Can someone educate me around this? When these boats were first introduced they were wildly different animals. Now it's almost hard to tell them apart. Even the deadrise is the same. Aside from a layout of the seating preference, is there much of a difference between them?
SLX vs Sun Deck - What's really the difference at this point?
- Thread starter Ajjra
- Start date
WDCboater
Member
- Oct 3, 2010
- 962
- Boat Info
- 2010 350 Sundancer
Raymarine c95 GPS
KVH Satellite
- Engines
- Twin Mercury 8.1 Horizon V-Drives
The main difference is fit and finish. The SLX is designed to be higher end. This is most evident on the 230 and larger.
If you look at these boats in person the differences are fairly evident. I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference, but it is what it is.
If you look at these boats in person the differences are fairly evident. I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference, but it is what it is.
The floor plan is the biggest difference and certain standard features (depending on model) such as sinks, heads, etc. The Sundecks allow more people onboard more comfortably since there is actually more boat (more fiberglass) there (the beam gets carried further forward). But the part that is actually in the water is pretty much the same (same performance).
In addition to what the other posters have said, there are some SLX features that are standard but are optional with the SunDeck. About a week ago I played around with the on line pricing. I used the 300SLX and the 300SD because that is the only length that is offered in both models. All the other are a foot different. The base 300SLX is $175,129 MSRP and the SD300 is $114,884. Not spending much time, I found 7 features standard on the SLX that are optional on the SD, probably missed some others. The biggest ticket item was the 8.2 engine upgrade which was $13,615. I added the obvious differences and came up with an MSRP of about $135,000. The SLX's have the Quite Ride technology as well, a feature that the SD doesn't have however, I have to question how much value that is in a boat that is completely open. So, the approx. difference is $40K, maybe less if I missed some options. No doubt there are other options and the general fit and finish is higher on the SLX.
Since there is probably a higher margin on the SLX series, you might also be able to negotiate a higher % discount which would narrow the difference.
I have to say, the SLX is a great looking boat, clearly more luxurious that the SD. It's not worth that much to me, a Sun Deck owner, but from looking at new ones at the dealer, I can see how someone shopping for a new boat with deep pockets could be tempted.
Since there is probably a higher margin on the SLX series, you might also be able to negotiate a higher % discount which would narrow the difference.
I have to say, the SLX is a great looking boat, clearly more luxurious that the SD. It's not worth that much to me, a Sun Deck owner, but from looking at new ones at the dealer, I can see how someone shopping for a new boat with deep pockets could be tempted.
