Sea Ray is one of the big players and offers everything from a 19-foot bowrider to a 20-metre flybridge yacht that can inspire a water sports enthusiast, including our test boat from the Sport Cruiser series. The US shipyard produces on both sides of the pond, while the test boat is moulded in Poland.
This benefits the overall workmanship; our 320 leaves a more than decent impression across the board. The engines are always twin-packed, with a choice of petrol and TDI diesel engines with Z-drives.
The highlight of our test boat is the foredeck. Normally, only a cushion is used as a sun lounger, which can be reached through a folding centre window.
Completely different on the test boat. Here, for the first time on a sports boat, the shipyard has converted the foredeck into a lounge with three comfortable divans, transforming a "simple" day cruiser into an elegant boat with a feel-good ambience that is only familiar from the "big ones". What's more, this area is easily accessible, which opens up new possibilities for use while travelling.
Dance on the water
With two engines plus an optional bow thruster, there are no problems with mooring or casting off manoeuvres in the harbour at slow forward and reverse speeds. With both gearboxes in forward gear, full circles measure just under two boat lengths and one in the opposite direction.
So that the waves generated by the boat do not interfere, we limit both engines to 1200 rpm and the speed to just under 6 knots. Our test boat feels like it starts planing at 3500 rpm, but it actually starts planing at 2630 rpm. If you are sitting behind the helm, the transition from displacement to planing is associated with an obstruction to visibility, but not when standing.
Despite a low load, almost empty tanks and with only three people on board, both V8 engines rev at the lower end of the speed range. The 24-inch stainless steel propellers therefore seem too steep to us, which allows a top speed of just under 40 kn, but only 5000 rpm maximum speed; the manufacturer allows 400 rpm more.
Although the boat is already planing at 12 kn (2850 rpm), you have to step on the gas to be economical when travelling at a speed of around 27 kn (4000 rpm). One tank of fuel is theoretically enough for a distance of 162 nm plus 15% reserve.
At full throttle, you should look for a refuelling station after around 115 nm and at slow speed after around 195 nm in order to maintain the reserves. This means that the test boat only just fulfils our minimum range requirement at slow speed, which leads to a devaluation.
Things look better in the extreme manoeuvres section, where the 320 shows clear reactions, but ultimately proves itself with safe behaviour. On the imaginary slalom course, for example, you have to reckon with strong oscillation over the longitudinal axis. From a speed of 33 knots, the 180° turns end with a powerful rocking, and during the increasingly tighter bends, it is important to take the speed out with optimally trimmed drives under 80 m curve diameter, because the Sundancer then rocks the bend lively.
With trim down, familiar radii and normal speed, the rock 'n' roll turns into a calm curve waltz. The chapter on waves and rough water remains unanswered due to the lack of such conditions.
Skipper and Co share a longitudinally adjustable bench seat, the folding seat section of which we find too hard in relation to the rest. The positioning of the passenger grab handle on the left below the seat bench could be optimised, as could some others.
Instead of SmartCraft instruments, our test boat is equipped with two touchscreens which, when programmed accordingly, can display the engine values and provide information about the course and ground. An echo sounder is part of the standard equipment, but an analogue compass is not. Incidentally, the skipper gets along well at the helm, and there is also a wiper with a modest wiping area for the driver in case of rain.
Installations and security
The rear cockpit area opens at the touch of a button, complete with table and sunlounger rear bench. A manageable but easily accessible and maintenance-friendly engine compartment is revealed. We have no complaints about the technical or electrical installations.
Solenoid valves regulate the fuel flow; only the engine manufacturer is trusted to keep it clean. On-board and engine circuits are switched via relays from the E-Panel in the cab. The engines are activated by keyless go, i.e. without an ignition key.
Thermal fuses are located either in the panel or in the storage box on the seat bench behind the driver. Exemplary: An automatic fire extinguisher in the engine tank compartment is designed to prevent the worst in an emergency, and water can be channelled from the technical or living unit using a manual bilge pump with a long hose.
Separee, cockpit and equipment
As is usual for a day cruiser, the living area has a V-shaped bench seat at the front that can be converted into a lounger, a separate bathroom with WC amidships and two single berths under the cockpit floor aft, which can be combined into one area if required - so four berths.
Standing and seating heights are due to the design, but are acceptable. There is some galley equipment below deck and a little more on deck in the cockpit.
There is no shortage of storage space on and below deck. The cockpit offers plenty of seating, while a hardtop with manual sunroof provides shade. Aft, the backrest can be moved in favour of the sun lounger.
The lounge foredeck is not too small either; safety is ensured here by a railing that corresponds to the nominal dimensions, but feels like it should be a few centimetres higher. Access to the front can be closed off using a door and hinged windscreen. However, matching tarpaulins and a soft top are included as extras, as are the navigation lights, which are approved in Germany.
The boat is equipped ready to sail as standard. Bathing ladder, handholds, eight mooring cleats, bow anchor locker with bow harness are included, as is a rubbing strake, which is more for decoration than protection. There is no shortage of customisation options - for example, the fixed bathing platform can also be lowered for an extra charge.
Conclusion:
The Sea Ray Sundancer 320 is an ideal family cruiser. Thanks to the bow lounge, it can also accommodate more than four guests. The handling characteristics are safe; as long as you hold back your speed and move the rudder normally, there are no violent reactions. The workmanship is right across the board. The boat has something, and competition is not yet in sight.
Would you like to see all the measurement results of our test? Then download the PDF below.
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