2008 Sea Ray 290 SLX

Step aboard and you’ll notice how the 290 SLX feels more like a floating lounge than a simple bowrider. Deep, secure freeboard and plush wraparound seating keep everyone comfortable when the chop picks up, while the wide helm bench with flip-up bolsters lets you drive standing or seated with clear sightlines. The walk-through transom keeps wet feet off the cushions, and that oversized swim platform is ideal for gearing up skis or just dangling your toes. At anchor, the cockpit layout works beautifully for entertaining, with the wet bar close at hand and plenty of shaded seating under the canvas. When the sun drops, courtesy lighting and quality audio turn this day boat into an evening social hub.

In local conditions where afternoons can turn breezy and boat traffic is constant, the 290 SLX really comes into its own. Its substantial hull carries speed smoothly through confused wakes, giving passengers a more relaxed ride than smaller bowriders. The generous beam and clever seating mean you can host large crews for sandbar raft-ups or waterfront lunches without feeling cramped. Shallow draft and responsive sterndrive handling make it easy to nose up to beaches, maneuver around busy ramps, and slip into tighter marina berths. With the enclosed head and all-day comfort features, it’s perfectly suited for long, lazy runs along the coastline or full-family outings on the local waterways.