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The 2022 Sea Ray SLX 310 OB brings a major leap forward in luxury day boating. This premium vessel blends sophisticated design with powerful performance capabilities. The boat's twin Mercury Verado outboard engines and advanced handling systems showcase state-of-the-art marine engineering.
The Sea Ray SLX 310's complete review gets into the most important features that make it an excellent choice for boat enthusiasts. The spacious cockpit and innovative helm station complement the Dynamic Running Surface technology. Boaters will find compelling reasons to consider this vessel through its performance metrics, comfort features, and integrated technology. These elements establish the Sea Ray SLX 310's position as a premium vessel in the luxury boat market.
DESIGN AND COMFORT FEATURES
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB showcases exceptional marine engineering that combines luxury and functionality. When you board this vessel, its premium design immediately stands out. The boat measures 31'6" in length with a 10'2" beam and weighs approximately 10,335 lbs [1], which makes it a commanding presence on water.
Exterior Styling and Hull Design
Sea Ray's dedication to new ideas shines through their elegant hull sculpting, which comes in multiple color options [2]. Their innovative Quiet Ride technology uses acoustic insulation and vibration-dampening materials. This advanced system keeps sound levels under 85-decibels while cruising [1]. The hull features a Dynamic Running Surface with large triangular planes that optimize performance and stability [1].
Spacious Cockpit and Seating Arrangements
The cockpit showcases elegant design through several premium features:
- A luxurious L-shaped dinette serves as the centerpiece
- The transom seating adapts to multiple positions for comfort
- A premium wet bar features a solid-surface countertop, sink, and your choice of grill or refrigerator [2]
- The yacht holds certification to carry up to 17 passengers comfortably [2]
Helm Station and Technology Integration
The helm station showcases the best in marine technology. A pair of 9" Simrad SelectResponse Glass Dash displays (upgradeable to 12") with Mercury VesselView Link Data serve as its centerpiece [3]. The system gives you:
- Chart plotting capabilities
- Depth and fishfinder functionalities
- VesselView Mobile connection through Bluetooth
- Up-to-the-minute engine monitoring and customizable data points [3]
The captain sits comfortably in a double-wide seat that features flip-up bolsters and armrests. The companion seat swivels toward the cockpit to make socializing easier [2]. The helm's user-friendly design has LED lighting along panel edges that illuminates electronics and gages perfectly in all conditions [2].
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB makes use of innovative marine engineering and delivers impressive performance metrics that set new standards in its class. This vessel features twin Mercury 300 Verado outboard engines as standard equipment. Boat owners can upgrade to 350hp or 400hp Verado powerplants [4].
Twin Mercury Verado Outboard Engines
The twin 300hp Mercury Verado setup delivers remarkable efficiency and power. These engines run quietly at idle and keep noise levels comfortable even at full throttle [5]. The Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) system will give you precise control with smooth power delivery [6].
Speed and Acceleration
The SLX 310 OB delivers remarkable performance metrics:
- Top speed of 53.4 mph at 5900 RPM [7]
- Best economic cruise at 31.9 mph (4,000 RPM)
- Fuel consumption of 20.1 gallons per hour at cruise
- Range of 250 statute miles with 10% fuel reserve [7]
This vessel showcases powerful acceleration capabilities. It reaches plane in 4.7 seconds and hits 30 mph in 10.5 seconds [7]. The Dynamic Running Surface technology gives the boat an extra boost, cutting the 30 mph acceleration time by about one second [5].
Maneuverability and Stability
The SLX 310 has excellent handling characteristics with its 21-degree transom deadrise [5]. The vessel showed precise control in lock-to-lock turns at 30 mph. It maintained stability without affecting passenger comfort [5]. The boat handles moderate chop and wake crossings smoothly with minimal effect and no noticeable pounding [1].
Joystick Piloting system makes close-quarters maneuvering precise. The system has advanced features like Skyhook digital anchor, BowHook that maintains position, and DriftHook that allows controlled drift while keeping heading [1]. These technologies deliver zero lag time between joystick inputs and vessel response, which ensures balanced control between bow and stern movements [7].
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND AMENITIES
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB merges state-of-the-art technology and luxurious amenities that establish new benchmarks in recreational boating excellence.
Dynamic Running Surface
The vessel's Dynamic Running Surface (DRS) technology stands as one of the most important breakthroughs in hull control systems. The system features large, triangular planes built into the hull that automatically adjust running attitude and trim [1]. Sailors can operate the DRS system manually or use preset configurations that reduce bow rise during acceleration and maintain ideal trim angles [1]. This technology works exceptionally well at slow-speed planing and keeps bow lift minimal, which ensures better stability in operating conditions of all types.
