25ft SLX 8.2L

kiloil

kiloil

Member
Sep 15, 2013
191
Tallahassee, Florida
Boat Info
2015 25' SLX 8.2L-SOLD
Engines
BOATLESS
I am contemplating buying a 2015 25' SLX with 8.2L engine. Does anyone have good advise on this boat? I remember some time ago there was a SLX thread, but can't seem to find out. We have a 23' but just needs a little more space.
 
Scroll down a few threads below this one. It's called the "Select EX".

I have a 270. The 250 is also a great boat. Good luck! Buy it...especially with that engine.
 
I own a 2014 250SLX with the 8.2. Great boat and good performance. The 350 is fine if you do not pull or haul a lot of people with the boat but I highly recommend the 8.2. There are some options on the arch design that were not available when I purchased mine. I have the fixed fiberglass arch and I like it fine. The do offer a fold down arch that may fit your needs if you have storage height issues. Also I opted for the full wrap around back seat configuration. In my opinion the sink option is wasted space on a boat this size. I have owned several Sea Rays of various designs and they all have been quality boats so jump in and find out what options fit you best.
 
Daryl said:
I own a 2014 250SLX with the 8.2. Great boat and good performance. The 350 is fine if you do not pull or haul a lot of people with the boat but I highly recommend the 8.2. There are some options on the arch design that were not available when I purchased mine. I have the fixed fiberglass arch and I like it fine. The do offer a fold down arch that may fit your needs if you have storage height issues. Also I opted for the full wrap around back seat configuration. In my opinion the sink option is wasted space on a boat this size. I have owned several Sea Rays of various designs and they all have been quality boats so jump in and find out what options fit you best.
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Thanks- The boat has everything except side exhaust and windlass. I currently have 350M in my 23ft but I can't help but stare at 8.2 in a 25ft!
 
I have side exhaust and I like it. Reminds me of my 42' Fountain (not quite as loud but nice sound). Windlass would have been nice but most of my anchoring is relatively shallow so not a big deal. Full disclosure here, I am a former MarineMax General Manager but owned Sea Rays long before I worked at MarineMax. Enjoy whatever boat you decide on.
 
I have a 270 SLX with the sports arch and 8.2, and here are my two cents:

  1. We use the windlass all the time. I would never buy another boat without one.
  2. My wife loves the sink in the middle of the boat. She can wash her hands while preparing snacks.
  3. The fridge is a waste. It takes too long to cool and because of the way the boat is wired you can't always leave it on when hooked up to shore power.
  4. The 8.2 will be a beast paired with the lighter 250 SLX.
  5. The side exhaust is an instant testosterone booster. Not a single buddy has not been impressed by the sound.
  6. The sports arch gives the boat a very nice look, but it has some downsides. It does not provide a lot of shade, and it's basically a big sail in the wind.
 
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Thanks LM.

Your comments on the fridge are the same comments my wife had made. The sport arch top did appear to be rather small in size. Do you ever use the transom shower?
 
kiloil said:
Thanks LM.

Your comments on the fridge are the same comments my wife had made. The sport arch top did appear to be rather small in size. Do you ever use the transom shower?
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We use the transom shower all the time. It's great for washing off you feet before you come on the boat so you don't track crap all over. We also use the windlass shower all the time to wash down the anchor chain as it comes up out of saltwater.
 
Daryl said:
I own a 2014 250SLX with the 8.2. Great boat and good performance. The 350 is fine if you do not pull or haul a lot of people with the boat but I highly recommend the 8.2. There are some options on the arch design that were not available when I purchased mine. I have the fixed fiberglass arch and I like it fine. The do offer a fold down arch that may fit your needs if you have storage height issues. Also I opted for the full wrap around back seat configuration. In my opinion the sink option is wasted space on a boat this size. I have owned several Sea Rays of various designs and they all have been quality boats so jump in and find out what options fit you best.
Click to expand...

8.2L all the way for me, no exceptions this time. Are there options on the boat that you wanted but didn't get?
 
kiloil said:
8.2L all the way for me, no exceptions this time. Are there options on the boat that you wanted but didn't get?
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Mine has practically every option except the spotlight. We could have used the spotlight 2 nights ago when coming through the intercostal on a night with no moon. The docking lights are pointless.
 
Looked at the boat today for the first time and it is very nice boat. The factory didn't leave a lot of stone unturned in designing it. This one didn't have a fridge, no windlass and no side exhaust but all the other goodies. Didn't feel the top was too small for the boat and provided adequate shade. I am going to be picky on this next one, but could they have made the electric hatch switch be a one touch instead of having to hold the switch? How pointless is having a wind shield wiper on a ski boat? I did think the gauges were a bit small, but maybe it's easier to read once your on the water. Otherwise nice vinyl, engine and head area
 
I use my windshield wiper often, mostly for wind blown spray.
 
Look at it this way - if you're going to spend a lot on a boat, don't compromise over something that is comparatively inexpensive. How important is the windlass to you? If you don't get an option and later want it, you'll regret your purchase. My two cents - spend the little bit extra and get every option that you want or think you will ever use.

Shade - I just looked at the new SLX online. They extended the shade going forward to make it bigger. Mine does not have that, but I wish it did. With the forward shade also, I think you will be good. The sports arch gives the boat a very distinct and great look.

Hatch switch - I agree. It lifts fast, but they should have made it a one-touch switch.

Head - I'd spring the extra $$ for the vacuflush if you think you'll ever use it.

Windshield wiper - Mine broke off and I never fixed it. There's a post or two in the Select EX thread about replacing it.

Gauges - The only ones you'll ever really use are temp (although if temp is a problem the smart craft system will throw an alarm), fuel, trim and speedo. I rely on GPS speed most of the time. Trim shows up on the smart craft gauge also.
 
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Oh yeah, the Corsa/Captains Call exhaust is a must. MAJOR grunt Factor. Nothing like a 502 breathing free... I got no Windlass, and no arch. Don't miss the Arch, Would like the Windlass though. I don't have the Refrigerator/Ice maker either. I like the storage right there, and I'm big on coolers. I like drinks on ice. I have a "Dry" cooler that uses the blue ice packs for food that needs to stay cold and they have always served me very well. Out of the sun 4 of those packs will keep the food cold all day. Probably overnight. Never tried it though. Perhaps this year. I do have all the canvas. I know a couple of good spots on Guntersville that are out of the way...Hmmm......
 
I got news that Corsa has terminated side exhaust on all 8.2L? Could anyone confirm? Something has to do with backpressure?
 
I know mine had a recall on it. Fixed, no problems.
I know that normally if I have the Side Exhaust selected on shutdown it will sneeze a little just as it shuts down. I don't know if that's just normal or if it is something they added. But like I said, no problems with mine. Anytime I have a recall, or if they even think there is a problem. Mercury has been on top of it, and they send a rep out to my repair shop to make sure everything is square. I really have no complaints with Mercury. Honestly I think they just rerouted the Exhaust pipe/tube.
 
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