December, 2015 (Updated April, 2017)

As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the Great Recession — and as wealth is further concentrated in the hands of the top one percent —  the number of brokerage listings with asking prices in the $1 million range (or more) is greater than ever. Largely unnoticed, however, are all the Sea Rays creeping up into that price bracket. Unless you’re a Sea Ray dealer or a broker who specializes in pre-owned Sea Rays, the idea that there are several Sea Ray models selling today in the $1 million range might come as a surprise.

After some reseach on Yachtworld we came up with a list of six Sea Ray models populating the brokerage market with asking prices of $1 million or more. With the way Sea Ray is growing these days in the large yacht segment, this list will only grow in the near-term future. Quite an impressive growth story for a company that began life in 1959 building small runabouts from a shop near Detroit, Michigan.  

At a Glance:  Sea Ray's most impressive yacht —  designed to compete with the best European imports.  Offered in two versions, with flybridge or electrically operated sunroof. The upper level layout consists of facing settees to port and starboard as you enter, with a massive galley forward to port and a dinette to starboard, behind the lower helm. There are four staterooms and three heads on the lower level — the VIP cabin is forward, guest cabins are to port and starboard, and a full-beam master with queen bed, his and hers sinks is amidships. Crew quarters are aft, and a day head is accessed from the swim platform. Above, there are two dining areas on the flybridge. A hydraulic swim platform, hardwood salon flooring, recessed foredeck seating, bow/stern thrusters, and gyro stabilizers are standard. The L650 Fly will cruise in the mid 20s with Cat 1150hp C18 engines (30+ knots top).

Price Range: From $2 million up.

At a Glance:  Sea Ray elegance at it's best — a match for the finest European yachts. The Sundancer's features are impressive, beginning with a semi-enclosed helm deck with teak flooring, panoramic views, and two retractable sunroofs. Below, the salon features an L-shaped leather sofa across from a well-appointed galley with stainless steel appliances and serving counter. The forward VIP stateroom has an island queen berth with private access to the day head. The full-beam master suite features a walkaround queen berth, dresser, and ensuite head with a stall shower. The huge cockpit has an innovative twin-section lounge that slides around a table on tracks. A cockpit galley with grill, thrusters, and hydraulic swim platform are standard. In 2013 the 580 received a styling update with the addition of large hull windows. MAN 900hp V-drive diesels cruise at 25–26 knots (about 30 knots top).

Price Range: From the low $900s to $1 million-plus.

At a Glance:  One of the new generation Sea Ray boats to employ Zeus pod drives. The Sundancer’s palatial two-stateroom interior includes a full-beam amidships master suite, an impeccably-appointed salon with sofa and hideaway bed, two full heads, and huge galley with Corian counters and under-counter refrigeration. The helm is on the centerline (almost), and both helm seats swivel 180 degrees to face the cockpit. The focal point of the 540 Sundancer is her party-time cockpit with seating for eight and deluxe wet bar with grill and refrigerator. The back seat of the cockpit lounge folds down to create a sun pad. Additional highlights include a sleek hardtop with retractable sunroof, washer/dryer, and hardwood flooring in the galley and salon. The hull windows were restyled in 2013. Cruise at 20 knots with 715hp Cummins V-drive inboards. Cummins/Zeus 574hp pod drives cruise in the mid 20s.

Price Range: From the mid $600s to over $1 million.

At a Glance:  Dramatic styling makes this Sea Ray motor yacht look like a purebred Italian import.  Entering through triple-pane sliding glass doors, the salon offers facing leather sofas, a fixed dining table, hardwood flooring, and an entertainment center in the starboard corner. The 510’s large galley is up two steps from the salon, and the lower helm station features a single Stidd captain’s chair and opening side window. There are three staterooms and two heads below including a full-beam master with hull windows, and a spacious VIP stateroom forward with private access to the day head. The cockpit has an L-shaped lounge to port (with crew quarters entry under) and an electric grill opposite, tucked under the bridge stairs. The flybridge is huge for a boat this size. Standard 684hp Cummins V-drive diesels cruise at 24–26 knots. Cummins 600hp diesels with Zeus pod drives and joystick controls are optional.

Price Range: From $1 million-plus.