When Sea Ray coined the Sundancer moniker, it was about sun and fresh air — and cabin cruising boats with big open cockpits for outdoor living. But not everyone wants to be pals with their dermatologist, so the coupe concept has become popular. The new Sundancer 350 Coupe provides a great example. It offers sun when you want it and protection from cold, heat or rain as needed. It will stretch your boating season too.
The Sundancer 350 has proven to be popular and, as a coupe, it’s sure to reap continued success, but the Sundancer 350 Coupe is more than just an existing boat with a hardtop slapped on. It has the well-proven 20-degree deadrise hull that offers seaworthy comfort and good speed (42-plus mph), but the layout is considerably changed.
The “psychiatrist’s couch” opposite the helm remains, offering either fore-aft lounging or couch seating. The helm is a delight, with a Simrad GO9 touchscreen display on which you can view Mercury VesselView link data . The skipper has a panoramic view through a huge single-pane windshield, and the zigzag side windows add to the openness. For entertaining, the doublewide helm seat spins to face the cockpit with its dinette and couch.
Below, the L-shaped galley features a fridge, two-burner cooktop, microwave and surprisingly good counter space. A pair of couches completes the main cabin.
The head is molded and easily cleaned, with a VacuFlush head and a man-size stall shower with a seat and sliding door to keep things dry.
Forward is a five-sided master berth, but we might be tempted to claim the midship cabin with its full headroom, spacious double (using a filler) or two twins, and the optional bulkhead with privacy door.
Standard power is a pair of MerCruiser 6.2L MPI gas engines (350 hp) with Bravo Three sterndrives, which you can upgrade to 380 hp MerCruisers with the Axius joystick controls, as well as Merc diesels. Access through a large opening cockpit hatch is excellent.
The coupe version adds all-weather use to the popular Sundancer 350, offering more protection and a longer boating season for all.
High Points
* Great engine-room access (including access to batteries and strainers).
* Foredeck seating/lounges make use of otherwise wasted space.
* Considerable standard equipment: air conditioning, sliding sunroof, VacuFlush head, Fosgate amps/woofers, cockpit carpet and more.
Price: $385,156
How We Tested
Engine: Twin MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three with Axius
Drive/Prop: 15.25″ Bravo Three stainless-steel propset
Gear Ratio: 2.20:1
Fuel Load: 200 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
