did sea ray stop making yachts

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The Effect Of Brunswick's Decision On The Pre-Owned Sea Ray Market

By Peter Schmidt & Rob Bowman | Posted On Sep 20, 2018 Updated On Feb 25, 2019

Whether you own a Sea Ray or just follow the marine industry, the news that Brunswick Corporation discontinued production of both Sea Ray Yachts and Meridian Yachts was certainly a shock to everyone. Sea Ray has, of course, been a cornerstone of every major boat show for decade and considered the most well-known boat brand in America. In the early Sea Ray days of the 1970's and 80's, the boats  were not particularly well-built compared to the same luxury-level models of similar size and style. But at the price point they were offered, it became a more affordable boating option to middle-class America. Thousands of Sea Rays of all different sizes were sold during this time. Moving to the 1990's, Brunswick's ownership of Sea Ray allowed the brand to flourish and quality improved significantly. Although never really considered a high-quality luxury yacht, Sea Ray re-vamped their styling, design, and overall performance while maintaining a competitive price. With excellent marketing and an aggressive distribution channel, Sea Ray flourished in the mid-to-late 1990's into the early 2000's consistently out-selling competitive brands in their class like Carver , Regal Boats , and others. Then came the Great Recession in 2008 which decimated the marine industry by more than 60%. No one was spared from the struggle during this time, not even Sea Ray or its dealer network, which resulted in layoffs, a re-distribution of talented boat building workers, and little investment in new technology. At last the economy improved, the industry began thriving again, and Sea Ray began producing new models for a few, short years.

During the economic downturn and through the recovery, the direction of Sea Ray's once successful business model suddenly changed. Instead of focusing on particular price points, Sea Rays got bigger and more loaded down with electronics, options, and larger engines. They also got more expensive. Could Sea Ray move their once budget-cautious buyer up in price to the point that they would pay well over $2 million for a 60' yacht? Additionally during this time, it's the opinion of many in the industry that Sea Ray was plagued with quality issues, problems with fit and finish, dated designs, as well as strong competition from other well-run boat builders.

Read Practical Tips When Buying A Used Sea Ray Boat Or Yacht

While all of us outside of the Sea Ray business can only speculate as to everything that happened internally at Brunswick, the new business model did not seemingly go well as Brunswick decided to list Sea Ray as a "fire sale" in 2017. In an article announcing the sale on Trade Only Today , it was said, "Brunswick has been strategically focused on reducing the cyclical nature of its operations since the recession, when it recorded a 70 percent loss and saw its boat group stay in the red for several years. Its strategy has included investments in parts and accessories acquisitions — a low-margin but largely recession-proof part of the business. Freeing up cash with the Sea Ray sale is expected to help the company invest in mergers and acquisitions, as well as close pension gaps." Even though the business was offered publicly with hints of a bargain price, no buyer would come forward. This led to Brunswick's decision to keep the brand and discontinue offering the yacht line.

As of September, 2018 there are currently over 1,200 pre-owned Sea Ray yachts over 40' available for sale on the MLS. Just under 1,000 of those used Sea Rays are in the United States. So what prediction do we have on what this does for the market? Sea Ray dealers will certainly miss the model lines, although MarineMax is likely well suited to survive with Azimut and Galeon to fall back on somewhat. A boat builder out there may eventually buy the models and the name and take a run at re-launching a similar product. But current Sea Ray owners are likely concerned about the value of their boat with Sea Ray's decision. In the past, boat owners saw the value of their yachts decline when the manufacturer went out of business. Our prediction is that this is probably not the case and most Sea Rays on the market will continue to hold their value. Of course, the new boat depreciation will still apply, but once resale values settle down in a few years, Sea Ray boats should continue to do well on the brokerage market.

As mentioned there are well over a thousand used Sea Rays on the market today, many of them in Florida . Here's a sampling of several used Sea Ray Yachts currently for sale .

2016 Sea Ray L650 Flybridge  - Listed for $1,995,000

This particular Sea Ray L650 has the four-stateroom layout that includes a master suite, VIP stateroom, and two guest rooms with twin beds. This particular used Sea Ray is powered with CAT C-18 engines as well as equipped with twin Seakeeper Gyro stabilizers.

2017 Sea Ray L590  - Listed for $2,250,000

This particular Sea Ray L590 is a smaller model than the one listed above but a year newer and almost $300,000 more expensive. One difference in this particular boat from the previous model is the engine choice. This L590 comes with Cummins Zeus 600 QSC 8.3L engines as well as the Sky-Hook feature, joystick docking, and again, the Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizers.

2016 Sea Ray 540 Sundancer  - Listed for $1,050,000

Moving down an additional 5 feet while also going just one year older, the price drops significantly to just over $1 million for this Sea Ray 540 Sundancer. The Sundancers are also a different model line than the L-Class which appeals to the higher-end buyer at the Sea Ray spectrum. This particular Sea Ray 540 has a 2-stateroom, 2-head layout and is powered by twin Cummins Zeus 600 QSC T3 engines.

2016 Sea Ray 510 Sundancer  - Listed for $939,000

As you can see, even dropping from a 540 to a 510 Sundancer doesn't change the price a considerable amount. While the future of Sea Ray is unknown, there doesn't seem to be much fluctuation in the market value of quality, late-model pre-owned Sea Ray currently on the market. If you'd like to learn more about why you should list your pre-owned Sea Ray yacht for sale with United, please visit our Why List page . There is no larger network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry than at United Yacht Sales.

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Gone But Not Forgotten- The Boat Brands We Loved That Are No More (Part 9)

The motoryacht movement with maxum, meridian, carver & marquis.

In my over forty years in the pleasure boat industry, there have been literally thousands of boat companies and brand names of boats in North America.

Some of these were and are strictly regional brands not known or recognized in the rest of the continent but many were national and even international brands known to most of us diehard boaters.

It is those well known and recognized brands that are no longer with us that I look forward to examining in this series. These brand names may still be corporately held in reserve but are not known to currently be in production.

In 1986, the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation , makers of Mercury outboard motors and MerCruiser sterndrive engines, purchased Sea Ray boats. They quickly followed up in the same year with the purchase of Bayliner . Both Sea Ray and Bayliner had been vying back and forth for a few years as to which was the largest pleasure boat manufacturer in the world. Now Brunswick would undoubtedly be number one.

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Sea Ray and Bayliner had also been perceived, rightly or wrongly by the boating industry, and more importantly by the boating public, as representing not necessarily the extremes, but relative opposite ends of the pleasure boat market in terms of desirability, price point, and quality. It was akin in those days to the positioning of General Motors and the Buick vs. Chevrolet argument.

Based on this market perception, Brunswick thought there may be room for a boat brand positioned between Sea Ray and Bayliner, just as General Motors had Pontiac and Oldsmobile positioned between its other two brands. Just two years after the acquisition of Sea Ray and Bayliner, in 1988 Brunswick created the Maxum brand for exactly that purpose.

Building out of a Bayliner facility in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1989 Maxum Marine offered eight models from 16-23 feet. Growth as well as market acceptance of Maxum was slow, as many Maxum hulls were the same as Bayliner hulls but with different decks and inner liners. The public was confused. As Maxum offerings grew in size to include mid-cabin express cruisers and eventually full cruisers, production facilities were added in Salisbury, Maryland.

