A large bowrider with a second indoor space

Sea Ray's SLX 350 stretches the dayboat format to 36 feet overall, creating separate zones for helm work, sociable meals and relaxation near the swim platform. Its main distinction is the combination of unusually generous open seating with a concealed, cooled retreat.

The builder calls that interior the Port Hideaway, describing air conditioning, upholstered seating and options for entertainment. It is not a replacement for the accommodation plan of a full cabin cruiser, but it offers welcome privacy during a long family day.

Aft-facing loungers can fold away or be arranged to face the water, expanding the ways people can use the transom area. The most successful layouts are those that remain safe and easy to move through when cushions are rearranged.

What the standard propulsion provides

The published standard specification lists twin Mercury MerCruiser 6.2-litre MPI sterndrive installations, each rated at 300hp, with joystick piloting. Buyers should distinguish this official sterndrive configuration from other promotional imagery and confirm the exact engine package on a specific hull.

Joystick controls can simplify close-quarters movements, but they do not remove the need for a clear lookout, adequate lines and a practiced skipper. The most useful demonstration is a slow approach to a dock with the boat loaded as it will be during ordinary use.

Sea Ray quotes a 21-degree deadrise and a beam of 10 feet 6 inches. These figures describe the hull's basic geometry; ride quality still depends on speed, loading, sea state and the suitability of the chosen route.

A helm built around information

The SLX 350 comes with dual nine-inch Simrad glass-dash displays, with larger twelve-inch units listed as an option. The package integrates Mercury VesselView engine information with chart plotting and other systems for the driver.

Electronic displays can make a busy helm easier to use when the interface is well configured. Owners should set up simple pages for essential information and learn how to retrieve warnings without lengthy menu navigation while underway.

Sea Ray also discusses quietRIDE technology and an optional Dynamic Running Surface system. Those equipment claims relate to ride comfort and trim management, but performance figures should be treated as builder data rather than independent results for every boat.

Range planning and everyday usefulness

The manufacturer lists 160 US gallons of fuel and 30 US gallons of freshwater capacity. Those quantities support day-boating planning, but an accurate cruising range needs consumption figures for the actual installation and a sensible reserve.

A wet bar in the cockpit and direct access to the swim platform underline the model's main social purpose. The Port Hideaway makes it easier to take a break from the weather without asking everyone aboard to leave the water.

An owner should inspect maintenance access, ventilation, the electrical load of air conditioning and visibility from every helm seat. The SLX 350 is most compelling when its considerable comforts remain simple to operate and maintain.