Boat test for the 2008 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer including boat specifications, photo galleries, boat videos, boat layout diagrams, boat test numbers, boat test results, and boat speed graphs. Also includes pricing, engine test reviews, ratings, standard features, and gear for the 2008 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer.

Below decks things are more recognizable. In fact, everything is pretty much in the same place on the 350 that it was on the 330 and 340, but some proportions have changed. The port-side galley and head are both a bit longer and the midcabin no longer extends all the way to port. For weekenders, that’s a good trade-off--especially since there’s still a good six feet in the 350’s midcabin. Perhaps more significant is the fact that electrically inclining V-berth mattress and transom seat with built-in speakers are still standard.

"Not exactly new from the keel up but nicely refreshed," thought I as I climbed into the helm seat. I noticed that the instrument panel had also been reconfigured--cleaned up is perhaps a better description. Although smaller, it’s better organized with everything important at hand--including the Axius joystick, which sits immediately aft of the electronic engine controls. I was "anxious to Axius," but first we had to get the performance numbers. When that was done I did a quick comparison with the 330 I’d tested, and to my surprise, the boats were essentially identical in top speed, and the V-drive boat actually got better fuel efficiency to 3000 rpm, where it registered 1.16 mpg compared to the 350’s 0.58. On the other hand, at WOT the 350’s mpg number was 0.68 compared to the 330’s 0.51, reflecting its ability to maximize drive trim. (Sea Ray says the 350 weighs about 2,600 pounds more than the 330.)

But that wasn’t the big surprise. Once we had our test numbers, I started playing with Axius. I was shocked at not only its intuitiveness but how well the two props work against each other. I was forced to admit that the 350 stern drive was every bit as maneuverable as the 330 inboard, and in some complex docking situations, even more so. I did find the throttle portion of the Axius joystick a bit too sensitive for my taste, although I suspect that that’s something one will get used to with time. And I couldn’t overload the system, even though I abused it pretty good. I walked away from the 350 a believer, at least in regards to the fact that Axius truly transforms stern-drive propulsion. A mere twist and point, and any amateur can put the 350 exactly where she or he want to. That’s something worth shouting about.

For more information about Sea Ray Boats ((800) SR-BOATS. www.powerandmotoryacht.com/searay.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Bonnie and Clyde

Sea Ray is all about incorporating new technology, not only into its boats but in the way it builds them. Take these two ABB 640 robots, named after the famous bank robbers. They do all the trimming after the 35’s hull and deck come out of the mold--about 2,800 linear inches worth--plus drill all of the through-hulls and transom openings for the stern drives in about a quarter of the time it would take two humans. And they do the job far more accurately--Sea Ray says to about plus or minus 1/60,000 of an inch. The company won’t put an exact price tag on what it cost to buy the duo except to say that it was "several million dollars." No word on which robot is which bandit.

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