Sea Ray SLX 280 (2023-)

Brief Summary

The Sea Ray SLX 280 is the latest addition to the SLX lineup and it brings with it a new level of luxury and performance. Our test boat was powered by the standard 350-hp Mercury Mercruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo III sterndrive with DTS, providing smooth and effortless handling. The SLX 280 also features a spacious layout with plenty of seating and storage space, making it a perfect choice for a day on the water with friends and family.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	28' 8" 8.74 m
Beam	9' 2.74 m
Dry Weight	8,378 lb 3,800 kg
Draft Up	25" 64 cm
Draft Down	41" 104 cm
Deadrise/Transom	21 deg
Fuel Capacity	117 gal 443 L
Water Capacity	20 gal 76 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	13.0 seconds
0 to 30	20.6 seconds

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 350-hp Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three w/ DTS
Std. Power	1 x 350-hp Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three with DTS
Opt. Power	1 x 350-hp Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three SeaCore 1 x 380-hp Mercury MerCruiser 8.2 MAG ECT Bravo Three X with DTS 1 x 430-hp Mercury MerCruiser 8.2 MAG HO ECT Bravo Three X with DTS

Sea Ray SLX 280 (Sterndrive): The newest of the SLX line of luxury boats from Sea Ray.

Captain's Report by Capt. Shelley Morton

Brief Summary

The SLX 280 delivers a higher level of excellence that you'll see and feel. Upscale styling and a gorgeously sculpted hull make an instant impression while slicing through the water. Craftsmanship is apparent down to the last stitch. Cutting-edge technology makes a statement at every turn, thanks to innovations like Quiet Ride™. The captain and passengers are treated to smooth, responsive performance and ample amenities like the optional wet bar to extend the day into the evening. After all, luxury loves company.

Mission

The Sea Ray SLX series is known for its luxurious amenities and innovative features and the SLX 280 is no exception. This boat is bigger and better than ever before, with a sleek hull and redesigned lines making it eye-catching and functional.

Major Features

• Upmarket upholstery and stitchwork
• Extra wide captain’s chair
• Swiveling captains and companion seats
• Deployable swim ladder
• Upgraded storage
• Indirect mood lighting
• Hidden speakers
• Dedicated soft-sided cooler storage
• Five-year factory warranty
• Ample storage under the aft sun pad
• Dual multi-function displays
• Large changing room or an optional head

Design

Sea Ray is calling the SLX 280 the "next generation of sport boats." It features a new modern and athletic hull-side sculpting that looks crisp and clean on the water. The hull is also designed to be more efficient, which means better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Performance

Our test boat was equipped with the optional 430-hp Mercury Mercruiser 8.2L MPI ECT Bravo III sterndrive with DTS and during our tests, we achieved a top speed of 49.7 mph.  The best cruise came in at 3500 RPM and 32.7 mph. At that speed, the 15.7-GPH fuel burn translated into 2.1 MPG and a range of 219 statute miles, all while holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 117-gallon (442.9 L) total fuel capacity.

With a wide-open throttle, we reached full plane speed in 13 seconds, accelerated to 30 mph in 20.6 and 40 in 29.1 mph.  

Handling

The 280's deep-V hull design and sterndrive propulsion provide quick acceleration and precise turning. Even at high speeds, the boat handles smoothly and steadily. The 43-inch (109.22 cm) freeboard gives a sense of security and safety — and it also helps to keep the boat stable and balanced in choppy waters. This results in a smooth ride for passengers, even in rough conditions.

The boat's high freeboard does not impede visibility from either standing or seated operating positions. This makes it easy for the captain to see ahead and around the boat, which is important for safety and maneuvering.

Overall, the Sea Ray SLX 280 is a pleasure to handle. It's a responsive and stable boat that's sure to provide a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Boat Inspection

Cockpit

Sea Ray SLX models are known for their luxurious finishes. The intricate diamond stitching in the upholstery is rich and durable and the complementary accents add a touch of style. The cockpit seating is deeper than on other boats and it has been ergonomically designed for comfort.

A 12v refrigerator is located below the captain's seat and an optional end table can be added aft. A two-person bench seat doubles as storage and the optional SeaDek decking provides a comfortable and non-slip surface.

