Sea-Ray is a famous American boat brand known for producing high-quality, luxury boats for fun boating and cruising. Founded in 1959 in Knoxville, Tennessee they are designed and manufactured with a focus on quality, performance, and style. They are available in a range of sizes and types to suit a variety of boating activities. Sea Ray boats are built using advanced technologies and materials.
Sea-Ray is a famous American boat brand known for producing high-quality, luxury boats for fun boating and cruising.
Founded in 1959 in Knoxville, Tennessee they are designed and manufactured with a focus on quality, performance, and style. They are available in a range of sizes and types to suit a variety of boating activities. Sea Ray boats are built using advanced technologies and materials. The company offers a wide range of boats from small runabouts and sport boats to large yachts and cruisers and designs and manufactures popular recreational motorboats under 65 feet in length.
With over 40 models, they have been producing pleasure cruisers and yachts for more than 60 years. Originally built in Michigan, today they are built in factories in two locations in Tennessee (one in Knoxville) and two in Florida.
Why Are Sea-Ray Boats So Popular?
They are popular for several reasons: quality, performance, comfort, style, and range of models.
The company uses advanced materials and technologies to produce boats that are strong, durable, and reliable. Designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, they are built with powerful engines, advanced propulsion systems, and other features that enhance their speed, maneuverability, and handling.
Sea Ray boats are known for their luxurious and comfortable interiors, which are designed to provide a high level of comfort and convenience for passengers. Many boats feature spacious cabins, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.
Stylish and eye-catching, with sleek lines, modern designs, and high-end finishes, Sea Rays are popular among boaters who want to make a statement and enjoy a premium boating experience. They also offer a wide range of boat models to suit different boating activities and preferences. Whether you are looking for a small runabout or a large luxury yacht, they have a boat that will meet your needs.
How Much Do Sea Ray Boats Cost?
The cost can vary widely depending on the model, size, features, and condition of the boat. Generally, these boats are high-end sports boats, and their prices reflect that.
For example, as of the publication of this, a new SPX 190, which is a popular model for family boating, has a starting price of around $38,000. On the other hand, a new Sundancer 510, which is a luxury express cruiser, can cost upwards of $1.5 million.
Price can vary depending on the age, condition, and features of the boat. You can find used sea ray boats for sale at a wide range of prices, from a few thousand dollars for older, smaller models to several hundred thousand dollars for newer, larger, and more luxurious boats. You will also need to factor in the cost of maintenance, fuel, storage, insurance, and other expenses.
What Kind Of Boats Does Sea Ray Build?
High-quality, boats with an emphasis on performance, comfort, style, and versatility that appeals to a wide range of boaters.
Sea Ray Boats History
Ray Industries was founded by Cornelius Nathanial Ray III, known as C.N. or Connie, in Detroit, Michigan in 1959. The company built fiberglass boats at a family-run factory in Oxford, Michigan in the Great Lakes region.
Ray was considered a pioneer in boating with his company’s early use of fiberglass. Ray hired an automobile designer, a stylist from General Motors, to build consoles, dashboards, and upholstery trim that resembled the cutting-edge patterns and lines used in cars, according to the Detroit Historical Society.
Ray sold Ray Industries, the manufacturer of Sea Ray, to the Brunswick Boat Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, for $350 million in 1986. After 27 years at the helm, Ray became known for his ownership and professional racing of thoroughbred horses. He died of cancer in 2009 at the age of 84.
The Brunswick brand owns a sizable chunk of the marine market. It was in 1986 that Brunswick acquired both Sea Ray and Bayliner brands. In 1988, Brunswick added Trophy, Maxum, Robalo, and Spectrum boat. In 1988 Brunswick bought Keikhaefer Aeromarine, which became Mercury Racing. In 2001, Brunswick bought Hatteras Yachts, Sealine, and Princecraft; and Cabo Yachts in 2006. But Brunswick sold Cabo and Hatteras in 2014. The company also owns Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Lowe Boats, Cypress Cay, Princecraft, Lund, Heyday, and Protector boats.
Brunswick also owns Mercury Marine and uses the motors to produce Sea Ray boats.
Sea Ray Boats Awards
2012 – The 370 Venture was named “Boat of the Year 2012” by the editors of Boating magazine. The boat includes Mercury Marine Verado outboards.
2019 – Top Powerboat Manufacturer honor from the National Boating Industry’s Safety Awards.
2020 – Recognized as the Top Powerboat Manufacturer in the National Boating Industry.
What Are The Best Sea Ray Models?
There is no one “best” model as the ideal model for you will depend on your specific boating needs and preferences. However, they have several popular models that are highly regarded by boaters and industry experts alike.
The Sundancer Series is a line of luxury express cruisers that are designed for extended cruising and overnight stays on board. The series has been in production since the 1980s and is known for its sleek design, luxurious amenities, and high-performance capabilities. The yachts in this series typically range from 30 to 65 feet in length and feature a range of cabin configurations, including two or three staterooms and one or two heads.
The Sea Ray SLX Series is a line of luxury sport boats that are designed for watersports and day cruising. It has been in production since 2014 and includes models ranging from 23 to 40 feet in length.
The Sea Ray SDX Series is a line of luxury sport boats that are designed for day cruising and watersports. The SDX Series has been in production since 2016 and includes models ranging from 21 to 35 feet in length.
The Sea Ray SPX Series is a line of sport boats that are designed for day cruising and watersports. The SPX Series has been in production since 2016 and includes models ranging from 19 to 24 feet in length.
The Sea Ray L Class is a line of luxury yachts that are designed for cruising, entertaining, and relaxing. These yachts are known for their sleek design, high-end finishes, and luxurious amenities. The L Class was first introduced in 2014 and includes models ranging from 51 to 65 feet in length.