2015 slx 230

[mschmo]

Very close to pulling the trigger on a new (Dealer/Broker owned) 2015 SLX 230. Was looking seriously at the 220/240 Sundecks, but keep pulling myself back to this boat. Not just looks, but seems more "integrated" for lack of a better term. I'm fairly versed in the nuances that characterize both models ... clearly giving up a small amount of room (mostly bow and a little storage) between the classic "bowrider" SLX and the Sundecks ... but given my family demographic and desire to grow more into watersports, the SLX seems a better platform. Thoughts from the veterans??

THANKS.

 

[paulswagelock]

There is a difference in ride between the two. The slx has a sportier feel, and handles waves better. The Sundeck on the other hand is roomier with the beam forward design, don't discount that room if there will be kids and guests on the boat. Make sure you compare power option and amenities against the price on both. Your money goes further in the Sundeck series.

Tough decision. In the end, I went with the slx.

 

[Gofirstclass]

mschmo you don't say where and how you will be using the boat and that could make a difference in which boat might work best for you. If your kids are small now, try to picture them as they get older and grow legs that are always in the way in a boat. Plus, they always want to bring a friend when they go boating with you and you'll have coolers, maybe wakeboards or skis or tubes on board.

If your boating will be on smaller inland lakes without large waves, the slx's ability to cut through waves may not be a big a deal as the additional room of the Sundeck would be. Either one would be good for water sports if they had the right engine.

I didn't like the deckboats when they first came out. They just looked "funny" (read that as different/non-traditional). But after seeing many and driving a couple of them I've grown to like them. If I were in the market for a boat in that size range I'd probably look real hard at a deckboat.

 

[mschmo]

Gents - Thanks for the quick responses ... mostly right in line with what I've heard from others (friends and boat owners, both SR and others) as well as dealer/broker. I live in North GA (Atlanta) ... very close to a few very solid lake options. If you're familiar, my "home lake" is less than 10 miles from my home--Lake Lanier, which is where I predominantly plan on boating. Single Dad with 2 athletic boys, 8 and 10, all comfortable in the water with room to learn plenty more. Likely sticking with the Sea Ray brand, and essentially down to two boats ... the 230 SLX and the 220 Sundeck. Both have Merc 350 MAG / BR3 prop ... true 300HP ... plenty of power for lake life up around here? Lake Lanier is pretty substantial with plenty of islands, coves and fingers, as well as some sizeable "open water" which can chop up on windy/weather days as well as busy boating ones. Think the powerplant of both are good and size good too. Plans are to keep boat for awhile, learn and grow with watersports as much as possible ... will def. be bringing plenty of friends (other kids as well as adults) on boating days in the near future. I've driven both, and like the feel of both. The SLX does seem a little more "nimble" and even a little more powerful even though both have same engine. Truth told, I still like the overall "look" of the SLX ... I think mostly because the rear swim platform is more integrated/modular with the transom (making it seem a more "true" 23 footer) versus the bolt-on swim platform in the new Sundecks. I know that it is solid, but it just doesn't quite present the "lines" of the SLX. I do realize that the 220 Sundeck prob has a space edge, especially bow forward as is the goal of the deckboats. Storage size is similar--maybe edge to the Sundeck with the Head ... which as we all know is way more for storing gear, etc. than for nature calls (that's what the lake is for, right?!) Anyway, still taking my time ... think my guy is wanting to "move" the SLX more although it is still more $ than the 220 Sundeck. THANKS again for the time and info...anything else I'm missing? Best, MS

 

[KSalibs]

I vote SLX all day long... SLX is like Jennifer Aniston, Timeless sexy boat... a sundeck is like Rachel Ray... great for throwing a party and getting the kids fed but after that......

Hope i didn't just offend anyone haha... At end of the day you gotta stack your goals and prioritize. both are great boats obviously they are sea rays! good luck

 

[tdgard]

I had the same dilemma when purchasing & the sundeck won out. SLX is a good looking boat but the extras kind of piled up. When the kids grow into goofy gangly teenagers and invite more goofy gangly teenagers, I wanted the space. I also got many more options for the dollar with the Sundeck. We moved from Lanier to Allatoona years ago. The front boarding ladder on the sundeck is great for beaching on all those islands on Lanier.

I don't think you could go wrong with either, but the sundeck won us over.

Id be careful with how far you take that Jennifer Anniston analogy. If an SLX was Jennifer, it would be in its 20th slip by now. Just saying...:smt001

 

[kiloil]

Gents - Thanks for the quick responses ... mostly right in line with what I've heard from others (friends and boat owners, both SR and others) as well as dealer/broker. I live in North GA (Atlanta) ... very close to a few very solid lake options. If you're familiar, my "home lake" is less than 10 miles from my home--Lake Lanier, which is where I predominantly plan on boating. Single Dad with 2 athletic boys, 8 and 10, all comfortable in the water with room to learn plenty more. Likely sticking with the Sea Ray brand, and essentially down to two boats ... the 230 SLX and the 220 Sundeck. Both have Merc 350 MAG / BR3 prop ... true 300HP ... plenty of power for lake life up around here? Lake Lanier is pretty substantial with plenty of islands, coves and fingers, as well as some sizeable "open water" which can chop up on windy/weather days as well as busy boating ones. Think the powerplant of both are good and size good too. Plans are to keep boat for awhile, learn and grow with watersports as much as possible ... will def. be bringing plenty of friends (other kids as well as adults) on boating days in the near future. I've driven both, and like the feel of both. The SLX does seem a little more "nimble" and even a little more powerful even though both have same engine. Truth told, I still like the overall "look" of the SLX ... I think mostly because the rear swim platform is more integrated/modular with the transom (making it seem a more "true" 23 footer) versus the bolt-on swim platform in the new Sundecks. I know that it is solid, but it just doesn't quite present the "lines" of the SLX. I do realize that the 220 Sundeck prob has a space edge, especially bow forward as is the goal of the deckboats. Storage size is similar--maybe edge to the Sundeck with the Head ... which as we all know is way more for storing gear, etc. than for nature calls (that's what the lake is for, right?!) Anyway, still taking my time ... think my guy is wanting to "move" the SLX more although it is still more $ than the 220 Sundeck. THANKS again for the time and info...anything else I'm missing? Best, MS

Well I went from a 2010 230 with a 350M, professional ski tower and a custom sound system to a 2015 250SLX with a 8.2 B3. There were some trade offs that I had to overcome with this boat that my other boat I just enjoyed. My take is to by used, learn and get what you really want after a season or two.