well as quite reasonable economy figures. 

Despite the unusually wide deck at the bow, the SDX manages a sporty profile. The higher sections of the entry may be rounder than we might expect to see, but otherwise, the hull has the attributes of a lively performer. 

Four planing strakes lead back each side of the deep keel with the outer one transforming into a harder chine towards the rear. A 21-degree deadrise is sharper than many similar style boats and hints at a high capability in rougher water. 

The review boat came with black panels along the sides — one of nine colour options — and a white superstructure and bottom. The sporty look is enhanced in profile with a sharply raked windscreen and a forward-reaching Targa arch with a lightweight bimini overhead.

THE LAYOUT

Down the back, the swim platform extends over the hull at floor level to allow a single level deck right through to the bow. Not surprisingly for a company dedicated to superior design and testing, the level of buoyancy at the stern is just right to prevent water flowing into the open cockpit from waves formed during quick deceleration. 

The non-skid SeaDek is soft underfoot and extends over the swim deck and all the way to the bow area. Even though the Mercury lives on the platform, there is ample room either side to enjoy any number of water sports. And to keep things neat and safe, all controls for the engine are led under the floor. Re-boarding after a swim is easy, with a starboard side stainless steel ladder recessed under the deck and for a quick hose down, there's a shower connected to a 38L freshwater tank.

Adding to the entertaining space at the transom is a transverse lounge with flip-over back at the rear of the cockpit. In its rear-facing configuration, it creates a social area at the swim platform, and it can slide forward for even more room. 

To starboard of the lounge is a walkway to the main deck; wrap-around seating for up to nine is available once you flip over the backrests of the helm chairs. A low gate locks for security when underway and a small panel is a handy place for the master switch.

I liked the Dune interior colour option of tan and brown trim, but there’s also Stone, with grey tones. The tan lends a more traditional and softer impression, which is enhanced with perfectly executed hex-pattern needlework in the upholstery and beautifully embroidered Sea Ray logos. 

Seats are wide enough, and the back supports are well angled with a balance of firmness and comfort. And that's important because this is a boat where you are destined to spend many hours of valuable downtime. Seating capacity is 14, so you can bring the extended family or a mob of friends, but if you want to stretch out on the convertible lounges then maybe a select group would be more appropriate — you could use social distancing as an excuse to limit crew numbers.

A big win for the outboard version is the massive amount of underfloor storage in two deep hatches. This is on top of the already generous amount in both the sterndrive and outboard versions with ski storage under the port side seats and an icebox under the opposite lounge.

Like all American boats, cup holders are scattered anywhere there is room, and handy grab rails help moving around when underway. Another creative idea is a removable teak table that slots into a bracket on an aluminium arm to sit between the port and starboard lounges. A second plastic table fits centrally in the bow section. Both have dedicated slots for storage when not being used.

Although it's not really big enough for adults to sleep comfortably, the head could be a quiet retreat at anchor and is ideally suited, with the infill over the portable toilet, for young ones to settle down. 

An audio upgrade includes a Fusion 770 head unit, three pairs of 6.5in Signature Series speakers, a 10in subwoofer and a 1600W amp. 

TAKE A BOW

Locating the bow access to port is a masterstroke. The windscreen and door fold out of the way to give a 380mm-wide walkway to the bow and into transverse forward, and rear-facing lounges for much more generous seating than traditional port and starboard bow seating. A large icebox sits under the forward seat, while in the bow are anchoring equipment and a swim ladder for re-entry or beach access when nudged into the shore.

THE HELM

The expansive helm seat had me comfortably placed behind the sporty wheel with a clear view of the dash. There's plenty of room to stretch out, and seating is roomy and comfortable. The side-mounted engine control is well placed, and the padded Mercury control operates smoothly and looks the part against the soft vinyl housing. A bolster will give all-round vision for closer manoeuvring, but even at the lower height, the view is almost unobstructed. 

Mercury’s latest engine technology is shown through VesselView Link on a 9in Simrad screen in the centre of a gloss black dash. The touch screen display has all engine data as well as chartplotter, sounder and Active Trim for the engine. 

THE DRIVE

A 200hp engine is standard propulsion on the outboard version and given the boat's Brunswick origin, it's only natural all options are Mercury power. So the choices are the new range of 200, 250 and a 300hp in choices of black or white. Our test boat boasted a new 300hp Verado, and the grunty V8 should deliver more than enough Mojo to keep owners looking forward to the next drive.

A pushbutton start had us underway and we were soon heading through the 15kt zone under the Harbour Bridge with the Sea Ray taking the turbulent conditions in its stride, just hitting planing speed at 3000rpm and around 12kt. Once planing the SDX gets quickly into its stride, swiftly bringing up 28kt at 4000rpm, 38kt at 5000rpm and 45kt at 5800rpm on the new engine. Expect a tad more once the engine beds in, but that’s a pretty exciting straight out of the box.

Even in choppy water to about 300mm, the boat felt stable and safe with no chine walking and no vibration or undue banging from the hull. Full power turns had the hull leaning in predictably and without slip or cavitation once trimmed down properly. 

Naturally, more significant chop will see speeds reduced, but the boat is built to handle some rougher seas if conditions turn nasty on the run home.

THE WRAP

It's their enormous capacity and technological depth that allows builders like Sea Ray to explore innovative approaches to their craft. The SDX has evolved from years of experience and experimentation, and the result is a model that works efficiently with maximum use of every inch of space. 

The flow of movement throughout gives space and easy access around the whole boat while maintaining close or separate interaction as desired. It can happily make space for up to 14 passengers or be a hideaway for a couple wanting time to themselves.

Either way, the SDX is easily handled and safe, and with the optional 300hp engine the thrills are there for those who need them. Price starts at $163,274 with a 200hp V6 engine, and builds to $212,615 with the V8 300 and a host of extras including watersports tower, premium Fusion stereo and much more Contact Chapman Marine on (02) 9818 2000 or sales@chapmanmarinegroup.com.au to find out more. 

FACTS & FIGURES

OPTIONS FITTED

Engine Upgrade, Fusion upgrade, hull colour, cockpit and mooring covers, Seadeck, sports tower, digital dash, docking lights, onboard charger, teak table, bow table, bow infill, pump out head, more.

PRICE AS TESTED

$212,615

GENERAL

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE  Monohull Deckboat

LENGTH 7.67m (25ft 2in) LOA

DRAFT .91m (3ft)

BEAM 2.6m (8ft 6in)

WEIGHT 2520kg (dry)

DEADRISE 21 deg

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 14 

FUEL 238L

WATER 38L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Mercury Verado 300

TYPE Four-stroke, fuel-injected DOHC V8

RATED HP 300hp

DISPLACEMENT 4.6L

WEIGHT 272kg

GEAR RATIO 1.75:1

PROPELLER 17in ENERTIA

MANUFACTURED BY

Sea Ray USA

SUPPLIED BY

Chapman Marine Group

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