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350 Sea Ray Sundancer 2008

Sea Ray Yachts

350 Sea Ray Sundancer 2008 Review

Source: Dave McPhail, Canadian Yachting Magazine

FOR OPENERS

Sea Ray boats, since their inception years ago, have led the way in quality, styling and innovation in most aspects of the production line boats built anywhere in the world. The 2008 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer is again proof positive of the fine and exceptional work produced by Sea Ray.

Meet the flagship of Sea Ray’s Sport Cruiser line. The 350 Sundancer has generous dimensions for an express style boat making it equally at home whether cruising on the water or or entertaining at the dock. There is an extensive list of power options from inboard diesel, inboard gas and stern drives that will allow you to set up your drive system to suit your needs. Also, consider the roomy interior with a forward V-berth, big mid-stateroom and a convertible salon sofa that sleep six in comfort. There is a full galley, complete head with shower and much more on this Sundancer.

AT DOCKSIDE

Boatcan had a chance to see the new 350 Sea Ray at Needham’s Marine in Sarnia, Ontario as it was being prepped for the launch date. A walk around this beautiful new vessel makes some things immediately come to your mind. It is big, it is wide and it has the new style hull that Sea Ray has employed in their new 2008 models. This design smoothes the shearline of the boat providing a higher profile to the hull with more headroom and people space inside. You also quickly take note of the full, large hard top over the front portion of the boat’s cockpit.

The review boat had the factory taupe hull with white accents. There was a factory added teak extended platform giving the boat a feeling of more length than its actual measurements. Since the boat was out of the water, the factory installed bow thruster was clearly visible and the shafts of the 8.L Horizon Mercruiser inboards were also visible below the hull. The engine drive system has underwater exhaust ports and when operational are known to be exceptionally quiet.

BOARDING

Although the boat was out of the water one could easily visualize getting on board as if the boat had been sterned into a floating dock slip. The extended factory teak platform adds to the amount of space available for initially stepping aboard. Combine this element with the large integrated swim platform on the 350 Sundancer and you begin to appreciate how easily accessible boarding the vessel can be.

In the stern area you have an ample sized swing gate through which you enter into the boat. However, on the platform itself there are some very sensible features. There is a collapsible rumble seat that folds completely out of the way in the transom. To the port side of the seat is a large swing hatch that houses the dockside water connection, cable TV connection, telephone hook-up and a double 30 amp shore power connection. All are easily accessible and allow for considerable storage. The nonskid surface of the large wide platform provides very good traction allowing a person to safely perform the
functions of getting the boat dockside ready.

The rumble seat is a great feature. It provides a place to relax and sit if at anchor or at the dock on a sunny day. It also provides extra seating if entertaining and the vantage point is perfect to watch swimmers who might decide to take a cooling dip from the boat. The spotter is right on the job should any kind of emergency or assistance be required.

THE DECK AREA

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to boats. Then there is what a cockpit should look like and what the configuration should be to make it functional and safe at the same time. Sea Ray has achieved both on the 350.

As you enter the boat, the cockpit is totally flat right through to the cabin door, which can lead you to the foredeck when it is closed, or to the salon below when it is opened. This flat cockpit may not seem very important but if your arms are full of bags, suitcases or packages, you can totally focus on the load you are carrying and not worry about tripping on differing levels of the cockpit sole itself. The only exception to this is that both the helm seat and the companion seat are raised, to provide comfortable headroom below in the mid-cabin. It also allows for much better visibility and some storage under the seat areas which is always appreciated for those spending more time aboard their vessels.

Immediately to the left or the port side of the cockpit is a large L-shaped lounge that has a lot of seating space. A large cockpit table provides serving room for snacks or full gourmet dinners. The cockpit floor has a carpet liner that accents the colours of the upholstery. On either side of the cockpit are well planned access points, should the docking configuration require that you board over the side of the boat. These also serve really well for returning to the cockpit from tying spring lines or bow lines if you choose to use the ample walkarounds provided on the 350 Sea Ray.

