New Sundancer Teaser

I'm probably all alone here, but I really don't like the new "style" of these Sundancers. They're so tall in relation to their length that they're losing all the sleekness that originally drew most of us to Sea Ray in the first place. When the roof of a 40-50ft express cruiser is just as high as the fly bridge of a 40-50ft offshore sportfisherman; then it just doesn't look aesthetically correct to me. :huh:
 
Z, you're not alone. I looked at it earlier and didn't comment because I didn't like it. Still don't, ad I noticed that 131 people have viewed the thread and you and I are the only ones who have commented. So far it's 100% negative.

If I wanted an Italian designed boat I'd buy one. I don't and don't like that SR is trying to copy them.
 
Rub rail down it looks the same, difference is rub rail up - though following the same lines as the 470/510 from 2013+. Seems this aspect, with a party / entertainment room up top and sleeping down below is becoming quite popular. For our use - it would be perfect, though with the costs we won't be in one anytime soon. I like it - but then again I'm a guy tired of dealing with mass quantities of canvas every time we open and close up. I was at recurrent training last week, and was able to check out a 510.....it was stunningly amazing. Also checked out a 450 with the open entertainment room below - and loved it as well. My guess is we'll see both the "traditional" and the new type providing sales for each support them.
 
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I much like the older Sea Rays also. the new euro designs really don't do it for me from any of the builders.
 
Z-Worthy said:
I'm probably all alone here, but I really don't like the new "style" of these Sundancers. They're so tall in relation to their length that they're losing all the sleekness that originally drew most of us to Sea Ray in the first place. When the roof of a 40-50ft express cruiser is just as high as the fly bridge of a 40-50ft offshore sportfisherman; then it just doesn't look aesthetically correct to me. :huh:
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I think there is definitely a generation gap with the new boats, but they are selling, so SR must be doing something right.

In in terms of taller I'm not sure if that's actually the case. My dealer has a new 510 Sundancer docked next to the 510 Fly and a Sedan Bridge. Both bridge boats are definitely taller and the top of the Sundancers roof is about the level of the bottom of the bridge.

As as a potential buyer I want:
1- Full glass windshield.
2- Cockpit AC
3- Enclosued cockpit is a big plus

We spend a lot of time on the hook and I want to be able to escape the heat without having to go down below. There's plenty of places to lounge in the sun outside of the cockpit and most of our guests end up floating in a tube.

At my marina there's a 2015 Regal 35 sports coupe just a few slips away from me. It's as modern in its styling as any SR and for a 35' boat is has a full glass windshield.

Matt from SR told me two years ago this boat was coming, it was just a matter of time. Can't wait to check it out in November. (FLIBS is no longer in Oct)
 
I just don't understand why boat mfr's decided that we don't want to sit outside in a cockpit. It's not just SeaRay - express boats are a dying breed, and we're seeing "coupes" instead: a single, fwd-facing bench facing a glass wall? Not for me.
 
Of course we like the "old" boats.....that what we are use to, own and can afford......The new boats look "euro" because that is the market they are selling to - here and abroad. I'm in Ft. Lauderdale now, in addition to being THE smallest boat in the marina I'm also one of the few sea ray's - I'm surrounded by either sportfish/convertibles or "euro" yachts by cranchi, pershing, riva, azimut, etc - the people that have the money, $1,000,000+ in most cases, to plunk down on a depreciating, high maintenance "asset" want this style so sea ray is merely building the boat that the people that have the money want to buy - what a concept! - we'll get use to the styling......our boats will be the 1983 uniflite of tomorrow......
 
RollerCoastr said:
I just don't understand why boat mfr's decided that we don't want to sit outside in a cockpit. It's not just SeaRay - express boats are a dying breed, and we're seeing "coupes" instead: a single, fwd-facing bench facing a glass wall? Not for me.
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On days where we're not cruising far I like the wind in my face, but we're in DC and if we want to go to the Chesapeake its 5 hours of nonstop cruising. In the summer we're in the 90's with high humidity. (Like Florida) I personally, as well as my guests, want a break.

Also, enclosing the cockpit makes the ride quieter. From what I've been told by SR and my dealer this is what customers are asking for.

American styling is finding its way into these so called "euro" style boats. Europeans hide the galley, where as we make our part of the entertaining area. Azimut makes a special version of their 85 specifically for the American market.

