The 450 Sundancer, the third model among Sea Ray’s next-generation coupe-style sport yachts, is a foot longer and beamier than its predecessor, launched in 2009.
“With today’s boaters, it’s all about interior volume and space that’s comfortable and controllable,” says Ron Berman, Sea Ray vice president of product portfolio. “This is a new-from-the-keel-up boat and much different than the previous 450, having the ability to be completely enclosed or open.”
The switch from express to coupe called for extending the hardtop and side windows aft, enclosing the deckhouse with sliding glass doors, and moving the galley and saloon up to the helm and companion area. A three-window opening skylight in the hardtop lets in air and natural light.
“There’s no canvas to be dealt with,” says Scott Ward, senior vice president and general manager of sport yachts and yachts. “The saloon doors retract, and the cockpit, saloon and galley become one large space. You bring the outside in, and everyone can be together.”
Accommodations consist of an aft full-beam master stateroom with a private head and a stateroom forward with access to a guest head. The cockpit has an L-shaped settee with a table; a mini galley with a grill, sink and storage is optional. The hydraulic swim platform lowers into the water.
Powered by twin 550-hp Cummins diesels with V-drives, the 450 Sundancer tops out at 35 mph and cruises at 30 mph. It also can be rigged with Zeus pod drives. Joystick steering is available with V-drives and pods. Price is $989,613 with V-drives and $1.1 million with pods. Sea Ray plans to introduce a flybridge version of the boat later this year. Sea Ray, Knoxville, Tennessee, (865) 522-4181. searay.com
— Chris Landry
This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue.