In 1999, ten years after its formation, Maxum was offering 18 models from 18-46 feet. This was a prelude to a 2000 news conference when Maxum introduced its all new “curvy and sexy-looking” 3500 SCR cruiser, the first Maxum to be designed independently from Bayliner with a distinct brand identity and independence.

In that news conference, Dave Heiss, Maxum’s Manager of Advertising and Marketing, said, "Now we can grow each brand's personality independent of the other." Production was extended to include facilities in Valdosta, Georgia and Miami, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, it seems that maybe the 10 years of public perception and confusion between brands had solidified in the marketplace because Maxum did not perform as anticipated. In 2001, the Valdosta facilities were sold and the Miami, Oklahoma facility closed down as the events of 9/11 resulted in a severe downturn in the pleasure boat industry.

Maxum announced a re-invigoration of its lineup in 2002 but it was too little, too late. By 2009, it had cut back its product offerings to 12 models from 18-37 feet. But damage had also been done by the horrendous financial downturn of 2008 and, after a 20-plus year run, Maxum boats were discontinued in 2009.

The downturn in Maxum sales in 2001 was reflected in almost the entire industry, including almost across the board in the Brunswick Boat Group. Bayliner was building over 50 models in five series of boats and its sales were hit hard. It was also building larger and larger boats up to almost 60 feet and not paying enough attention to the smaller boats in its lineup that had always been its winning formula.

2002 was the final year for Bayliner Motoryachts. In 2003, Brunswick launched its Meridian line of yachts out of Bayliner’s old yacht and former headquarters location in Arlington, Washington. Meridian started with the old Bayliner lineup of seven models of sedans, flybridges, and pilothouse motoryachts from 34-58 feet, with the direction and intention of gradually re-tooling the lineup.

This would include not only new and more aggressive designs but also new materials and hardware to bring the Meridian brand closer to Sea Ray and its perception quality. All Meridian models were equipped with Brunswick’s new Docking on Command™ system of utilizing bow and stern thrusters under a single control.

Sales rebounded under the new direction but the financial downturn of 2008 caused more rationalization of Brunswick’s facilities, including the closing of the Arlington plant and all Meridian production moving to Florida. In 2011, it was claimed that Meridian had the best selling sedan and flybridge cruisers in the United States for the past five years.

It was not enough, though, and by 2018 Brunswick Corp. announced the end of not only Meridian Yachts but also the yacht and sport yacht models of Sea Ray. It must be noted here that both Bayliner and Sea Ray continue to this day both as major manufacturers of pleasure boats.

As a post-script, while we are dealing with Bayliner and its many changes in product lines over the years, there are a couple of series (at least) that have come and gone over the years – series that many boaters will remember with fondness.

One series is the Avanti series of more upscale mid-cabin express cruisers and flybridge boats from 29-40 feet from the years 1987 to 1999. The second series is a personal favourite of mine and one that has attracted almost a cult-like following from long-range cruisers. That series is the Pilothouse Motoryacht models 4588, 4788, 5288, and 5788 built in various of those lengths between 1985 and 2002, and of course continued under Meridian in 2003 and until model changes were made.

It is difficult for me to believe that Carver Yachts , one of the most popular and recognizable motor yacht brands found almost everywhere for decades might no longer be with us. It was said to have closed its doors permanently in mid-2021. Its huge production facilities in Pulaski, Wisconsin, which it shared with Marquis Yachts, was almost simultaneously purchased by KCS International, parent company of Cruisers Yachts of nearby Oconto, Wisconsin.

Charlie Carter and George Verhagen put the three first letters of each of their last names together to create the “Carver” name in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1954. Their first designs were mahogany planked runabouts. As sales grew, in 1956 they moved operations to Pulaski, a short distance northwest of Green Bay.

In the 1960’s, Carver recognized the growing consumer demand for “family-sized” overnighters and built roomy boats to satisfy that market. It recognized the growing demand for flybridge models as well. By 1971, Carver was offering seven models from 21-31 feet, all of which were built from wood.

By the mid-70's, Carver introduced fiberglass hulls but still with wooden superstructures. It first introduced its Mariner series at this time, one of the roomiest boats on the market with loads of indoor living space all on one level. It also came with a huge flybridge which had the only helm control station. The Carver 33-Mariner of the 1970’s satisfied both consumer boating needs and was a huge sales success. The Mariner series expanded over the years while keeping its original successful design philosophies.

By the 1980’s, Carver had grown worldwide into a major builder of what became referred to as motor yachts. The 32 and 36 flybridge aft cabin motor yachts became synonymous with Carver as boat owners enjoyed the privacy of an aft cabin stateroom with a private head compartment, while guests slept at the extreme other end of the boat in the bow.

In 1985, Carver was purchased by Miramar Marine Corp which soon added another production facility in North Carolina. Carver then started building Miramar’s new acquisition of Californian Yachts and offering them through its vast worldwide dealer network. In 1990, Carver offered a substantial lineup of 30 models from 22-55 feet including six Californian models. Sales topped out over $200 million.

The federal luxury tax of early 1991 along with an economic turndown almost crippled Carver. Buyout specialist Irwin Jacobs worked his magic and by the end of the year had assembled Miramar along with Carver into his Genmar Industries. A few years later, this became Genmar Holdings, Inc. which evolved into one of the world’s largest pleasure boat manufacturers.

In 1992, Genmar purchased Trojan Yachts of Pennsylvania and moved the tooling and molds to Pulaski to build the yachts there. Trojan’s lineup ranged from 30-46 foot express and sport cruisers, but unfortunately it did not last long. California Yachts was sold. Meanwhile, Carver started to rebound under new management and with the repeal of the luxury tax a year later.

The late-90's saw consumer demand wanting luxurious interior accommodations and Carver was happy to oblige. By the end of the 1990’s it introduced its ultra-luxurious 53 and 57 Voyager Pilothouse motor yachts with their ”skylounge” helm station with powered Captain’s chair, huge flybridge, solid finished cherrywood cabinetry throughout, leatherette furniture, and plush carpeting.

Following this success, Carver saw the need for even more luxury and better sales in European and offshore markets. In 2002, it started working with the Italian design team of Nuvolari & Lenard. This resulted in Carver building new upscale European designed Nuvari yachts from a new facility in Fano, Italy. With this background, in 2004, Carver created Marquis Yachts as an even more upscale line with European influences built in the Pulaski facilities. Originally, Marquis offered two models, the 59-foot and 65-foot motor yachts, and their success led to a full line from 42-72 feet.

In the same year, 2004, the Genmar Holdings, Inc. portfolio included 18 boat brands, but the financial crisis of 2008 had a devastating cumulative effect resulting in its bankruptcy. At the subsequent auction in 2010, Platinum Equity Group purchased the bulk of the brands, while Irwin Jacobs and a partner purchased Carver and Marquis Yachts. Shortly thereafter they added the Larson group to form the Marquis-Larson Boat Group consisting of six brands: Marquis, Carver, Larson, Larson FX, Larson Escape, and Striper.