Next, moving forward, is a fully functional aft deck or cockpit serving space. This has a really efficient electric BBQ Grill with SS Cover, a small but adequate counter, a preparation area, a sink with running water and an under counter dual voltage refrigerator. This is a very welcome feature. Although icemakers might impress some who
are not so familiar with boating, a fridge gives extra space for food and drinks and it works while underway without having to run the generator. A bag of ice for the drinks is a small price to pay compared to the cost of a litre of fuel in this day and age. In addition, there is a storage locker as part of this module that provides yet more storage to the captain and mate for those things they want to have close at hand but out of sight.

Fully forward in the cockpit, you have some very innovative designs. To the port is a companion seat much like express cruisers of old but this seat will swing so that the person sitting here can also be part of the lounge group or the helm seat folks. The helm seat however, is really a great concept. It is a full two passenger seating space. In the normal position, it faces forward so that the captain can operate the boat. But there are several other positions from a partial rotation to a complete half rotation so that this area now becomes part of the aft deck cockpit area when not underway and entertaining guests aboard the boat. This is a VERY comfortable space and covers almost every function perspective that one might consider.

Finally, Sea Ray with the newer hull design has made the walkaround width a little narrower to allow for more interior space. These are still functional, safe and easy to use so for the purest going forward to handle lines it really is not difficult. But that having been noted, Sea Ray has added a stepped sliding door with wide, flat stairs and user friendly access to the bow area for sunning, handling the lines, or cleaning the boat. Things do grow on you. And although I was not a fan of this format initially, I now find I react very positively to the feature.

I have already talked about the extra space achieved through narrower walk spaces; but safety is also a factor that is addressed with the addition of the stepped door for accessing the bow. The crew with responsibility for going forward on a boat is never out of the sight of the captain when doing so. They have wide, flat and safe steps. The front deck is flat and safe and the large swing open windshield also allows for a wonderful ventilation port on excessively hot summer days. It really is a practical and very functional feature.

BELOW DECK

For years, the Sundancer models at Sea Ray had wedge shaped steps to enter the salon below. The move to large, flat and comfortable stairs on the 350 is a welcome change! Covered in a simulated teak and holly finish, secure footing is provided and at no time is there a concern for safe movement. Then you enter the large, bright and very inviting cabin of this new Sea Ray model.

The flooring is an engineered wood product that lends itself beautifully to the overall feeling of comfort and richness below. Immediately to port is a fully enclosed head with shower and sink. All cabinetry is high gloss cherry and the brightness of the interior is remarkable. The brightness is achieved by two large oversized hull windows and two non-opening tear drop overhead windows. Many older express style cruisers were dark inside and there was always a feeling of closeness. Somehow, the extra natural light along with the many individual lights below, give this boat a feeling of openness and space that makes the boat seem even larger than it really is. A welcome touch.

Further along on the port is a long galley area. There are Corian counters with a large sink, a stove hidden under a counter top insert, and a mid-sized fridge located under the counter. There are large storage spaces beneath the counter and a lot of practical, usable space above the counter for dishes, glasses and various galley odds and ends.

On your right or to starboard upon entering the salon is a large electrically operated lounge. This converts to a large double bed, but when in the usual position it is a very comfortable leather lounge sofa. Add the removable table and, whether it is folded as a cocktail table or extended for dining, there is still plenty of walk space for people to move about to serve or to go to another area on the boat.

To your right and at 180 degrees from the bow is the mid-cabin. This very inviting seating space also converts to a queen sized berth when necessary. Or, if you prefer, it can remain as a conversation space and almost a separate room of its own. It is large, comfortable and well designed by the engineers at Sea Ray.

Fully forward is the queen island bed. Beneath the bed is ample storage. On either side of the bed are hanging lockers while around the berth are more storage spaces. Artistic lighting contributes to the wonderful ambiance of this area. Localized controls are easily within reach to control the stereo or the large 26 inch flat panel TV that is wall mounted at the entryway to the mid-cabin. Throughout the salon, the boat has been design to be friendly, easy to use and comfortable. Privacy is achieved by closing curtains that store completely out of sight, thus the lack of bulkheads and the openness of the salon gives a feeling of extra space.

