We thought the deck was excellent: it's rare to find this space designed with the movement of large numbers of people so much in mind.
We thought the deck was excellent: it’s rare to find this space designed with the movement of large numbers of people so much in mind. And Sea Ray are the consummate helm designers. Having lived with the integral sun canopy for three days, we wouldn’t want to be without one. It’s not at all at odds with the open-air, wind-in-the-hair philosophy; in fact, with periodic respite from the scorching sun, you can spend far longer outside.
Two sleeping cabins on a 58ft (17.7m) boat is a little unusual, but it’s quick and easy to arRange another berth, and in reality even boats this large are customarily used for day trips and weekending.
In terms of style, the 580SSS has moved closer to European tastes, but not surprisingly there’s still strong evidence of the US influence. So how has the 580SSS fared with the economic and cultural divide of the Atlantic? In design and engineering terms, the boat does well. Notwithstanding the lack of integration in styling details, there are elements that Sea Ray’s European targets might well envy.
Cost comparisons are more difficult. At less than £500,000, Sunseeker’s Predator 58 initially appears to be a steal compared to the £737,000 for the Sea Ray. But step aboard the 580SSS, and spatially it compares with Sunseeker’s next model, the £750,000 Predator 63, especially in the vast cockpit. Perhaps comparisons are inappropriate. Although the substance of the boats may be similar, the style is different. But if you do like the style, you won’t be disappointed with the substance of the Sea Ray.
DIMENSIONS
Length overall (LOA) 60ft 10in 18.54m
Hull length 58ft 11in 17.96m
Beam 15ft 9in 4.80m
Draught 4ft 1in 1.25m
Air draught 11ft 5in 3.48m
Displacement 21.8 tonnes
Fuel capacity 583 imp gal 2650 litres
Water capacity 167 imp gal 757 litres
Engines Twin Caterpillar 3408TA
776hp @ 2,800rpm
V8-cylinder 18.0lt turbo diesels
Four-bladed propeller
30in diameter by 34in pitch (760mm by 860mm)
RPM Speed Trim GPH MPG Range
740 8.1 0.5° n/a n/a n/a
1,000 11.5 1.5° 7.8 1.48 689
1,500 20.2 2.5° 20.3 0.99 463
2,000 28.4 3.0° 43.0 0.66 308
2,300 34.0 3.0° 65.2 0.52 243
Range figures allow for 20% reserve, 50% fuel, 50% water, 4 crew.
Sea state: 18in (460mm) chop.
Wind strength: Force 1-2
Performance
Maximum Speed 34.0 knots
Maximum Range 243 miles at 2,300 rpm
Cruising Speed 28.4 knots
Cruising Range 308 miles at 2,000 rpm
Price from £737,287 ex tax
Price as tested £737,287 ex tax
Sound levels dB (A) Saloon Cockpit Cabin
Cruising @ 28.4 knots 80 87 84
Maximum @ 34.0 knots 82 89 86
Designer: Sea Ray Boats
Builder: Sea Ray Boats
2600 Sea Ray Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee TN37914, US.
Tel: +1 423 971 6552. Fax: +1 423 971 6417.
SUPPLIER: Marina Marbella (UK)
Firefly Road, Hamble Point Marina, Southampton, Hants SO31 4JD, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1703 453005. Tel: +44 (0)7000 SEARAY. Fax: +44 (0)1703 456922.
WWW: www.searay.co.uk
