Sea Ray produces more than 40 models, ranging from 18 to 68 feet, and that's an impressive portfolio by any standards. But in a range so comprehensive from a maker so prolific, it's often the case that one boat looks much the same as another, so it's a pleasure to see a craft like the 335 Sundance floating through the stable doors.

Though part of the Sea Ray 'Sports Cruiser' range, the 335 is not immediately sporty to look at. In place of sleek angles and aggressive, potent shapes, what you see is one vast sweep of imposing black hull, picked out by the stark white contrast of the topsides and lifted higher at the nose by the thoroughly practical foredeck guardrail.

Like it or hate it, it's a tremendously bold shape, and to my mind it's made all the more elegant by the fact that the forward-facing radar arch, which cunningly houses the sun canopy, is matched in terms of angle by the twin portholes and the raked air vents on the aft quarters.

The result is a very different looking sports cruiser. It doesn't look quick and it doesn't look dangerous, but it still functions perfectly well as a status symbol. Rather than insisting that you look, it beguiles with curve and understatement. It really is a very handsome boat.

One thing that is immediately apparent though is the height of the craft, and it's a feeling that continues when you step aboard. There is a big drop from the helm position to the aft seating area, which means that those facing forward have their view obscured by a towering arrangement of GRP.

Despite a very substantial freeboard, the view is fine in every other direction, and as our Greek skipper picks his way through the lumpy seas in search of calmer waters, the obscured forward view is not altogether that irksome.

I step up to the helm to find myself confronted by a long rolling swell and it's plain from the outset that in seas like this, the 335 is in its element. I feel like I'm driving a Landover - nothing happens that fast, but my seat is imperiously elevated and the ride, courtesy of a generous 21-degree deadrise, is very soft and easy.

Time to plane with the twin Volvo D6-310 diesel units in the engine bay, feels like it could be in the region of ten seconds, which is of course not that quick, but the boat seems to ride so high with a slightly elevated nose that it's surprisingly difficult to pin down the moment when the planing actually happens.

The seas remain big, so getting her up to the top end also takes time and tenderness, but eventually we see 33 knots ticking past on the GPS and there she seems to fatten off. There's still no discomfort either in terms of wind, wetness, slamming or engine noise, but inevitably it's no thrill ride up here either.

Although the twin Volvo D6-310 DPH engines are the most expensive option, adding around £35,000 to the basic package, they struggle to add quite as much spice to the driving experience as the average sports boater might want. It's only to be expected of course from a pair of diesels on a boat that weighs in at a meaty 6,350kg, but if you're after more fun from the helm, the MX6.2 MPI Horizon Bravo III MCMs could be a better bet.

The cruising potential of the 335 for the adventurous family is not in doubt

A cruiser, however (even a sports cruiser), is as much about room on board for relaxing as it is about motive power, and the 335 has that in spades. In the aft cockpit area, the table is easily big enough for alfresco dining, and although some may fi nd the expanse of fi breglass a bit excessive, the proximity of the outside fridge, the barbecue and the sink is very handy.

Underway, in an awkward chop, the lid for the BBQ has a tendency to chatter in the background but it would take nothing more than a rubber seal or even a bit of BlueTac to settle it down.

Up at the helm, all the dials are mounted across the top of the installation, alongside the inimitable faux walnut veneer. This is offset by some extraordinarily shiny throttle and shift levers, but its their position rather than their finish that is most surprising. They are located directly in front of a panel of dash-mounted buttons, which means that, whenever a forward gear is engaged, the levers get in the way. Thankfully none of the buttons are especially vital from the driver's immediate perspective, but that's not the point.

In any case, once you get the 335 well trimmed and the bow drops enough for you to read the water ahead, the seating position feels very good. Allied to great visibility from the helmsman's lofty perch, it looks ideal for cruising and longer passages. The windscreen sweeps across the view, providing admirable protection and the centre section opens outwards, giving you access to the bow and foredeck.

Sadly the big, flat space up on the foredeck is not employed as effectively as it could be. Just a few cushions with poppers could turn it into a great sunbathing platform, but no such provision has been made. Even so, down in the cabin, all is right with the world. The open plan layout with the galley to port and double berth up forward creates a very free and airy space.

To starboard there is a bench seat with a folding dining table, which is ideal for morning coffee, but if you want a full six-course feast you're better off heading back up onto deck and using the big table in the aft cockpit.

The living area is well built and finished to a good standard, with sensible beige fabrics, American cherry wood trim and a high-grade, attractive looking marble finish to the work tops. On a practical note, the heads are spacious, compartmentalised storage is very well thought out and headroom is generous. From this point of view, the cruising potential of the 335 for an adventurous family is not in doubt.

As with most boats produced by big time manufacturers, the options list is vast, so you can pretty much customise your boat to your tastes. But with a price for the standard spec 335 Sundance (with Twin 5.0L MPI Mercruiser Bravo III) of just £104,907, the value for money on offer is extremely competitive when the boat is considered in its most basic form. It's relatively sedate, but it's comfortable sports boat cruising in a classy looking package and for many that could well be enough.

26 July 2007

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