After all of these changes, Carver tried to revitalize itself with some striking new designs which didn’t catch on with the market. In 2019, Larson, FX, Escape, and Striper were sold to the Polaris Group. For 2021, Carver was offering only six models from 34-52 feet, none of which had any resemblance to the Carver models which had excelled in the marketplace in the past.

Carver and Marquis were closed in summer of 2021. The extensive Pulaski manufacturing facilities were purchased by KCS International of nearby Oconto, the parent company of Cruisers Yachts, builders of 16 models from 33-60 feet. This company was then almost immediately purchased by MarineMax , the largest recreational boat dealership company with a hundred locations worldwide. Cruisers Yachts continues to excel.

Don't forget to check out:

Part 1- The Story of OMC

Part 2- Chrysler Boats, the Chris Craft Stinger, the Sea Ray Pachanga, and the Houseboat Craze of the 1970's

Part 3- A Retrospective Look at the Peak of Doral, Thundercraft, Magnum, Cadorette, Sunray, & Peterborough

Part 4- Connecting the Heydeys of Silverline, Striper, Owens, Penn Yan, Rinker, and Winner

Part 5- The West Coast Influence of Fiberform, Sun Runner, Apollo, Uniflite, Tollycraft, & Prowler

Part 6- The 'Sleek & Sexy' Era of Sidewinder, HydroStream, Switzer Craft, Challenger, and Lone Star

Part 7- The Web of Connections Between Thompson Boats, Cruisers Yachts, Slickcraft, Grew, Tiara, Pursuit, and Chris Craft

Part 8- The Incredibly Short but Influential Eras of Mariah, Lyman, Celebrity, and MFG

#culture #gonebutnotforgotten #cruisersyachts #marinemax

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BREAKING NEWS: Brunswick to keep Sea Ray, discontinue yachts

The company says it will revitalize the Sea Ray brand by capitalizing on growth opportunities in its sport boat and cruiser product categories.

“Over the last several months, we have engaged in a thorough sale process for the Sea Ray business, which we believed would generate the highest value for our shareholders,” Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Schwabero explained.  “Although there was interest in the business, the offers we received did not reflect an appropriate value for this premium brand, and did not meet our expectations. The lower value was largely due to the persistently weak financial performance of the yacht product category, which complicated and obscured the value of the remainder of Sea Ray.

“As the sale process neared conclusion, we started to evaluate other strategic options beyond our original plan to sell the Sea Ray business in its entirety," Schwabero continued. "Based on that re-assessment, we have concluded that our best opportunity to maximize value is to retain the Sea Ray brand and refocus the business on the sport boat and cruiser product portfolio. As part of the transformation of Sea Ray, we will discontinue sport yacht and yacht models and begin an orderly wind down of yacht production.

“These combined actions will create a revitalized Sea Ray that will benefit from continuing synergy with our broader marine portfolio -- and with targeted ongoing investment - we believe will offer increasingly attractive profitability and cash flow returns.  We believe that this is the best solution to generate value for our dealers and shareholders now and in the future,” Schwabero said.

“Sea Ray remains one of the most aspirational and premium recreational boat brands, and our sport boats and cruisers set the industry standard,” said David Foulkes, president - Marine Consumer Solutions.  “We will focus our resources on advancing our position in these segments, with an emphasis on the growing and evolving 24 - 40-foot categories.  Moving forward, Sea Ray will continue to offer new products, features and services that leverage our technology and innovation initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of the consumer boating experience.”

Sea Ray will begin to wind down sport yacht and yacht production in the third quarter at its Sykes Creek and  Palm Coast ,  Fla. , facilities, involving the elimination of as many as 825 positions. Palm Coast is targeted for closure as soon as practical in 2018, while a portion of Sykes Creek will continue to operate for the foreseeable future to support customer service and warranty obligations, along with other operational requirements.

“We will maintain the capability to provide outstanding service and support to our dealers and installed base of all Sea Ray customers, consistent with the Sea Ray brand promise and history,” Schwabero said.  “We appreciate the dedication and commitment our employees and the communities that support our operations and will help them through this transition.”

The expected impact on 2018 performance and long-term planning targets will be addressed as part of the Company's conference call today as well as the second quarter earnings call.

Going forward,  Brunswick  will report results of Sea Ray on a GAAP basis in continuing operations, rather than the previous classification as discontinued operations in recent financial reports.  Sea Ray Sport Yacht and Yacht financial results will be excluded from the Company's as adjusted, non-GAAP results of continued operations to offer a clearer comparison to go-forward operations. In addition, the Company's as adjusted financial information will include the results of the Sea Ray Sport Boat and Cruiser business.

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Brunswick Corp. will not sell Sea Ray, Vonore plant to stay open

Sea Ray will not be sold, the boatmaker’s owner Brunswick Corp. has announced.

Sea Ray’s U.S. and international operations are headquartered in Knoxville. Its Tellico factory in Vonore makes the 40-foot SLX 400 model, dubbed “The Entertainer.” Facilities in Dandridge and Greeneville support Sea Ray production. The company’s Palm Coast factory is in Flagler Beach, Florida, while its Sykes Creek plant and Product Development & Engineering facility are on Merritt Island, Florida.

In December 2017, Brunswick announced it would sell all those facilities, expecting to close a sale of the Sea Ray brand by mid-2018.

More: Owner of boatmaker Sea Ray, with Vonore factory and Knoxville office, floats sale

Instead, Brunswick will discontinue its Florida-built yachts , closing those facilities, Brunswick Director of Media Relations and Corporate Communications Daniel Kubera said. The Sykes Creek site will remain open for the foreseeable future to handle customer service, warranty questions and related issues.

“In the end, we’ve decided that the best path forward is to keep operating the Sea Ray brand,” he said. “We’re going to focus on sport boats and cruisers, which are made in Tellico. The sale process has been halted.”

Headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois, Brunswick Corp. owns multiple marine motor, boat accessory, fitness and recreation brands, as well as 15 labels in Brunswick Boat Group. Only Sea Ray was put up for sale.

“Over the last several months, we have engaged in a thorough sale process for the Sea Ray business, which we believed would generate the highest value for our shareholders,” Brunswick Chairman and CEO Mark Schwabero said in a news release. “Although there was interest in the business, the offers we received did not reflect an appropriate value for this premium brand, and did not meet our expectations. The lower value was largely due to the persistently weak financial performance of the yacht product category, which complicated and obscured the value of the remainder of Sea Ray.”

So the company decided to “maximize value” by winding down yacht production over the next few months, focusing Sea Ray on sport boats and cruisers, he said.

The emphasis will be on 24- to 40-foot boats, developing new products, features and services for that range, David Foulkes, Brunswick president for marine consumer solutions, said in the announcement.

Demonstrating that commitment, Brunswick is moving Sea Ray out of the “discontinued operations” category of its financial reporting, and into “continuing operations,” according to the news release.

The Palm Coast plant will close soon, with most of the Merritt Island facility to follow by September. Those moves will cost up to 825 jobs, the company announced.