SeaRay still sells about 70% of its boats in the U.S.

Boats are not getting cheaper. They are high priced assets that quickly depreciate and require a ton of maintenance. I think that's one of the reasons they have gotten so "fancy" inside. Boat manufacturers need people with big wallets to fall in love with the boat and not think about the hit they are going to take.
 
I question that for two reasons:

boats with lots of interior space have been available nearly since yachting was born, yet express style boats are one of, if not the most common style.

"Fly", again, not a SeaRay exclusive. What I like about a big bridge boat is that I can have air-conditioned cockpit like space on the bridge, with a compromised cockpit as well. Not anymore! Now bridges have coamings below knee level and tiny tops offering little or no shade. a complete contradiction!
 
I was at the Sea Ray Reunion this past weekend in Cambridge, MD. They had a 510, 470, and 410 in the line up... all coupes and honestly all very nice IMHO. I can fully understand the desire for both the express style as well as the coupe. I love my 330 but I did like a lot of the features of the new style coupes. We toured all 3 but only took the 410 out, since honestly even 5 years from now the 2014 470 and 510 will still be out of the reach of my wallet!
 
Matt Guilford (SeaRayCorporate on CSR) posted a preview of this rendering for CSR members some time ago:


http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/73730-Holiday-preview?p=838137&highlight=#post838137



I don't understand the criticism of the new profile......guess you just have to see them in the water. As far as the "sit outside cockpit".........y'all do know those doors slide almost all the way open. For those of us in the South, I'll take a telescoping cockpit door as a trade off for a real air conditioned cockpit any day.
 
Does anyone else see the contradiction / irony of air-conditioned Flybridges becoming exposed "Flys" while open expresses become enclosed coupes?
 
It seems that this thread repeats itself every time Sea Ray puts out a new drawing or pictures of the actual boat. Guys with bridge boats don't like it because its not a bridge boat, guys with older boats don't like it because of the sweeping "Euro like" designs & guys that can't afford one don't like it because, well, they cant afford one. Most of the criticism seems to fall into one of these categories or likely a combination of all three.

Maybe Sea Ray should put out a disclaimer: If you don't like really nice, highly appointed, sport cruiser type boats with a modern design, the new Sea ray Sundancer is NOT for you.

When I find the right 33 or 34' Sundancer I will buy it. That boat is my preferred style & is plenty big for me. Unless of course Sea Ray would take my left arm in trade for that new one in the drawing. Then, like most people, I'd do that deal!
 
I have to say that I agree with those of you who prefer to sit outside. If I wanted to be inside I'd buy a condo.
 
RollerCoastr said:
I question that for two reasons:

boats with lots of interior space have been available nearly since yachting was born, yet express style boats are one of, if not the most common style.

"Fly", again, not a SeaRay exclusive. What I like about a big bridge boat is that I can have air-conditioned cockpit like space on the bridge, with a compromised cockpit as well. Not anymore! Now bridges have coamings below knee level and tiny tops offering little or no shade. a complete contradiction!
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Have you been on the 510 Fly? It has one of the largest hard tops I've ever seen. It's massive and much larger than many sedan bridges.

What makes the 510 fly a great boat is you can be outside if you want, or go inside if you want to be in the AC.

There is always going to be debate over design and style. Styles change. Go to a boat show and listen to what people say when they walk through these boats. The majority of the comments are very positive.

Brunswick makes Merridian boats for boaters who like the older style bridge boats. They are literally made on the line next to SeaRays in Palm Coast.

I'll also add that everyone who I've spoken to who has seriously looked at the L Class or new 510, and who can afford it, likes what they see. You don't get a wait list for a boat people don't like. I'm not knocking people's opinions, I'm just trying to put some perspective behind SeaRays decisions.
 
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WDCboater said:
Have you been on the 510 Fly? It has one of the largest hard tops I've ever seen. It's massive and much larger than many sedan bridges.
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I was on the debut model at the FLIBS and on another in Miami - neither one had a top at all. I'm glad to hear that changed - I'll go looking for it.

i try not to use my ears at boat shows! In Miami, a guy bumped past me, past the quad outboards and peered into the lazarrette and said, "that's a nice looking engine room".
 
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