Sea Ray SLX 400

There’s one boat in every marina that’s party central, and Sea Ray’s all new SLX 400 is that boat.

Dubbed “The Entertainer” and winner of a prestigious 2017 NMMA Innovation Award, this boat would impress even James Bond. There are hidden buttons everywhere that actuate features, making you appear totally in control, and allowing you to see to every whim of your 22 guests so they feel right at home.

Cue the 007 music. The star of the show is a fold-down swim terrace that opens 90 degrees to expand the cockpit all the way to the water. One moment it’s part of the cockpit sidewall, and in seconds it transforms the boat into a waterside dance floor.

The transom sunpad is cast in a supporting role. Clearly designed by a mechanical engineer with a secret desire to be a contortionist, the backrest swings 90 degrees and opens to face the swim terrace. The seatbacks transform into a chaise lounge, inviting you to soak up the sun, look up at the stars when anchored out in a secluded cove, or simply ponder life.

If the sun is too intense, press another button and the retractable SureShade deploys from the hardtop. All of this button-pushing will work up a thirst; thankfully, Sea Ray owners are never far from a refreshment center. A well-appointed wetbar includes refrigerator, sink, optional dual grills and, of course, ample drawer space, all tucked along the starboard wall right behind the helm.

More “wows” await the skipper. An intuitive Digital Dash combined with Axius joystick control allow even a novice boater to look like a pro when docking.

At the bow, a row of forward touring seats feature armrests and cupholders, and additional forward benches surround a sleek, removable bow table, which also converts into a sunpad. When the last guest departs, you can slip below deck into an air-conditioned or heated cabin. The aft berth is queen-size, and the salon becomes a V-berth with little effort. No need to worry about crawling out of bed to turn off the boat’s blue LED mood lighting; the Sea Ray SLX 400 has the option to sync up to your iPad or smartphone to control lighting and the stereo, or to plot waypoints for tomorrow’s getaway.