Throughout the cockpit, there are smartly-placed grab handles and with a maximum cockpit depth of 39" (99 cm), everyone is going to feel secure in this area.

Port Console

The port console has a storage compartment that is secured to the helm console with a strong magnet. The compartment can be upgraded to include a head, vanity with a sink and a trash can.

Helm

The dual 9-inch (22.86 cm) multi-function displays on our demo vessel showed digital switching Mercury engine data, active trim control and monitoring, a chartplotter, a depth finder and other onboard systems. There were illuminated stainless toggle switches by the steering wheel for redundancy. You can upgrade to dual 12-inch (30.48 cm) displays.

The main Apollo controller for the high-end entertainment system made by Fusion, a Garmin-owned product, is located inboard of the steering wheel. Sea Ray told us that the SLX designers worked with Fusion to determine the optimal placement of all nine Signature Series Speakers and a Subwoofer. Their efforts resulted in the best possible sound from the boat and virtually eliminated the distortion often heard on lesser systems.

The captain's chair has a flip-up bolster and measures 39" (99 cm) wide, making it wide enough for two people. There is an option for an inductive charger hidden within the bulwarks on both port and starboard so that your phone stays out of the sun while charging.

Power Tower

Stainless steel toggle buttons control the tower and there are additional options to add port and starboard-mounted Fusion Signature Series tower speakers and swiveling wakeboard racks.

Bow

The bow is accessible through a hinged windshield with a locking air dam and when you pass by the helm console, there is a concealed trash can plus remote key switches within.

Both loungers in the bow have storage underneath. The starboard lounger has a larger storage space that has dedicated storage for the Comforts Bundle’s bow filler cushion as well as the bow and cockpit tables.

At the very front of the boat, there are several options available. You can choose to install a bow boarding ladder or you can opt for the anchor bundle, which includes a stainless steel delta-style anchor

Lighting

For those sunset cruises, add the lighting bundle that includes illumination for all cupholders as well as ambient lighting throughout the bow and cockpit.  With the touch of a button, you can adjust the RBGW LED lights above and below the water line. The Sea Ray logo shines on the cockpit floor from the power tower and on the exterior of the boat, there are docking lights and an illuminated Sea Ray badge on the hull.

Engine Compartment

A section of the aft bench seat raises on two gas-assisted struts to provide access to the engine and to the fuel tank just ahead.

Transom

Moving aft there is a single 10" (25.4 cm) step-up where a solid wood boarding step is mounted to the starboard bulwarks to aid in boarding from a fixed dock. Opposite the bulwarks are a swinging transom gate that locks into place, a stern shower and a smartly placed shore power port.

The large sun pad is another social zone and measures 68" x 42" (172.72 cm x 106.68 cm) and there are cup holders on both sides of the pad. Under the pad on the port side is that large storage compartment, which is easy to access with a gas-assisted strut. 

Optional Equipment

• Anchor Bundle — Stainless steel anchor, windlass with rope and chain
• Comfort Bundle — Bow filler cushion, bow table and cockpit table
• Entertainment Bundle — Fusion head unit and remote on sun pad, 9 Signature series speakers, Subwoofer, 2 inductive chargers
• Essentials Bundle — Quick connect fender clips, flag pole with flag, SeaDek Flooring on platform
• Lighting Bundle — LED RGB-W color-changing & white accent lighting package Lighting for bow & cockpit.  Lighting for cup holders Underwater thru-hull (3 lights), docking lights, Sea Ray badge, illuminated (hull), Sea Ray logo light projected onto cockpit floor 
• Water System Bundle — Bow washdown, Freshwater pressure system with 12v pump and filtration, Pullout transom sprayer
• Power Tower — electrically actuated with deployable shade

Pricing

Pricing of Sea Ray boats is typically competitive with other boats in class. But at our release time, the builder had not yet released the for-sale price of the Sea Ray SLX 280.

Observations

The SLX 280 is designed to maximize space and functionality, so you can focus on enjoying the water. This vessel is geared toward boaters who want upscale amenities, powerful propulsion and innovative features. With a variety of bundles available to customize the boat to your needs, the SLX 280 can easily complement many boating lifestyles. Like most Sea Rays, the SLX 280 comes with a five-year factory warranty "bow to stern." This is a testament to Brunswick Corporation's commitment to its products.