This interior is exceptionally nice, bright, open and easy to use and enjoy. Overhead pot lights, good wall lights and the interior wood and wood floors all go to make this a really modern space that is fun and simple to maintain.

TO THE HELM

Sea Ray has truly been the masters of design in the helm spaces of their boats. If there is a time to use the term “ergonomically friendly” this would be it. The Raymarine C-120 system is set into the dash at a slight slant so that both helm passenger and the captain can see the information. In many cases, although the captain may determine the information getting into the system, it is often the job of the mate to input the data. So the ability to see the screen by both parties is essential. All gauges are totally visible, switches and toggles are easily reached and even the location of the microphone for the VHF radio makes it readily available by both who may be sitting in the helm area.

There is good storage beneath the helm space for charts and chart books or whatever the crew decides should be there. It also allows for good access to the gauges and electronics if it becomes necessary to get to this equipment. The shifter handles of the Mercruiser DTS system are placed for easy use and the single handles for both shifting and throttles are a great installation. The fly by wire, or plug and play as I call them, of the new technologies are truly the way to go.

Other simpler things that we sometimes forget, are seen here. A place for a cold or hot beverage. A manual override for a fire suppression system, the trim tab button, remote spotlight controls and stereo switches are all within easy reach at the helm. This type of placement does not just happen casually; it takes good design, careful planning and a lot of forethought by the design, engineering and building teams.

UNDERWAY

As earlier mentioned, we visited the 350 Sundancer by Sea Ray at the showroom and the water test portion is yet to come. But discussions with Needham’s marine staff gave us a good feeling for what the 350 was all about.

This boat is quick and nimble at the same time. In rough seas, she is solid and the hull design easily deflects the water down and away from the living area of the boat. In hard turns, she carves the corners smoothly and the finish is complete and with control at all times. Obviously this is important if an emergency evasive turn is required at cruising speed.

This boat is quiet and around the dock the DTS system performs flawlessly to make docking and undocking fun. Shifting is immediate and after you learn that it is silent and shifts are not heard because of the electronic system, the rest is just pure pleasure.

ANOTHER LOOK AROUND

To say that Sea Ray really knows boats is truly born out by the 350 Sea Ray Sundancer. Look at some of the key features on this boat:

FINALLY

When you buy a boat you probably first look at the design and colour of the boat, then the cockpit, interior configurations and finally consider whether the boat be functional for you and your family. And if you are in the market for a boat in the category of the Sea Ray 350 Sundancer then my bet is that you have a positive reaction to all of the above considerations.

We have alluded to these before, but consider once again several important features like the spacious swim platform with comfortable hiding rumble seat. The abundant aft seating and the pivoting seats at the companion and helm sides that allow everybody to be included in the fun. Also, remember the ease of accessing the front deck and the safety feature of moving through windshield access point.

Then there is the open, spacious and bright interior. Quiet separate seating spaces, large easy to use galley and the large forward berth that this boat offers. A totally private head and shower and “Voila… you have it all….” Not quite!!!

What about access to the mechanical components? It is then that you notice a large part of the cockpit actually lifts electrically to give complete and unfettered access to the engines, the generator, and the mechanical hub of the boat. The easy access to this area ensures that all work can be accomplished easily and efficiently by you or a technician who does not have to slither in and around the machinery to keep maintenance up on your vessel…

Simply, Sea Ray took the bold move to replace the very popular 340 and called it the 350… But it was accomplished properly. From the hull up, the new 2008 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer is a boat that needs to be seen to appreciate all of the superb innovations built in by Sea Ray Boats.

AS TESTED

In addition to an extensive and impressive list of Standard Features, this review boat included the following options:

Boat Specifications: 350 Sea Ray Sundancer 2008

Length                                     35ft

Beam                                       12ft

Draft                                       3ft 3in

Dead Rise                               21º

Weight                                                18,064 lb

Fuel Capacity                          225 gal

Make                                       Mercruiser

Model                                      8.1L Horizon Inboard

HP                                           370