A Bowrider with More Seating and Ultimate Use of Space

The 270 Select EX can really entertain a crowd, offering several places to hang out.

By Capt. Bob Smith

Test Captain

Sea Ray recently rolled out some of the newest models for 2006 at their Tellico Lake facility just south of Knoxville, TN. The 270 Select EX was one of five boats we tested that day, and it was a stand-out model. For a large runabout, this boat handled like a smaller sportboat, with the appointments of some of the cruisers I have tested. The 270 Select EX is comfortable aboard and has enough room for a large family or a group of friends. This new model really sports some sex appeal, believe it or not, and has the comfortable seating arrangement of a pocket cruiser.

Specs

The 270 Select EX measures 28 feet 6 inches in length overall, and has a beam width of 9 feet. Her dry weight is 5,555 lbs., and she has a fuel capacity of 94 gallons, and fresh water capacity of 21 gallons, so you’ll have enough fuel and water to stay out all day. When it comes time to slip into shallow water or up to your favorite beach, you’ll need 36.5 inches of clearance with the outdrive completely down, and 21 inches with the outdrive trimmed all the way up.

Design and Layout in the Bow

If you look at this boat from the water, you will immediately notice a difference in the bow. Our test boat had a unique system for the anchor and roller equipment; rather than the anchor coming up on deck like a traditional anchor, this one enters the nose of the boat with no moving parts on the deck to be seen or caught up in. The bow seating is plush and armrests are elegantly sculpted. Speakers and cup holders are recessed in the seat backs for added convenience. A table can be set-up in the bow for snacks, and there are twelve cup holders placed throughout the boat for beverages. Snap-in carpet is standard on this model making clean up easier, and it also keeps the floor cool on a hot day. Bow seating features lounger backs for comfort, and if you need to seat more, you can use the seating as standard bench seats. In addition, there is plenty of storage space under these seats.

Full Instrumentation and Comfort at the Helm

The companion side of the cockpit conceals a large head compartment. Inside is a fully lined head with a sink, pull-out sprayer, and room for some storage. The companion pod has two built in glove boxes. The top is a traditional dry box for wallets and phones, while the lower box has the standard Clarion stereo with AM/FM/CD player, which includes six months of free Sirius Satellite service. The bucket style companion and helm seats are fully adjustable, and both have bolsters for better view out of the hole. The helm is very modern, featuring aircraft style toggle switches with lights for easy identification at night and stainless steel guards to prevent accidentally hitting them. A chartplotter NAVMAN 5500 with 5-inch display is also standard. I really liked the Mercury SmartCraft diagnostic system, which also comes standard with this boat. The padded tilt wheel has controls for the SmartCraft system as well as the stereo.

Cockpit Features

Moving back on the boat just behind the helm is a refreshment center with sink and faucet, Corian countertop, beverage holders, stainless steel handrail and storage cabinet. Our test boat had the optional refrigerator mounted in the cabinet below the sink. Just aft of the wet bar are steps built into the side wall for easy entry from the side of a dock. Wraparound seating runs from these steps all the way around to the companion bucket seat, with lift out sections in the side, and storage under the back seat.

The large sun pad doubles as the engine hatch which has a motorized lift for excellent access to the engine. We had a 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag in our boat, but you have options of up to a 496 Mag HO Bravo III package. The integral swim platform is designed with a concealed four-step swim ladder, swim shower, and our model came equipped with the optional transom stereo remote.

Test Results

We found that the 270 Select EX cruised best at 3000 rpm traveling 26 mph, which produced a full tank range of 190 miles. She had a top end speed of 49.3 mph turning 4800 rpm. The 270 Select EX was also quick on her feet with a plane time of just 4.6 seconds, and 0 to 30 mph speed of only 8 seconds.

If you want a large family open boat that looks like a speedster, handles like a champion, and has the amenities you need for the family on board, the 270 Select EX will certainly fit the bill.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions