2009 Boat Review: Sea Ray 350 Sundancer
One of the world’s largest recreational boat manufacturers, Sea Ray, has selected Australia to help launch its Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) Axius sterndrive control system.
The boatbuilder integrated the Diesel Axius sterndrives into two of its sport cruisers, the 330 Sundancer and the 350 Sundancer, the latter shipped to Sea Ray Sales in Adelaide.
Both boats were integrated late last year at CMD’s dedicated Vessel Integration facility in Charleston, South Carolina, where they were fully rigged and sea trialed before being returned to Sea Ray for delivery to dealers.
The 350 Sundancer was shipped to Australia to help launch the diesel Axius product on a global level, and it arrived in April at Sea Ray in Adelaide, where it is on display and available for sea trial.
Sea Ray described the 330 and 350 Sundancers as the absolute definition of a user-friendly cruiser, made for a full day on the water or a weekend getaway.
“Each features a spacious, open cabin with a double island V-berth and convertible double berth mid cabin, as well as a 26in flatscreen TV with DVD player. The galley has solid-surface countertops with ample storage above and below,” Sea Ray said.
The cockpit has a solid-surface wet bar with a refrigerator standard in the 350 Sundancer and optional in the 330 Sundancer, the builder added.
As with all Axius boats, Sea Ray said SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift is standard for reliable shifting and smooth, even throttle response from idle to top speed. The SeaCore corrosion protection system is optional on the system’s Bravo III sterndrives and is said to provide long life in even the harshest marine environment.
“The Axius system utilises independently articulating sterndrives which allows even a novice captain to easily make intricate slow-speed boat manoeuvres, erasing much of the anxiety often associated with docking,” said Sea Ray. An Axius-equipped boat, it continued, can be manoeuvred laterally or at an angle and can spin inside its own length with the simple push or turn of the joystick.
The Axius system also includes an integrated autopilot system that provides autoheading functionality and with the addition of an optional compatible chartplotter, the operator also has access to advanced waypoint tracking capability.
Sea Ray said it opened in South Australia with an exclusive selection of boats on display. Backed by one of SA’s biggest marina developers, the Chapman family, the fleet of stock includes a range of sleek sports boats, cruisers and yachts.
“These boats are the ultimate statement in style — a work of art that transcends luxury boating,” said dealer principal, Andrew Chapman.
“They are comfortable, elegant, powerful and luxurious and once you’ve owned a Sea Ray, you’ll never look back.
“We firmly believe existing sport boat and sport cruiser owners in SA are looking for excellence in quality, unmatched style and unparalleled performance and they will find it in the luxurious Sea Ray range,” Chapman said.
For further information or to arrange an inspection of a Sea Ray phone 8555 7333 or visit www.searaysa.com.au.
Photo: Sea Ray Sundancer 350