Sea Ray’s engineering facility will combine with the Boston Whaler engineering location, an hour away in Edgewater, Florida, Kubera said. Brunswick owns both brands. The combined facility will be called the Brunswick Fiberglass Boat Technology Center. Sea Ray product development will continue there, Kubera said. Some Florida Sea Ray employees may be able to transfer to other Brunswick-owned boat marques.

Prior to the Florida shutdown, Sea Ray employs about 1,500 nationwide, Kubera has said. About 600 of those work at the Tellico West Industrial Park plant. A year ago the Tellico plant expanded, adding workers to increase SLX 400 production.

Decisions about any employment changes at the Knoxville headquarters will be made over the next few months as the Florida yacht operations wind down. Kubera said. He said no cuts are expected at Tellico.

“We will continue to turn out new boats with new features,” he said. “Tellico will keep operating as it’s operating.”

Sea Ray, founded in Michigan in 1959, built the Tellico factory in 1985. A year later Brunswick bought the company for $350 million, on the heels of buying boatmaker Bayliner for $425 million, according to BoatTEST.com.

At that time Sea Ray sold 28,000 boats a year, but today only sells about a tenth of that, BoatTEST.com reported. In 1986 Sea Ray had 4,500 workers, but now employs a third of that number.

Annual sales, pegged at $400 million in 1986, dropped to $380 million for 2017, and Sea Ray operates at a loss, BoatTest.com said, quoting a company spokesperson.

Sea Ray was not alone in its decline; overall, new boat sales in the U.S. dropped by more than half from 2000 to 2017, according to BoatTEST.com.

Sea Ray is making boats for the future

It’s been more than a year since Brunswick Corp. backtracked on selling Knoxville-headquartered Sea Ray and decided to instead make significant product changes to retain it.

• With the elimination of yacht production and new boats on the way in 2020, Sea Ray is poised to retain its place as a top-tier brand.
• And as the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, today most of the parts and boats bearing the Sea Ray brand are manufactured right here in Tennessee.

Eliminated yachts

When Brunswick elected to retain Sea Ray, one of its largest boating brands, in June 2018, the 600-employee Vonore plant was left intact.

In order to streamline and focus on its core competency, Sea Ray announced at that time it would discontinue its line of yachts.

The decision allowed the manufacturer to narrow its scope to match the capabilities of its sister Brunswick company, Mercury Marine, which supports engine development of smaller crafts, director of marketing Shelby Kirby said.

It was a move that has reduced complexity and emphasized a less risky part of the market, she said.

Sea Ray has since ceased yacht production, and in the next few months, dealers will sell the few models remaining in inventory.

The elimination of yachts affected only the Florida facilities, she said.

The Vonore plant, operational for 36 years, employs more than 100 people who have more than 25 years with the company and recently produced its 160,000th boat. Brunswick employs about 200 people in downtown Knoxville.

Brunswick did receive offers during the sale process, Kirby said, but those offers didn’t match the value of the brand, in Brunswick’s opinion.

The canceled sale offered an opportunity to get Sea Ray back to its origins.

“The best opportunity really was to rethink Sea Ray and really refocus the business on sport boating and cruiser product portfolio, and then wind down the sport yacht and yacht models,” said Lee Gordon, director of Brunswick Marine communications and public relations.

“And it’s been a really good decision, I think, for all of us.”

The brand has new boats under development that will “embody the new look and feel and design direction for Sea Ray moving forward,” Kirby said.

At least one new boat will launch at the end of 2020.

What’s selling now?

Kirby said the brand’s most popular boats are currently the SLX 400 and the Sundancer 320. The largest boat in Sea Ray’s fleet, the SLX 400 is a recreational boat with sleeping for four below. The boat is currently sold out.

“We’re trying to add additional manufacturing capacity just to keep up with the demand,” she said. The elimination of yacht production has allowed some of the Sea Ray Florida facilities to add capacity to produce this model.

The Sundancer 320 is Sea Ray’s famous Sundancer boat – one of the first recreational cruisers with a lower cabin and known for its long bow profile – but reimagined. On this updated version, the deck space offers seating in the bow area in addition to sleeping for four below.

“It seems as though the demand for luxury goods is still quite strong, while you may hear nods to concern about the economy for other markets,” Kirby said.

Shift in customer preferences

There’s been a major shift in customer preferences, and Sea Ray has adjusted its offerings, Kirby said. These two boats offer what Sea Ray considers the best of both worlds – great interior accommodations and maximum outdoor space.

“People are wanting more space outside,” she said. “There was a period of time where the fully enclosed boats were really, really popular and people wanted more interior cabin space. But we’re seeing the consumer demand around more exterior space.”

Customers also are more interested in outboard power on fiberglass cruisers thanks to technology advancements making outboard power quieter and easier to maintain. Nearly all the boats in the fleet have the option of outboard power now.

The company has focused on making boating easier through technology advancements – it’s something experienced and new boaters desire, Gordon said, and Sea Ray is working to make intuitive technology that mirrors what consumers might have in their homes.

“It’s not your grandfather’s pontoon anymore,” he said. “You’ve got this beautiful boat with a joystick in some sense that you can maneuver.”

The company is formally integrating Sea Ray Connect into its boats, a technology that allows consumers to monitor key information like diagnostics on battery health and and GPS tracking remotely.

The uncertainty of a potential sale gave Sea Ray an opportunity to re-evaluate the business and its goals, Kirby said. Since then, Sea Ray has been focused on workplace culture. The company is always hiring skilled and nonskilled workers and offers training.

“We’ve got a great team of people that are passionate about the company and making great boats,” she said.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel

The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville-Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee. Visit www.eteda.org

Published November 22, 2019

Sea Ray Yachts: The Complete Guide to Sea Ray Yachts

Table of Contents

Last Updated on June 23, 2021 by Boatsetter Team

An all-American titan in the boating world, Sea Ray Yachts is the world’s largest and arguably best manufacturer of superior quality yachts. Here’s what the critics have to say about these yachts  what the critics say .

The History of Sea Ray Yachts

Founded in Detroit, Michigan by the young C. N. Connie, Sea Ray has stood as a beacon of innovation and progress, one that would eventually redefine the face of yachting since 1959. It was the first boat manufacturer in the world to use fiberglass in pleasure boat construction.

In 1972, it opened a state-of-the-art facility at Merit Island, Florida. Over time, this grew into three individual plants at that location, employing more than a thousand workers at its peak. Indeed, this enterprise was so renowned for their quality that they could build over a dozen high-end yachts each week, each retailing from $200,000 to $500,000.

However, while its designers were hard at work, Connie Ray’s had the canniest insight that the key to a boat’s success was charismatic dealers. He built a strong network of dependable dealers that were respected across the US. Sea Ray’s first big break came in 1975 with the Sundancer line , which earned the company a place in yachting history. Its seductive lines and spacious cabin space tempted boaters away from traditional, not to mention stuffy, boxy cabin cruisers that dominated the market at the time.

In 1986, Sea Ray was purchased by the Brunswick Corporation for $350 million. Meanwhile, Brunswick purchased the Bayliner brand, making it the largest pleasure boat producer in the world. The rest, they may say, is history.

