Sea Ray SLX 260 Outboard: A Compact Luxury Dayboat That Punches Above Its Size

Though it is the smallest model in Sea Ray’s SLX line, which stretches up to 40 feet, the new SLX 260 Outboard stands out both at rest and underway. We sampled one at the MarineMax dealership in Pompano Beach, Florida, and found a meticulously styled, comfortable dayboat that clearly targets buyers who want premium looks, household-level comforts, and strong performance in a compact package.

The SLX 260 is available with either sterndrive or outboard propulsion and marks an important design milestone for Sea Ray: it is the first model in the brand’s lineup conceived by an all-female team. Sea Ray Senior Design Manager Carrie Fodor and Brunswick Boat Group Senior Industrial Designer Kristin McGinnis led the project with the aim of creating an upscale dayboat that would deliver both visual appeal and practical functionality.

Before finalizing the design, Fodor and McGinnis reached out to owners of earlier SLX models, including the 250 and 280, to identify what they valued most. Respondents emphasized entertaining, scenic cruising to waterfront restaurants, and daytime social outings—leading the designers to prioritize a refined aesthetic, thoughtful storage, and creature comforts that mirror the experience of a high-end automobile.

Design and Finish

The SLX 260 introduces Sea Ray’s updated visual language on a smaller hull. Designers preserved classic Sea Ray cues such as the elongated S-shaped sheer and a horizontal crease on the hull side where the Sea Ray logo sits, while modernizing the badge into a more pill-shaped motif and adding a small “jawline” character crease to give the profile a sportier, athletic appearance. Many interior details borrow from automotive influences, including double-diamond stitching on upholstery and a stitched, leather-like dash.

One standout feature is the optional next-generation Power Tower. It functions as a combination soft top and shade structure, with a retractable extension to cover the aft sunlounge. Remarkably, the Power Tower electrically lowers to windshield level at the push of a button, reducing the boat’s profile by roughly three feet for storage or low-clearance passages—yet still allows comfortable seating at the helm. Owners also use the tower’s adjustable angle to move shaded areas around the cockpit during the day. A hidden light in the tower can illuminate a Sea Ray logo on the cockpit sole at night for an attractive finishing touch.

Comfort, Storage, and Amenities

Sea Ray equipped the standard SLX 260 with essentials for modern boating: a Fusion audio system, USB ports, and Apple AirPlay 2. The design team also developed optional bundles so owners can tailor the boat to their lifestyle. The Entertainment Bundle upgrades the sound with an 8-channel Apollo Series amplifier, multiple speakers, and a subwoofer. The Lighting Bundle adds RGB-W interior LEDs, cupholder lights, underwater lighting, and an illuminated hull logo. The Comfort Bundle brings extra tables and a fill-in sunpad for the bow.

A practical and likely popular option converts the passenger console into a private head with a VacuFlush toilet and holding tank. The compartment is roomy enough for an adult, though it lacks a hull port for direct ventilation. Storage is abundant throughout, with roomy hatches and bins under the seats and sole—something McGinnis and Fodor emphasized as essential for watersports gear, coolers, and inflatables.

Helm Electronics and Driving Impressions

Despite its compact size, the SLX 260 is well-equipped at the helm. Standard electronics include twin 9″ Simrad touchscreen displays, Mercury VesselView Mobile monitoring, chartplotter and fishfinder functionality, Mercury SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift with Active Trim, and a CZone digital switching system to control lighting and accessories with a tap.

We tested an SLX 260 Outboard powered by a single Mercury 300 Verado. The driving experience felt deliberate and refined—quiet like a sportscar, with a comfortable ergonomic helm and supportive seating. The windshield frame did partially obstruct the view for some drivers, but the flip-up bolster provides a comfortable alternate position. In our limited trial within a 25-mph ICW speed zone, acceleration to the limit felt brisk and the hull’s 21-degree deadrise cut confidently through choppy wakes. Sea Ray cites a best cruise of 30–32 mph and a top speed of roughly 51–53 mph for this configuration.

Who It’s For

The SLX 260 is a dayboat designed to appeal to image-conscious owners who value style and premium finishes, yet want a practical, family-friendly layout. From the deep bow cockpit and generous swim platform to the optional enclosed head and modular bundles, it balances social comfort and storage with spirited on-water performance. In short, the SLX 260 aims to make daytime boating feel special for adults while remaining accessible for family outings.

— Louisa Beckett

This article was originally published in the October 2022 issue.