Many of us in the industry have looked on Sea Ray with some concern over the past few years. The recession has certainly driven some serious downsizing at the company and many changes. Determined to shake this off and shake things up, the company has launched a series of new products since 2013, including the SLX series, 370 Venture, 510 Sundancer and 510 Fly.
While the marketplace warmed to these new boats, the design teams were busy behind the scenes. Sea Ray revealed the fruits of this labour at this year's Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach - the 2015 L650 Fly. And, with that, it seems Sea Ray is indeed back.
The launch of this new flagship is an example of what Sea Ray is calling its Next Wave initiative. The 650 Fly is the first of a new breed of L-class luxury yachts.
"This marks a new era for Sea Ray, a direct result of our desire to shape a better boating future and to offer a new class of yachts above and beyond anything our customers have ever seen," explained Sea Ray president Tim Schiek.
The L650 is definitely beyond what Sea Ray has offered up to this point. Dockside, it is sleek, modern and edgy, yet still retains some cues as to its Sea Ray heritage. Walking alongside the boat from stem to stern, the various lines in the hull, deck and flybridge work harmoniously, evoking the impression of motion, even at rest.
Moulded steps to port and starboard lead up into the cockpit from the optional hydraulic swim platform. Protected by the bridge overhang, the cockpit is an ideal shaded retreat. A large transom seat with storage and a wet bar with sink still leave room for several deck chairs.
The transition from the spacious cockpit into the salon is seamless. Large areas of glass open up the vistas, a design concept Sea Ray calls SkyFlow. An L-shaped settee to starboard faces another settee to port, providing ample room for guests. Dual convertible ottomans, end tables and cabinets provide both storage and usable surfaces. The L650 features wood flooring and a choice of light or dark carpeting below. The cabinetry throughout is offered in walnut or rift cut white oak, or you can opt to step up to one of several cherry finishes. The attention to detail and amenities (like a Harmon Kardon home theatre system) exceed all of Sea Ray's previous offerings.
The galley up design with opposing dinette makes the main level a superior space for both dining and entertaining. The solid surface countertops are generous and conceal the electric cooktop. An under-counter refrigerator, freezer with icemaker and microwave convection oven are standard fare. Don't need quite that much storage? Opt for the wine chiller. Sea Ray even offers place setting and silverware with custom storage solutions.
Opposite the galley, aft of the helm, is a comfortable dinette. If you add the pantographic door to the side-deck at the lower helm, the standard U-shaped seating for the dinette is reduced to an L-shaped banquette.
Accommodations are found in four staterooms. Down and forward to port and starboard are two guest cabins with twin berths that can convert to a queen. Hanging lockers, a storage cabinet and shelving make these functional spaces.
At the bow is the VIP Stateroom. Comforts include a queen innerspring mattress, custom bedding, storage drawers, hanging locker and a complete Harmon Kardon entertainment system. The private head has a vanity with vessel sink, shower stall, power vent, opening port and VacuFlush head. The day head to port matches.
The full-beam, mid-ship master stateroom should exceed any owner's expectations. The L650 Fly's 17-foot beam allows for a stateroom with room to truly relax. Nightstands flank the queen bed with innerspring mattress, along with built-in dressers outboard under the hullside port lights. Alternately, you can opt for a seating area with table.
Moving aft, leading into the master head, the entrance features lit, cedar-lined closets with built-in storage systems. The master head is one of the largest and best-appointed in this class of yacht. Tile is utilized throughout with great appeal. The vanity with solid surface countertop has his and hers vessel sinks. The shower comes with a bench seat, acrylic door and rainforest shower system.
The design, finishes and furnishings throughout the interior of the L650 Fly are akin to luxury condo style - truly first class in every respect.
Whether or not equipped with the optional hardtop with sunroof, the flybridge provides separate areas for lounging, dining and relaxing. Aft is a full wraparound settee with a table that can handle at least eight, with a dinette area forward to starboard. Both tables can be upgraded from fibreglass to high-gloss teak. Separating the helm from the aft seating is the "Fly Galley" or refreshment centre. Standard features include solid surface counters, sink, icemaker, cool box, marine stereo system, 12- and 120-volt power, and recessed lighting. Options available for the bridge and the cockpit refreshment centres include refrigerators and grills.
Forward of the portside bridge helm and dinette are two sun loungers with available cushions to convert this section into a sun lounge.
Providing an additional area for outdoor relaxing on the foredeck is a seating area with recessed walkway and a double sunpad forward. This will prove to be a comfortable spot while at anchor with the optional sun shade.
Beyond its sleek looks and refined interior, the L650 Fly is awash in state-of-the-art technology from QuietRide to optional Sea Keeper gyroscope stabilizers. Although I didn't get to take it out on the water, the 650 promises to deliver performance with its standard twin 1150-hp Cat C18A diesels. These reportedly deliver a top speed of upwards of 30 knots.
Access to the engine compartment for servicing the motors, 21.5-kW Onan generator and systems is first rate with room to store tools and spares. Access to the lazarette is from the cockpit. Below deck you find a day head and massive storage space that can be outfitted as crew quarters.
All in all, the L650 Fly is a major step forward for Sea Ray. This is a yacht built with vision that blends technology, style and luxury into a stellar offering.
TEST BOAT ENGINE
Twin Caterpillar C18A, 18.1-litre, 1,106 cid, 1,150 hp inline 6-cylinder diesels
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
2300 / 35+
According: usboattest.com
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