Features of a Sea Ray Yacht

Everything Sea Ray does is designed not only to be exceptional but create the exceptional. Indeed, Sea Ray is more than a boat; it is a way of life. There is a reason that Sea Ray has one of the largest networks of boat owners the world over. Get involved. Be a part of it.

Brilliant boats are only possible because of their brilliant design. Fortunately, the naval architects at Sea Ray are some of the best. They strive to make every detail of a Sea Ray distinctive, bold, timeless. When your eyes first gaze upon a Sea Ray, it will be love at first sight. This is because each model is designed with the owner at heart. They will cater to every need or desire.

Nimble. Sporty. Fast. High-octane. Sea Ray Yachts always perform. But this power is at no cost to comfort and security. Sea Ray Yachts are smooth, quiet, and easy to handle. They will not let you down – whatever the weather.

More than most other boatbuilders in the market, Sea Ray cares for their customers. They have an unrivaled reputation for support and commitment that is unmatched by any other manufacturer out there. Such is reflected in the fact that each vessel comes with a 3 – 5 year warranty.

No wonder Sea Ray has won an enviable amount of  awards  for quality, customer satisfaction, and dealer performance. Connie Ray would be proud.

The Sea Ray Range

We are fortunate enough to present a rich array of Sea Rays for rental. In fact, thanks to our  peer-to-peer  boat rental network, testing out a Sea Ray yacht is easier than ever before.

Boatsetter rentals typically come with a knowledgeable captain and crew to guide you on an exciting yacht charter adventure. We offer boats to rent from multiple locations across the United States, Europe, and beyond. Many of our rentals can be enhanced with jet skis, electronic surfboards, and sea bobs.

Want to know where to begin? Click  here .

The Sundancer Series

For that long weekend, you have been dreaming of

Need a break? Well, the Sundancer Series will allow you to enjoy a much-needed long weekend in sheer comfort and style. Experienced craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, the Sundancer Series provides an idyllic boating experience. Treat your partner, surprise your lover, or take the fishing rods and go it alone. Go on. Do it.

Sundancer 320

The Sundancer 320 is as plentiful as it is functional. It has a spacious bow lounging area and seating area on the deck , complete with wet bar, refrigerator and grill, and comfortable cabin. In short, a space for endless entertaining and reclining in style. And when the sun dips low in the sky, the Sundancers V- berth seating around a solid wood table converts into a sleeping area fit for a king. Four kings, to be precise!

This boat packs a punch on the waves powered by Twin MerCruiser 6.2 L MPI ECT Bravo III engines. Its cutting-edge VesselView Mobile technology allows you to connect your iPhone or Android to the yacht’s onboard management system, where it will monitor all the engines and customize data points. If something isn’t right, it will send you alerts to assist in troubleshooting and keep you and your family safe on the water.

Sundancer 370 Outboard

Measuring in at 39′ 9″, the Sundancer 370 Outboard is an engineering feat. Below deck, it offers sheer relaxation, so much so you won’t want to get off at the port . Sleeping four, there is plenty of room for maneuvering in the cabin. Across the interior, there is a chic yet homely design that emphasizes spaciousness. The galley includes a microwave, refrigerator, and forward V-berth lounge.

Fantastic for the kids, there is a shower, optional smart TV for playing video games, and a u-shaped sofa that converts into a sleeper for two. Don’t worry about the babysitter.

With joystick piloting and an optional dynamic running surface, the Sundancer performs without par. It is propelled by standard triple Mercury 300 Verado outboard engines. These can be commanded intelligently as the helm is equipped with a Digital Dash feature and standard dual 122 Simrad touch screen displays.

The SLX Series

Unleash your inner athlete  

A ground-breaking in every sense. The SLX Series combines high performance with innovative technology. They are perfect for the sports enthusiast out there – or one in the making. All the towers and hardtops in the series include new forward-facing and folding styles. Many towers fold electronically, whereas standard and optional components include:

• Swivel wakeboard racks.
• Integrated bimini tops and lights.
• Rotating nylon ski tows for reduced rope wear.

The SLX 280 is a dream. There is a level of excellence in its design that you will see and feel. You can dazzle your passengers at night by lighting up the ocean with blue underwater LED lights, which help set the mood of spending time with loved ones or friends. Add in soft ambient music or something a bit more high tempo, and you have yourself a party.

When you wish to tear off to a new destination in the morning, the SLX 280 can perform without compromises. Smooth and responsive controls allow you to master its power and agility, while its Mercury SmartCraft Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) system deliver effortless command. Aggression. Power. Performance. Can you tame this beast?

The SDX Series

Raise a glass to the sunshine.

Summers go past in the blink of an eye. This is why it is important to choose carefully who we spend our free time with and how we spend it. Every SDX model is designed to bring you the best moments, be it with family, friends, or business colleagues – they cater to groups of many sizes and needs. An SDX is a tribute to summer.

Do you love water sports? And do you like spending time with your friends? This is where the SDX 290 shines. One of the best in its class, this luxury deck boat has a deep V hull and wide carried forward beam , measuring in 9′ (3m). This handy feature allows you to seat more friends and customize the layout to your group’s individual needs with the convertible portside and helm seats. Sailing or at anchor, the SDX 290 is malleable to your needs.

The SPX Series

Non-stop thrills

This series is built for days to remember. Each sport boat is built to excite and entertain. The heady cocktail of style, performance, and fun. What’s not to love?

Sporty and affordable, the SPX 190 Outboard is an athlete on the water. It glides across the water effortlessly with its comfortable handling, while the stylish design delivers a premium boating experience without an eye-watering price tag . The SPX comes as standard with 2 x Mercury 115 Pro XS outboard engines with power options up to 150 HP.

And for when you feel like taking a break from the thrills, the deck has a spacious sun pad and easy water access from the swim platform. The interior will provide the kind of comfort and performance your family needs and deserves.  Take a look for yourself  with this walkthrough.

Don’t miss the call of the water. Can you hear it? 

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

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Sea Ray Closing High-End Cruising Boat Plants in Florida. Will Focus on 25- to 40-Foot Models.

Brunswick, which has owned Sea Ray since 1986, just announced that it is shutting down the two Florida factories that make Sea Ray’s high-end sport yacht and yacht lines, laying off about 825 workers. Last year Sea Ray (and Meridian) had an operating loss of $17.2 million.

Brunswick has been trying to sell Sea Ray, one of the largest boat companies in the U.S., since last December. But Mark Schwabero, the Brunswick chairman and CEO, said “the offers we received did not reflect an appropriate value for this premium brand, and did not meet our expectations.” A major problem, he said, was “the persistently weak financial performance of the yacht product category.” As a result, Brunswick is closing the Sea Ray factories at Sykes Creek (Merritt Island) and Palm Coast (pictured above). It will stop production of the Sport Yachts and L-Series yachts in the next few months.

Instead of selling Sea Ray, Schwabero said Brunswick will “refocus the business on the sport boat and cruiser product portfolio,” making boats from 25 to 40 feet. Sea Ray now has 21 different models in that category, including eight that are powered by outboard engines. (Brunswick also makes Mercury and Mariner outboards.) The outboard segment is one of the fastest growing trends in powerboating, and many of the new Sea Rays will have outboard power.

