The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB stands as a beautiful dayboat (the accepted term for a gigantic bowrider) that features serious style, creature comforts, and a crisp, nimble performance. Just what you’d expect from a Sea Ray. So, what’s unexpected? How this SLX gets up and goes.
In lieu of sterndrives, twin 300 hp Verado outboards powered our test SLX. While you can upgrade to 350s, the smaller engines did a fantastic job, smoothly propelling the boat to a 52 mph top speed while comfortably seating a crew of five. The SLX has Sea Ray’s standard hull form, featuring a classic V tapering to 21 degrees at the transom, and the boat handled smoothly in lock-to-lock turns at 30 mph. All the while it traversed wakes from other boats and a moderate bay chop without pounding or rattling. The Verados were whisper-quiet at idle speeds, and even at wide-open throttle most of the sound registered on our decibel meter came from ambient wind noise. Also, for those who boat in salt water, corrosion-resistant outboards are an excellent choice.
It’s noteworthy that we ran the numbers with five people on board, because if you’re buying this boat, you’ll want to know how it handles a crowd. During our test runs, we had two passengers stretched out in the bow lounge, nestled against the forward-facing backrests. Neither passenger obstructed the view from the console seating in the main cockpit, which is especially important for the driver. The independent flip-up bolster on the helm seat made it easy to switch between standing and sitting, and the dash proved easy to read from both angles. The DTS throttle made for seamless shifting, and the optional joystick system made close-quarters handling and docking nonissues.
The double-wide port console seat rotates to form a conversation pit with the helm and the L-shaped lounge in the cockpit while at anchor. Inside the console there’s a well-appointed head. The adjustable aft sun pad is a plus for those looking to tan and lounge. And don’t forget the wet bar and aft-facing love seat behind the helm.
High Points
- Helm features double-wide bench with independent bolsters and twin cup holders in the dash, to accommodate captain and first mate.
- Extra-wide backrests and flip-up armrests enhance comfort in the bow lounge.
- Outboard power offers increased storage capacity.
- Double-wide port console seat rotates to form a conversation pit.
- Optional joystick system makes docking a total breeze.
- The bow lounge converts to a sun pad by adding filler cushions.
Price: $241,000 (with test power)
How We Tested
Engine: Twin Mercury Verado 300 hp FourStrokes
Drive/Props: Outboard/15 1/4″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Water on Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 680 lb.
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
