Sea Ray 19 SPX OB

1.Introduction
2.Description
3.In the water
4.Verdict
5.Performance data

1. Introduction

The new Sea Ray 19 SPX OB is a freshly designed runabout with the concept of versatility as her main aspect in order to offer the owner and the crew a wide range of custom made solutions to fit closer to their individual needs and preferences. So, this model can take different configurations to either serve for the watersports, touring or fishing providing a very spacious deck with seating and laying comforts boasting an ultra wide bow. And of course this outboard version, with the new Mercury 150hp EFI gives her a more wild and dynamic character with more power and better fuel efficiency as I noticed.

2. Description

I point this out because the american shipyard builds also the inboard version (sterndrive) of the same model for those more prone and loyal to the extra wide platform that is undoubtedly more appreciated for the watersports but even in this area the stern of the outboard version is still very wide with comfortable platforms from both sides around the engine. There are also several advantages of the outboard model over the sterndrive one: It is lighter, more fuel efficient, more powerful, offers more internal stowage spaces, is more easily trailerable, has lower maintenance and running cost. Is it really a killer!

The very obvious gain in the layout is the multiple seating options very impressive for a boat of this size. Τhe extra spacious bow increases the accommodating comforts in the area and offers bigger storage compartments underneath. In the mid section apart from the swiveling helm seat with the flip up bolster for more elevated observation there is a convertible port seating place for one or two individuals regarding the use and a spacious aft bench while just behind it a long and flat sunbed spot exists. Right underneath the latter lies a huge storage compartment that alternatively is “eaten out” in the inboard version by the engine.
However, due to this layout there is not much free deck space in the aft section making the moving and passing through there more difficult for the crew members. For those accustomed to an ample deck space they would notice this limitation for sure!

The cockpit is sporty and ergonomically designed and the controls at a convenient position while the long windshield provides good coverage from spay and cold. Around the deck there are several handles and armrests to boost the comfortable feeling during the ride plus numerous cupholders around the seats. In the fishing configuration the owner can have the live well, rod holders and the possibility of a rotating tall seat in the bow with the electric anchor installed at its edge as well.

3. In the water

Testing the boat at different sea conditions ranging from calm waters to around 3-4 Bft I was firstly impressed by the coupling of the boat with the engine which gave fast acceleration, almost instant plane and high top speed operating in a very smooth, responsive and low noise attitude. The 3.0L Mercury 150hp inline engine offers both higher power and more torque so in 4-5 sec the boat starts planing with a load of 4 persons on board while she is able to succeed higher cruising speeds up to 27 knots consuming a liter per mile or less traveling smoothly in the fairly wavy sea.

Moreover, I noticed that the bow works fine in such conditions as its edge cuts the water away from the hull and performs soft damping no matter its wide shape. The hydraulic steering works seamlessly and the boat responds instantly to any directional change but what I like the most was her spiciness when you open the throttle and the “flying” but streamline behavior the boat takes when riding the waves at a 3 bft sea.

The Sea Ray 19 is also a very and easily maneuverable runabout giving you a pleasant driving feeling when you set her at speed or you take sharp turns. In cornering I noticed that the boat takes equally close radius turns whether she turns to the right or left. It not easy to find that in a single outboard installation as the high propeller torque tends to favour the right cornering more than the left one but in this case the way the engine was mounted on the transom gave this excellent performance.

At W.O.T. the boat with the aluminium Black Max 19 propeller exceeds the 38 knots at the 5325 rpm so presumably with a steal one she could reach the 40knots.

4. Verdict

The Sea Ray 19 SPX OB is a new smartly designed 6m runabout offering ample spaciousness in the bow, generous stowage spaces and comfortable accommodation facilities on board together with the custom made options to fit for different purposes. Combined with the Mercury 150hp she becomes a dynamic and fuel efficient boat affordable for the fans who want to do multiple activities in the water. However, some may feel uncomfortable with the lack of open deck area in her aft section.