Overview
The SDX 250 Outboard incorporates Sea Ray’s new design language, including a defined “jawline,” S sheerline, updated logo and a curved windshield. Though no longer blunt, like a traditional deck boat, the bow still offers wraparound seating for a crowd. Add the Comfort Bundle ($2,825, which includes two teak tables and a filler cushion), and the bow becomes a playpen. Get the bow ladder ($385) for beach excursions. The Water System Bundle ($2,850) includes a bow washdown and a transom shower.
Interior and Accessories
A smaller console to port creates storage and gives the co-pilot control of the Fusion stereo. The starboard console features a corner-opening door and a day berth that’s perfect for kids to rest and recharge. There’s a sink fed by a 12-gallon tank and a pump-out head option ($1,540).
At the helm, our test boat sported dual Simrad 9-inch NSX chart plotters ($4,540). For service, the entire dash hinges open. The skipper sits in a double-wide seat with a convertible backrest like the one to port, so when the key is off, these become aft-facing lounge chair. A big ski locker between the helm seats swallows boards, skis and smaller tubes.
Seating encircles the cockpit. Underfoot, faux-teak SeaDek nonskid comes in the Essentials Bundle ($3,840). The star feature of the deck layout is the stern lounge with its two flip-flop backrests. Underneath is a storage compartment large enough to hold a deflated super tube. Order the compressor ($280) to pump it up.
Engine
The SDX 250’s standard engine is the Mercury Verado 250 V-8. I recommend the 300 hp Verado upgrade ($3,090, black; $5,310, white) because this boat is meant to carry a crowd. With it, we topped 48 mph. Standard Active Trim optimizes the running angle. The SDX 250’s 21 degrees of transom deadrise will help when running on choppy water. The optional Watersports Tower ($11,035) can be upgraded with tilting board racks and can speakers.
The SDX 250 comes in three flavors. The outboard will prove popular in coastal areas, while the sterndrive model will be favored by those who want a larger swim platform. The third is an SDX 250 Surf model with a forward-facing Bravo Four drive and the NextWave system, which allows controlling the surfing wave from the Simrad screen.
Read Next: Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14.6″ x 17″ 4-blade -stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 55 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.
High Points
- The SDX 250 is incredibly maneuverable, easily making hard 180-degree turns in a narrow channel during our test.
- The large sunshade on the watersports tower casts a long, wide swath of UV protection.
- Available with three power choices: outboard, sterndrive, and forward-facing sterndrive for watersports.
Low Points
- We’d have thought this robust hull would be rated for more than 300 hp.
- The large storage compartment under the rear sun lounger shares undivided space with the batteries and fuel tank.
Toughest Competition
The Hurricane 2600 weighs 1,720 pounds less, can take up to a 400 hp outboard and is yacht-certified. The base price is $130,079 with a Mercury Verado 300.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $148,600 (base with test power) |
| LOA: | 27’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max.): | 3’1″ (motor down) |
| Displacement (approx.): | 6,090 lb. (with engine) |
| Transom Deadrise: | 21 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 5’3″ (7’10” with optional tower) |
| Max Cabin Headroom: | NA |
| Fuel Capacity: | 75 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 300 |
| Available Power: | Single Mercury V-8 250 hp Verado or V-8 300 hp Verado |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
