Sea Ray has announced two new models that will join its premium SLX line, the SLX 260 and SLX 260 Outboard. These newcomers will feature new design elements such as an S-sheer line, dynamic center crease and elongated bow, which were first integrated on Sea Ray’s Sundancer 370 Outboard in 2021.

Sterndrive power on the SLX 260 will come from a Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT Bravo Three engine with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS). The SLX 260 Outboard will be powered by a Mercury 300 Verado engine, also with SmartCraft DTS. At the helm, operators will enjoy Dual Digital Dash with 9-inch Simrad touchscreen displays with Mercury VesselView Mobile, Active Trim control and monitoring, and CZone digital switching. Sea Ray’s trademarked Dynamic Running Surface, which automatically optimizes running attitude and trim, is an optional upgrade for both models.

Other stand-out features include improved deeper seating, L-shaped bench seating in the cockpit, lounge-style bow seating, and an expanded sunpad at the transom. Storage is incorporated throughout the boat, including an integrated cooler or dry storage area under the sunpad and a transom locker. A Power Tower with an extended sunshade that raises or lowers at the touch of a button is available as an option.

Notably, these new models will be the first boats from Sea Ray that were designed by an all-women team. The project was led by Sea Ray Senior Design Manager Carrie Fodor and Brunswick Boat Group Senior Industrial Designer Kristin McGinnis. Fodor, who grew up boating on the Great Lakes, has worked for Sea Ray since 2008, combining her passion for drawing and boating by becoming a designer.

“This SLX 260 project has been a long time in the making, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share this new boat with the world,” she said in a press release. “For any woman or minority that didn’t realize a career in the marine industry or the ability to design a boat was an option, this is proof that you can do something great.”

McGinnis, who has worked on Brunswick’s design engineering team since 2016, also brought her background in drawing and design to the project, as well as her love for automobiles.

“I was surprised to learn that a career in boat design existed and how closely connected it is to the automotive industry,” she said. “Designing a boat is an amazing career where you can make a huge impact in a short amount of time.”