Sea Ray SLX 280 OutboardThe next day cruiser in the series

Christian Tiedt

 · 23.04.2023

The new Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard is already the twelfth model in the series.
Photo: Sea Ray / Brunswick Corporation
The North American market for sporty day cruisers is huge. No wonder, the number of areas is as large as the country: from the coasts of California and Florida to the inland waters deep in the interior, such as the desert reservoirs in the south-west of the USA. All the greater is the hunger for novelties, for contemporary changes and optimisations. New in this game: the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard.

Sea Ray is one of the big players: the shipyard from Tennessee is one of the biggest sports boat manufacturers, also internationally. No fewer than 30 models in five series cover demand in the 20 to 40-foot segment. The successful SLX series comprises no fewer than twelve boats - including the new Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard.

Successful continuation

With the SLX 280 OB, the Boat builder from Knoxville continues the development of its premium series. The optimised layout, practical storage solutions and innovative technology build on the SLX 260, which was launched last year and was well received.

The sporty styling and high-quality equipment are reminiscent of the SLX 260," says Keith Yunger, Head of Sea Ray. "However, the SLX 280 OB also offers more space and additional features to make your day on the water even more enjoyable."

The layout of the 10-metre-long and almost 3-metre-wide glider, which promises more than just visual dynamism with its sloping aft lines, offers three areas for relaxing: firstly, the U-shaped seating area in the foredeck, which can be used as a lounge with a table or (with additional cushions) as a sunbathing area. The second is the cockpit area with a centre aisle and another seating area. Last but not least, the stern area offers a further sunbathing area on the bathing platform (which also carries the two outboards).

The equipment of the SLX 280 OB

Extras for more comfort include the Power Tower with retractable sun canopy for the entire cockpit area of the Sea Ray 280 Outboard, which not only provides shade, but also the right sound with the optional Entertainment Bundle. A refrigerator with drawer system is also available.

In contrast, the performance range is standard: this includes the two Mercury 250 Verados with a total of 500 hp at the stern with joystick control, digital shifting (DTS) and digital multifunction displays (Dual Digital Dash) with touchscreen (9-inch displays) from Simrad. Sea Ray, Mercury and Simrad are all part of the Brunswick Corporation. The Sea Ray SLX 280 OB is currently available in North America, with the international market launch to follow.

Technical data:

  • Length: 10,01 m
  • Width: 2,74 m
  • Depth:0.89 m (with outboard motor in lowest position)
  • Motors: 2 x Mercury 250 Verado (250 hp / 186 kW)
  • travelling speed: approx. 25 kn
  • Maximum speed:approx. 43 kn
  • Unladen weight:3653 kg
  • Fuel tank: 511 l

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