Sea Ray makes about 2,000 boats a year, including 300 to 400 over 40 feet. MarineMax sells about 50 percent of all Sea Rays worldwide, and Sea Ray accounted for about 23 percent of MarineMax’s revenue last year.

Brunswick Corp., based in Lake Forest, Illinois, makes boats, boat engines, fitness and billiards equipment. Its boat brands include Sea Ray, Meridian, Boston Whaler, Bayliner, Crestliner, Lowe, Lund and Harris.

Brunswick is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BC. Its stock was selling in the $64 range in the middle of the week. At its low on December 1, 2008, the stock sold for $2.00 a share. Read more:

https://flaglerlive.com/123593/sea-ray-boats-palm-coast-shuts-down/

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Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide

• Thread starter rlb2252
• Start date Aug 13, 2009

Petty Officer 2nd Class

• Aug 13, 2009

I?m hot on the trail of purchasing my first boat. Had a deal on a 1986 22 foot Sea Ray Cuddy fall apart. Now I?m hankering for a little more boat, like a 26 footer full cabin cruiser. I?ve been studying boat from as far back as 1979 to as new as the late ?80?s. There are subtle differences between certain years. Is there a year by year guide to Sea Rays that would better inform me of what changes--both cosmetically and mechanically--have taken place over those years? A year by year Sea Ray buyer?s guide. Also, what does the DA stand for on some Sea Ray model, example "1986 Sea Ray 240 DA"?  

Chief Petty Officer

Re: Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide DA stands for dancer as in Sundancer, this is the model that has the "mid" cabin under the helm. This has a lot more room than a conventional cuddy cabin. I think Sea Ray was purchased by Brunswick in the mid to late 80's and for a period of time they consoildated models and were made a lot cheaper than the late 70 early 80 models. This (late 80's) is also the time period when they started including the swim platform in their model length. For instance a 1984 240 Sea Ray Monaco (top end bow rider) had a hull length 2 ' longer than an 88 Sea Ray bowrider because the 88 had an integrated swim platform. They reverted back to the original system in the early 90's (I think).  

25thmustang

Lieutenant commander.

Re: Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide If your looking into a 26' Sundancer, be advised. You will find people list the 25' as 26, which is a big difference. The layout below decks were different, the motors can be different etc... There are literally thousands of 268 Sundancers out there to choose from!  

Vice Admiral

Re: Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide Sea Ray is one of the manufacturers (there are a few) that maintains archival materials online. http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10532/Model-Archives.aspx Year by year, model by model, you can get boat specs and brochures.  

JoLin said: Sea Ray is one of the manufacturers (there are a few) that maintains archival materials online. http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10532/Model-Archives.aspx Year by year, model by model, you can get boat specs and brochures. Click to expand...

Fleet Admiral

Re: Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide we have a 1985 270 da (sundancer) it is 10 foot on the beam, as well it has twin 260 mercs, it is a fun boat because it is so big as well the 520 hp helps, BUT because it is so big thats another problem first 10 foot on beam makes for the need of a wide load permit. overall length 30 foot, not the easiest to manouver around the launch area. estimated total weight on trailer "wet", fuel, water, food,, beer, etc 9000 pounds, you need a big truck with applicable GVW as well as the trailer If you can get a handle on the towing and launching get the biggest one you can afford. rob  

Re: Sea Ray Year-By-Year Buyer's Guide I bought a 1987 300 Sundancer about a month ago. Make sure you do some research, they went to a balsa-cored hull in the early to mid 90's I believe and there was all sorts of problems for a sevaral year span till they got the bugs worked out. The hull on the earlier ones is solid fiberglass. You might be able to figure out when it changed over by comparing weights of different model years.  

• News and Reviews

Sea Ray discontinue Sport yacht and Yacht models

Sea Ray has recently decided to focus on the 24 – 40-foot categories

“Over the last several months, we have engaged in a thorough sale process for the Sea Ray business, which we believed would generate the highest value for our shareholders,” Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Schwabero explained. “Although there was interest in the business, the offers we received did not reflect an appropriate value for this premium brand, and did not meet our expectations. The lower value was largely due to the persistently weak financial performance of the yacht product category, which complicated and obscured the value of the remainder of Sea Ray.

“As the sale process neared conclusion, we started to evaluate other strategic options beyond our original plan to sell the Sea Ray business in its entirety,” Schwabero continued. “Based on that re-assessment, we have concluded that our best opportunity to maximize value is to retain the Sea Ray brand and refocus the business on the sport boat and cruiser product portfolio. As part of the transformation of Sea Ray, we will discontinue sport yacht and yacht models and begin an orderly wind down of yacht production.

“These combined actions will create a revitalized Sea Ray that will benefit from continuing synergy with our broader marine portfolio — and with targeted ongoing investment – we believe will offer increasingly attractive profitability and cash flow returns. We believe that this is the best solution to generate value for our dealers and shareholders now and in the future,” Schwabero said.

“Sea Ray remains one of the most aspirational and premium recreational boat brands, and our sport boats and cruisers set the industry standard,” said David Foulkes, president – Marine Consumer Solutions. “We will focus our resources on advancing our position in these segments, with an emphasis on the growing and evolving 24 – 40-foot categories. Moving forward, Sea Ray will continue to offer new products, features and services that leverage our technology and innovation initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of the consumer boating experience.”

Sea Ray will begin to wind down sport yacht and yacht production in the third quarter at its Sykes Creek and Palm Coast, Fla., facilities, involving the elimination of as many as 825 positions. Palm Coast is targeted for closure as soon as practical in 2018, while a portion of Sykes Creek will continue to operate for the foreseeable future to support customer service and warranty obligations, along with other operational requirements.

“We will maintain the capability to provide outstanding service and support to our dealers and installed base of all Sea Ray customers, consistent with the Sea Ray brand promise and history,” Schwabero said. “We appreciate the dedication and commitment our employees and the communities that support our operations and will help them through this transition.”

The expected impact on 2018 performance and long-term planning targets will be addressed as part of the Company’s conference call today as well as the second quarter earnings call.

Going forward, Brunswick will report results of Sea Ray on a GAAP basis in continuing operations, rather than the previous classification as discontinued operations in recent financial reports. Sea Ray Sport Yacht and Yacht financial results will be excluded from the Company’s as adjusted, non-GAAP results of continued operations to offer a clearer comparison to go-forward operations. In addition, the Company’s as adjusted financial information will include the results of the Sea Ray Sport Boat and Cruiser business.

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1998 Sea Ray 210BR - All Fiberglass, or still some wood?

• Thread starter Adzam
• Start date Apr 3, 2011

• Apr 3, 2011

Just purchased a 1998 Sea Ray 210BR. Did this boat still have wood stringers or is it all fiberglass? I read another thread that mentioned it was all fiberglass, but could not find any mention any place else? Mine has the finished fiberglass floor (but missing the snap in carpet), not sure if this would make it all fiberglass or not??? And while we are at it, what the best cruising RPM for the Mercruiser 5.0 (220HP, non-Fuel Injected)???  

