The SLX 230 W is the first wakesurf boat developed by Sea Ray. This novelty, presented as a world premiere at the Boot Düsseldorf 2017, is a 7.01 m bowrider designed to create its own surfing wave. "This very US-specialized model was developed for the niche market, something Sea Ray didn't do before." explains Basile Camus, Regional Sales Manager. But this "hybrid" model is also suitable for cruising. "It's a high-end boat, with a pretty high standard of finish." adds Basile.
SLX 230 W, in Düsseldorf
SLX 230 W, in Düsseldorf
A top-of-the-range boat for water sports or cruising
What immediately catches the eye on the SLX 230 W is the massive stern block, which houses the engine and storage space, as well as the large bathing platform with a submersible section for easy access to the sea. "Thanks to the shaft-line engine, the navigation is quieter, and there is more conviviality between the cockpit and the wakeboader. We can talk and hear each other." details Basil. The hoop allows you to practice water sports, but also to install speakers or a bimini.
Engine block and bathing platform
Bathing platform
The cockpit is easily accessible from the bathing platform through a central seadeck covered passageway between the two side cushions. The aft space is occupied by a comfortable U-shaped bench seat, with an icebox under the central bench seat. As an option, a cockpit table can be installed.
Central Passage
Rear cockpit
At the bow is the starboard cockpit with chair and sports steering wheel and touch screen display. On the port side, the aft bench seat back is removable to create a co-pilot seat. The double console is protected by a large windshield with a central opening to access the forward sundeck where there is a U-shaped bench seat with the possibility of installing a table.
Cockpit
In bench mode
In co-driver seat mode
Front range
Central Passage
Inside, there's plenty of storage space, cup holders, a comfortable and well-designed upholstery and SeaDek for heat protection and anti-skid protection. The latter covers the bathing platform, the central passageway or the floor of the SLX 230 W. Different colours of gel coat and upholstery are available at no extra charge.
Optional wakeboard rack
With its deep-V hull and 370 HP Mercruiser 6.2 L petrol engine, the SLX 230 W is ideal for water sports. Its use in wakesurf mode will be used more in inland waters, while it will be able to sail in sea cruising mode. For this first model specific to water sports, Sea Ray has set the bar high by presenting a rather top-of-the-range model, very well designed, fully equipped for surfing. In fact, the shipyard has already sold 5 models!
A specific system to create a wave
The SLX 230 W is equipped with a technical system to create a wave for surfing. The two exhaust pipes located on the sides of the hull make it possible to create a little more wave. But it is mainly the two hydraulic flaps installed in the centre of the transom that create the height of the wave and adjust the pitch (to lower the bow of the boat). They also stabilize the boat so that it stays straight when sailing with a wakesurf behind.
The two side flaps (DTS systems) also allow the trim to be adjusted, depending on how full the ballast tanks are (three ballast tanks with a total weight of 907 kilos that fill automatically on wakesurf boats, from the dashboard). The wave created depends on the depth of the location, but is between 1 m and 1.50 m.
Controlling your wave from the dashboard
The cockpit is equipped with an easy-to-use dashboard with touch screen (Dynamic Display). All controls are operated from this digital display. This allows the characteristics of the wave to be adjusted according to its level. In the beginner's version, the adjustments are made automatically, to obtain a wave to the right or to the left. While in the advanced version, you can choose the wave trough, modulate its height and shape or choose the number of wakesurfer or its practice (water skiing, wakebord, etc.)
An optional rear view camera allows you to observe the scene from the dashboard, or a joystick system (with front and rear thruster) makes manoeuvring easier and more comfortable for both the wakesurfer and the rider.