Joystick Piloting System
Mercury Marine's Joystick Piloting system makes complex maneuvering simple with its user-friendly operations. Once you activate it, the system lets engines move independently in any direction through a sophisticated onboard computer [8]. The system has these advanced features:
- Skyhook digital anchor to keep your position
- BowHook to adjust heading flexibly while holding position
- DriftHook to control drift and keep heading steady [1]
Boaters can make precise heading adjustments of one or ten degrees, which gives them exceptional control during tricky docking situations [8].
Entertainment Features and Wet Bar
The entertainment system features premium Fusion® audio components with these sophisticated features:
- Apollo™ RA770 stereo with 1800W six-channel amplifier
- Wi-Fi audio streaming with Apple AirPlay® 2 support
- Four pairs of XS Series speakers and a 10" subwoofer [9]
A fiberglass countertop, integrated sink, and solid-surface lid make the wet bar perfect for onboard entertaining [9]. Owners can add an optional grill and refrigerator to boost functionality [10]. The L-shaped seating arrangement naturally blends with the wet bar area and includes adjacent cup holders and grab rails that ensure passenger comfort [1].
PROS AND CONS
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB comes with several impressive features and a few points that buyers should think about. This complete review gets into the boat's strengths and weaknesses to give future owners a balanced viewpoint.
Advantages of Outboard Configuration
SLX 310's outboard configuration brings practical benefits that boost your time on the water. This smart design creates more social areas and makes the cockpit layout versatile [11]. The boat's key features include:
- Yacht-certified design fits up to 17 passengers comfortably [11]
- Easier maintenance access than inboard setups
- Better storage with built-in wet bar and entertainment hub [11]
- Precise handling through standard joystick piloting system [11]
Potential Drawbacks
The SLX 310 OB has many great features, but buyers should think about a few things carefully. The price tag puts this boat firmly in the premium category, ranging from $159,020 to $442,379 [12]. Early users have reported engine problems that include vapor lock issues [13]. The boat's sophisticated systems add great functionality but need extra maintenance work.
Value Proposition
Sea Ray SLX 310 OB's core value comes from its complete warranty coverage and premium features. Buyers get a 5-year factory warranty that has bow-to-stern coverage and a Limited Lifetime Structural Hull/Deck Warranty for the original owner [14]. This protection package shows Sea Ray's confidence in their vessel's build quality and reliability.
The boat's value gets a boost from its versatility. Owners can use it for:
- Day-cruising adventures
- Water sports fun
- Freshwater fishing trips [12]
Premium Mercury® Verado outboard power makes this vessel stand out, and innovative features like Dynamic Running Surface and Quiet Ride technology make it worth the investment for boaters who want a premium experience [15]. The standard configuration has complete safety equipment, driver training, and vessel orientation that add substantial value beyond the original purchase price [11].
CONCLUSION
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB represents luxury day boating at its finest. This remarkable vessel combines sophisticated engineering with practical functionality. Premium features deliver exceptional performance - the Dynamic Running Surface technology, twin Mercury Verado outboards, and advanced helm systems enhance handling characteristics. The boat's cockpit layout, entertainment options, and innovative joystick piloting system create an outstanding experience that accommodates up to 17 passengers.
Sea Ray demonstrates its steadfast dedication to excellence through complete warranty coverage and meticulous attention to detail. The SLX 310 OB stands out as an excellent choice for boaters who can recognize quality. This vessel combines yacht-certified capacity, advanced sound-dampening technology, and versatile entertainment features. Despite its premium price point, owners receive outstanding build quality, reliable performance, and lasting value that reinforces its status among the finest day boats accessible to more people.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the maximum speed of the Sea Ray SLX 310 OB?
The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB, equipped with twin Mercury Verado 300hp V8 outboards, reaches a top speed of 52 mph. The boat's hull design includes a classic V shape that tapers to 21 degrees at the transom, ensuring smooth handling during sharp turns at speeds of 30 mph.
2. What is the weight of the Sea Ray SLX 310 OB?
The weight of the Sea Ray SLX 310 OB is not specified in the provided information.
3. What is the maximum speed of the Sea Ray 350 SLX OB?
The Sea Ray 350 SLX OB, powered by three 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards, achieves a top speed exceeding 60 mph. This model is noted for its size, speed, spaciousness, multipurpose utility, and luxury.
4. What type of engines are used in Sea Ray boats?
Sea Ray boats are commonly powered by either outboard or sterndrive engines from Mercury Marine®. These engines allow Sea Ray boats to be versatile, suitable for various water activities including cruising and offshore fishing.
References
[4] - https://www.searay.com/content/dam/searay/2024/spec-sheets/2024-SLX-310-Outboard-model-brochure.pdf