• Apr 4, 2011

For best fuel economy 3000 - 3500 rpm. About the wood, someone more knowledgable will have to comment. I have 1995 200 select with a solid floor but bet its got wood in it.  

• Apr 6, 2011

I would be delighted to learn that the stringers are glass vs wood. I have a 1998 230 bowrider and fear water rot under the glass floor. Hope someone has the answer.  

If no one on CSR has the answers, you can call Sea Ray directly and ask them about the materials they used. A service department at a Sea Ray dealership may also be able to tell you.  

I did just that, I emailed Sea Ray support this AM about a 1998 270 Sundancer and waiting for a reply, once/if they reply I'll post it. I suspect we'll find that it does have wood. I too am looking to purchase a 98 and have the exact same question. If it is wood I'm hoping it's marine grade plywood at least. I understand that some other boat manufacturers in the mid 90s went to marine encapsulated plywood and offered a lifetime warranty. I hope this applies to Sea Ray. I've searched the CSR archive and could not find a definite answer there, maybe I'm doing it wrong.  

A good Marine Surveyor will also know how they are constructed. And I would recommend a survey on a used boat regardless of how it is constructed.  

I received this from Sea Ray Weds. morning. Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Sea Ray 270 Sundancer. The cruiser models are fabricated using marine grade wood for the stringer and transom assembly, which is sealed with fiberglass and resin. With normal care, this area is well protected by the full fiberglass deck / cockpit liner. The Sea Ray structural warranty is for five years from the original date of purchase. We appreciate your interest in Sea Ray and the opportunity to assist you with this information. If we may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department. Best Regards, Terry Kerr  

• Apr 7, 2011

Interesting they make mention of "cruiser models". I know from experience that the sun pad wood is not marine grade, rather very cheap plywood. I replaced mine due to rot a few years ago and used marine grade.  

Watch these videos, I understand it's not the same year you are asking about but it's still very informative to say the least. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41331-*-Boat-rot-repair-nightmare-*  

dicor said: Watch these videos, I understand it's not the same year you are asking about but it's still very informative to say the least. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41331-*-Boat-rot-repair-nightmare-* Click to expand...

I was having a difficult time getting a definitive answer from the internet on the exact boat I was considering. So I went on the Sea Ray website to support section and found the link to email your question. I included the hull # and they got back to me with the info in less than a day. That's the ticket! Whatever you do get a survey and make sure your surveyor is fully capable of checking for moisture in the stringer/transom. You'll sleep much better.  

• Apr 9, 2011

Lads, I have been following a thread for several months regarding wood replacement by a fellow in Texas. The work he has done and the extensive restoral job is well beyond what I would attempt. I'll try and post the link. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=454460&page=16  

• Apr 10, 2011

What is the email address you sent your question to? I need to ask them the same thing about my 98 180 BR.  

• Apr 12, 2011

friscoboater

I would be willing to bet money it is still wood. that is my boat everyone is talking about, and the stringers were only 1/2" Kinda Scary if you asked me.  

friscoboater said: I would be willing to bet money it is still wood. that is my boat everyone is talking about, and the stringers were only 1/2" Kinda Scary if you asked me. Click to expand...

Active Member

Adzam, I cannot comment on your 210. However, the sales literature for my 230 indicated that it had either a composite or fiberglass stringer grid. I do not recall this being mentioned for the transom construction. My previous Crownline had wooden stringers and did a better job of deadening the sound of ripples, chop and etc. against the hull. The increased noise level/hull slap on my 230 was immediately apparent as we were idling out of the marina during the sea trial/demo.  

• Sep 27, 2018

COOPER W NORMAN

Adzam said: Yah, I think you are right. I have the optional finished fiberglass floor, so I was hoping that this would give me fiberglass stringers. Most likely not much has changed from your boat (1995) to mine (1998)... Click to expand...

Well-Known Member

Your alpha drive is 100 percent dependent on the strength of the transom, that's all it attaches to. The drive and engine only connect through the driveshaft. Also wrong about the P/T plywood lasting your lifetime. Believe it, that product starts to rot after a few years subjected to moisture. There is a reason boat builders don't use it in areas that will get wet. I skimmed the deck of my old center console with home depot 3/4" P/T and after 3 seasons it's failing and was coated with a marine paint.  

scoflaw said: Your alpha drive is 100 percent dependent on the strength of the transom, that's all it attaches to. The drive and engine only connect through the driveshaft. Also wrong about the P/T plywood lasting your lifetime. Believe it, that product starts to rot after a few years subjected to moisture. There is a reason boat builders don't use it in areas that will get wet. I skimmed the deck of my old center console with home depot 3/4" P/T and after 3 seasons it's failing and was coated with a marine paint. Click to expand...

Not only is the drive/transom assembly supported 100% by the transom but the 2 rear engine mounts attach to the transom assembly as well. The 2 front engine mounts are supported by the stringers. There is no cantilevering, look closer, there are no bolts connecting the engine to the transom/drive. Seat of the pants test would be to put all your weight on the leg and see if you see flexing. There are several grades of P/T lumber. Home Depot probable being the worst.  

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Sea Ray Vs Bayliner: Which Boat is Reigns Supreme?

• Liam Jackson
• March 21, 2023

For great water adventures, you’ll definitely need a great boat. A boat that will stand the test of time and give you amazing memories. But with the variety available, it can be tricky to decide on the ultimate boat.

So, which will you choose sea ray vs bayliner?

If you ask us, pick the bayliner. They are a great option with standard furnishings on a budget. A bayliner will also last you up to 7 years. However, if you want to invest in something more durable, pick the sea ray. It comes with greater features and requires less maintenance than the bayliner.

To decide on the best boat, you’ll need more information on them. So, we’d love it if you kept reading. Our segment covers all the details that you should consider before deciding on the one to buy.

So, let’s begin our quest for the best boat!

Sea Ray and Bayliner are two well-known and respected boat brands in the recreational boating industry. Both offer a wide range of boats to suit various preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. While each brand has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, it’s difficult to determine which one reigns supreme as the better boat manufacturer. In this article, we’ll compare Sea Ray and Bayliner to help you make an informed decision about which brand might be right for you.

Table of Contents

Sea Ray Boats

Sea Ray is a premium brand that has been producing high-quality boats for more than 60 years. They offer a wide range of boats, from sports boats and cruisers to yachts and superyachts. Sea Ray is known for its attention to detail, luxurious finishes, and innovative designs that make their boats stand out from the competition. They also offer a comprehensive warranty and exceptional customer service, which adds to their overall value proposition.

• Superior build quality and craftsmanship
• Wide range of boats for various purposes and preferences
• Innovative designs and advanced technologies
• Exceptional customer service and warranty
• Excellent resale value
• Higher price point compared to other brands
• Limited customization options
• Maintenance and repair costs can be high

Bayliner Boats

Bayliner, on the other hand, is a more affordable and accessible brand that offers boats at a lower price point than Sea Ray. They have been producing boats for over 60 years and have a strong reputation for producing reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable boats. Bayliner boats are designed for entry-level and budget-conscious boaters who want a quality boat that won’t break the bank.

