A SPACIOUS interior and an array of luxury appointments characterize the Cruisers 520 Express, a modern express yacht whose excellent performance compares well with most of her European counterparts. Built on a modified-V hull with a solid fiberglass bottom, the twin-stateroom floorplan of the 520 offers the comforts of a small motor yacht. In the salon, an opulent Ultraleather sectional with double recliners seats eight for cocktails, and the portside galley (which conceals an optional dishwasher) has a glass-encased liquor cabinet built into the end of the counter. The forward stateroom comes with either a queen or twin-berth layout, while the full-beam master stateroom enjoys excellent natural lighting thanks to the vertical ports installed on either side of the hull. On deck, the cockpit is dominated by a huge U-shaped lounge whose rear section pulls out from the transom to form a sun pad. Visibility from the helm is excellent, and an extended swim platform can carry a small inflatable. Additional features include cherry interior joinery, walk-through windshield, fender storage, windlass, and salon entertainment center. Volvo 715hp V-drive diesels reach 30+ knots top.

* Sample prices are taken from the boating MLS during April, 2019

2004 model (FL) ............................................ $329,000

2005 model (FL) ............................................ $339,000

2006 model (CA) ........................................... $439,000

2006 model (FL) ............................................ $349,000

2007 model (OH) ........................................... $429,000

2008 model (WA) .......................................... $479,000

2010 model (AL) ............................................ $499,000

2010 model (FL) ............................................ $495,000

"Compared to other boats in this class the 520 Express delivered slightly better top end and cruise speed numbers. But where this boat truly stands out from the rest is with its fantastic styling, amenities and outstanding build quality.

–BoatTest.com

"The real living area on the 520 Express is the cockpit where Cruisers delivered an outdoor entertaining area in fine style.

–Yachting Magazine

"The new 520 Express is about two things; entertaining in absolute elegance, and getting to a destination quickly. And the cockpit brings the two together with immense amounts of seating under an optional fiberglass hard-top."

–Power & Motoryacht

"The accommodation plan proves that a better mousetrap can be built. Great handling, sporty performance. Low base price and a true designer decor."

–Boating Magazine

"Her engines are configured in a V-drive arrangement, and prop pockets help minimize shaft angle and draft. In all, the 500 provides the dry, comfortable ride I have come to expect from Sea Ray, and the Cummins seem an ideal match for the hull."

–Yachting Magazine

"This is a great boat to drive fast. Choose your destination and get there quickly and in a whole lot of comfort.It may not be the cheapest boat on the water but if you have to ask the price, well..."

–Canadian Yachting Magazine

What the

Experts Say

Specifications

Length ......................................................... 52'3"

Beam .......................................................... 15'6"

Hull Draft ........................................................3'8"

Hull Weight ............................................ 42,000#

Fuel ...................................................... 500 gals.

Water .................................................... 150 gals.

Hull Type ............................................ Modified-V

Deadrise Aft ................................................... 15°

Cruisers 520 Express

2005–09

Sea Ray 52 Sundancer

2004–09

Current

Asking Prices*

WHILE THE Sea Ray 52 Sundancer (called the 500 Sundancer in 2004–06) may have lacked the jaw-dropping sex appeal of the best European yachts of her day, she took a back seat to few when it came to luxury and open-water performance. Built on a deep-V hull with prop pockets to reduce the shaft angle, the Sundancer's innovative cockpit layout is notable. Arranged with a unique rotating lounge, the cockpit forms a single entertaining area rather than the divided space found in other express yachts. Another major change is found below — instead of the ubiquitous midcabin floorplan found in most express cruisers this size, both of the Sundancer's staterooms are forward. While there is a foldout bed option aft, this area is now part of the main salon making it even more expansive than before with posh Ultraleather sofas, 6'8" headroom, and built-in flat-screen TV/DVD. There are two full heads in this layout, and the galley includes plenty of storage as well as a hardwood floor. An extended swim platform, cherry interior cabinets, and fiberglass hardtop were standard. A well finished yacht, 640hp Cummins V-drive diesels cruise the Sundancer at 26–28 knots (30+ top).

2005 model (FL) ............................................ $285,000

2005 model (FL) ............................................ $329,000

2005 model (FL) ............................................ $319,000

2006 model (FL) ............................................ $375,000

2006 model (WI) ............................................ $395,000

2007 model (FL) ............................................ $425,000

2007 model (MI) ............................................ $449,000

Length ......................................................... 53'4"

Beam .......................................................... 15'3"

Hull Draft ........................................................4'2"

Weight .................................................... 40,015#

Fuel ...................................................... 560 gals.