Polish construction according to American standards
The Sea Ray SDX 250 is a daycruiser with a length of 7.67 m and a beam of 2.59 m, the maximum size for towing. Built in the American brand's Polish factory for the French market, it has the same hull as its American counterpart. Although the construction standards are the same in both countries, the fact that it is built in Poland makes it possible to reduce the price. The European model also offers a wider range of options, especially in terms of upholstery and hull colors.
Inboard or outboard version, changes of layout at the back of the cockpit
This model is available in both inboard and outboard versions, which leads to changes in the layout of the rear cockpit. In the outboard version, the 250 hp Mercury (its maximum power) is framed by a spacious bathing platform on which you can easily move from one skirt to the other. Access to the cockpit is via a starboard side passage without any steps. The aft bench seat, positioned on rails, moves back into the cockpit to provide even more space on the platform, while the tilting backrest allows you to enjoy a bench seat with a meridian facing the sea. There is also a nice storage space for nautical equipment under the meridian on the port side.
In the inboard version, the rear platform is also large and in one piece (with the 250 hp Mercruiser inboard engine hidden under the sundeck in the center). Unlike the outboard version, the sundeck is very large and allows 3 people to sit comfortably facing the sea, again thanks to the tilting backrest. There is also a storage locker on the starboard side. The access to the cockpit is always on the starboard side, but via a step. Another storage locker is positioned on the passage.
User-friendliness and space in the cockpit
This is where the differences in the layout of the two versions end. The user-friendly cockpit is spacious and offers plenty of seating for a day at sea: an L-shaped bench seat on the starboard side under which you can install a cooler or refrigerator with a cockpit table attachment, and a second, smaller bench seat opposite. The backrests of the pilot and co-pilot benches also tilt to serve as a backrest in the cockpit or as a backrest while sailing. Another storage locker is integrated into the floor of the center passage.
An ergonomic cockpit
The starboard cockpit is equipped with a touch screen instrument panel. It offers a comfortable seated driving position, with the feet braced against a footrest. A small wraparound windshield provides protection from the wind while sailing. An enclosed cabin houses a toilet and a small bed that will be used for the children's nap, but the space will be more dedicated to storage.
A beach before bowrider
The front deck houses a saloon opposite or a sunbathing area. It is accessible from a port side gangway, closed by a gate and a windshield opening. This configuration allows the SDX 250 to accommodate this small cabin.
A roll bar - which can be lowered for transport - tops the cockpit and can support a bimini or options for towed sports. Other options are offered such as clip-on fenders or a bow thruster.
Quality construction and finishing
Like the other models of the range, the SDX presents a quality of neat construction. The same is true for the finishes. Several floor coverings (foam floor or carpet) and several colors are offered: gray or beige. The same goes for the upholstery, which is available in many colors. There are plenty of cup holders, USB ports and a state-of-the-art Fusion audio system that is impressively good.
A smooth and sporty ride at the same time
It is under a great sun and by flat sea that we had the opportunity to try the SDX 250 OB (outboard version) with its maximum power of 250 HP, a Mercury V8 outboard. It is also possible to opt for a lesser power with a 225 or 200 hp.
The SDX reaches its lift-off speed after 6.8 seconds to gain power until it reaches its cruising speed of around 24 knots (4,000 rpm) for a consumption of 37.9 l/h. Its maximum speed of 6000 rpm (5980 exactly) is accompanied by a maximum speed of 39.7 knots for a consumption of 85.9 l/h.
The SDX 250 OB is a real pleasure to ride, with a very stable attitude and easy to master turns. The ride is smooth and sporty at the same time, and the driving sensations are there, without jerks or jumps, even at maximum speed. An ideal model for both family cruising and towed water sports. The water surface was smooth on the day of our test, but unfortunately did not lend itself to testing the boat with swells. With this new model, Sea Ray confirms once again the marine qualities of its hulls from what we saw.
To make family sailing easier and to maximize the good times on the water, it is possible to opt for an auto-trim, which automatically adjusts the boat's trim.
