This week at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show, Sea Ray Boats introduced their all-new Sea Ray SDX 250 Outboard deck boat, proving that even though Brunswick Corporation intends to sell Sea Ray, this boat builder is moving forward with innovative new models at full steam. The highlight of this model is Sea Ray’s transom and swim platform design, which is intended to allow for the outboard powerplant, in this case a Mercury Verado outboard. A 200 hp engine is standard, but can be optioned up to a 250 or 300 h.p. outboard motor.
The aft seat on the SDX 250 faces either forward or aft, and even slides in both directions to open up the cockpit or expand the swim platform area, as desired at any given time. The cockpit itself has a portside lounger, starboard seating, and helm and companion chairs. Move forward in the boat, however, and a big surprise is in store. Unlike most deck boats of this genre, the Sea Ray SDX 250 doesn’t have a center walkthrough but instead features a port-side path to the bow cockpit. This allows Sea Ray to expand the helm console significantly, thus boosting the space available for a console cabin (as opposed to shoe-horning one into the passenger’s console, as is the norm).
Net result? Swing open the console door, and you’ll find not only a roomy head compartment but also a forward berth. A filler and pad swing down from the side to cover the head, expanding the berth to fill the entire area. It’s small and Spartan and not exactly appropriate for weekending, but for a couple who needs a spot to get the kids out of the weather, or for someone in need of a quick nap, the mini-cabin will certainly do the trick. And so far as dry stowage goes, there’s plenty of room for gear bags and accessories. What if you like stern drives? No problem—Sea Ray is also offering the 250 SDX in a stern drive configuration. All of the specifics haven’t been released yet, but the 250 SDX is 25’2” LOA, has an 8’6” beam, carries 63 gallons of fuel, and runs on a 21-degree deadrise hull. Starting MSRP is $87,905. For more information, visit Sea Ray.