• Affordable price point
• Easy-to-use and low-maintenance boats
• Great for entry-level boaters
• Good resale value
• Build quality and finishes are not as high as Sea Ray
• Limited range of advanced technologies

Significant Differences Between Sea Ray And Bayliner

While they’re both widely available brands, they have considerable differences. Understanding these differences should help you choose the ultimate boat.

To make things easy for you, we’ve put together a table below. This way you can see the differences briefly side by side. This should later help you acknowledge the differences in detail-

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s see these features individually-

Do The Prices Vary?

There is a very steep price difference between sea ray and bayliner. So, if we consider cost, sea ray is the more expensive option.

Sea ray is a premium brand. Their boats start at around $40,000. Plus they are always coming out with new models. Some of these can cost you as much as 1 million dollars.

This high price is courtesy of high-quality materials and furnishings. Sea ray is also known to have new and cutting-edge technology on their boats. This makes it a great choice for long-term and experienced boat enthusiasts.

Bayliner is a more affordable option. Their boats start at $20,000 and can go up to $60,000. Their features are more limited than sea rays. But they are a reliable brand. They’re also preferred highly by boat enthusiasts with a budget.

How Do The Furnishings Differ?

Furnishings play a huge role in deciding which boat to get. While outdoor furnishings provide protection, indoor furnishings provide an aesthetic appeal. Sea ray and bayliner differ here too.

Sea ray has high-quality materials in its furnishings. The exterior is made with reinforced wood and metal.

The indoor furnishings are top-notch with dense foam seats and metal reinforcements. This is partly the reason why sea ray hails a higher price than bayliner.

On the other hand, bayliner has a more simplistic approach. Their furnishings are made of wood and plastics mainly. There are some metal reinforcements but they aren’t comparable with sea ray.

What About Differences In Maintenance?

To keep your boats running smoothly, you’ll need proper maintenance. However, in the case of maintenance, sea ray and bayliner tend to differ.

With a sea ray boat, you’ll only need to check once a year. That’s because the internal furnishings and technical mechanisms are made of high-quality materials.

This makes them resistant to most kinds of damage done by rough waves. As a result, you can rest easy. You’re unlikely to face pesky trouble like unfreezing a boat steering cable.

Now, the case is quite different with a bayliner boat. It’s made with materials that aren’t the same quality as sea rays. While this makes their prices cheaper, it also begs for frequent maintenance.

You need to check a bayliner once every 6 months. Many users of bayliner claim that it’s best to carry out a check before every trip. This way you can avoid all sorts of issues and keep your bayliner in top shape.

For both boats, it’s wise to seek professional help for an in-depth check. This can be annual or even once in 2 years.

Some boat troubles arise only after they’ve been used for over a year. Professional help can assist to eradicate these. You can also invest in better items for your boat like top-notch marine spark plugs . These can help improve the performance of your boat.

Which Boat Has Greater Durability?

Considering furnishings and maintenance, sea ray lasts longer. With proper care, a sea ray boat can last over a decade.

The same can’t be said for bayliner. With the right maintenance, a bayliner boat can last up to 5 years. After that point, you’ll need to be extra careful about your boat.

That’s because it can be quite prone to damage from water and impact. As a result, you’ll need to highly prioritize maintenance.

Routine checks can help add 2 more years to your boat. It can also help fast identification and solving of issues like problematic as tank vents .

Once you’ve taken a look, we can proceed to the last bits of the article.

Final Verdict

So, will it be sea ray or bayliner? Still undecided with the boat you want to get? Allow us to give you one final nudge.

If you’re new to boating or have a small budget, pick the bayliner. You just have to check the boat regularly, that’s all. This way you’ll know more about boats and gain experience.

You can pick a sea ray if you want a boat that’ll last long. The furnishings and durability make it a great investment. If you’re experienced with boating and want something long-lasting, pick sea ray.

Again, boat maintenance is essential for both boats to achieve the best performance. Keep your boats in check to ensure that it runs smoothly for years. And don’t worry! It’s not that hard to maintain a boat by yourself.

We hope you’re able to decide based on the details. This brings us near the end of our segment.

Are sea ray and bayliner the same company?

Yes they are. Sea ray, bayliner, and mercury belong to one company. This is the Brunswick Corporation. Based in the United States, they are leaders in the marine industry. They’ve been in business since 1845 making world-renowned boats and marine gear.

Why did sea ray stop making big boats?

Answer: Sea ray stopped making big boats due to market pricing inconsistency. Company officials claim that they had to sell their boats for unsatisfactory prices. This wasn’t feasible as the company was incurring losses over a premium product.

Where are bayliner boats made?

Answer: Bayliner boats are mainly made in the United States. They have production plants in the states of Washington and Tennessee. However, they also have plants in Mexico, Portugal, and Brazil.

Are Sea Ray and Bayliner the same company?

In 1986, the Boat Group division of Brunswick

Is Sea Ray a high-end boat?

Yes, Sea Ray is a high-end boat brand that is known for producing luxury boats with exceptional finishes and advanced technologies. They have been in the boating industry for over 60 years and offer a wide range of boats, from sports boats and cruisers to yachts and superyachts.

Their boats are typically priced higher than other brands due to their superior build quality and craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovative designs. They also offer a comprehensive warranty and exceptional customer service, which adds to their overall value proposition.

Overall, Sea Ray is considered a premium brand in the recreational boating industry.

Can Bayliners go in the ocean?

Bayliner offers a range of boats that are designed for various purposes, including coastal cruising, fishing, and water sports. However, it’s important to note that not all Bayliner boats are suitable for offshore use and some may be better suited for calm waters, lakes, and rivers.

It’s important to choose a boat that is designed for the specific type of boating you plan to do and to always follow safe boating practices, including checking weather conditions and ensuring that your boat is properly equipped and maintained for the conditions you’ll be facing.

It’s also a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable boating expert to ensure that your Bayliner is suitable for the type of ocean boating you plan to do.

Where is Bayliner made?

Facilities for Bayliner may be found at Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico as well as Knoxville, Tennessee, Dandridge, Tennessee, and Arlington, Washington, in the United States.

For the European and South American markets, Bayliner also operates plants in Brazil and Portugal.

Wrapping Up

Both Sea Ray and Bayliner boats offer great quality and value for boat owners. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits that should be taken into account when making a purchase decision.

Sea Ray boats are typically larger than Bayliners, offering more storage capacity, speed, and amenities such as bow thrusters for maneuverability in tight spaces.

Bayliners tend to be more fuel-efficient due to their larger engines but may require slightly more maintenance than Sea Rays do. Ultimately, the choice between these two brands is up to you – consider your needs carefully before making your decision!

Now that you know all about Sea Ray versus Bayliner boats, it’s time to visit your local dealer and make the right choice for you!

I’m Liam Jackson, the proud owner and driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. Born somewhere in the expansive beauty of the United States, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for kayaking and fishing that has led me to explore the far corners of our nation’s waterways.

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• bayliner , Boat , reigns , sea ray , supreme

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Hello! I’m Liam Jackson, the proud owner and driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. Born somewhere in the expansive beauty of the United States, I’ve nurtured a lifelong passion for kayaking and fishing that has led me to explore the far corners of our nation’s waterways.

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