Sea Ray SLX 260

Sea Ray’s SLX 260 is the brand’s first boat to be designed by an all-female team.

by Kevin Koenig

An exciting development in Knoxville, Tennessee, Sea Ray has launched the SLX 260 (and its sistership the SLX 260 Outboard), designed by women.

Photos Courtesy of Sea Ray

Sea Ray senior design manager Carrie Fodor and Brunswick Boat Group senior industrial designer Kristin McGinnis penned this sporty and versatile addition to the builder’s popular SLX series, in what Sea Ray views as a major step forward in the marine industry for diversity, equity and inclusion.

“This launch not only sets a new benchmark for design, but further celebrates the advantages that a diverse workforce brings to the marine industry,” says Aine Denari, Brunswick Boat Group president. “Carrie and Kristin are rising stars in our industry, and I am thrilled to see their success and the success of this fantastic launch. We strongly value the significant benefits that our diverse senior leadership team brings.”

The SLX 260 has myriad features bound to attract boaters everywhere, but which are particularly well suited to lakes. A large sunpad at the transom is an excellent place to collect some rays. More stowage has been added to this boat over her predecessors, for a total of 53 cubic feet of storage. The enhanced stowage includes a larger water-ski compartment in the cockpit sole, which certainly adds to the fun this boat is capable of.

One popular option on the SLX 260 is the Power Tower feature with an extended sunshade and optional Fusion Signature Series speakers and LED color-changing lighting, meaning this boat can be fully equipped for a party.

The SLX 260 is powered by a Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three engine with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift that produces a zippy top speed of 43 knots and a cruise of about 24 knots. Speeds that thrill to be sure, but are far from the only thing exciting about this revolutionary model.