Sophisticated Lady



New for 2003, the Sea Ray 240 Bow Rider bridges the gap between the 220 Bow Rider and the 290 Bow Rider, retaining the sportiness and open feel of the 220 while offering a smoother ride and amenities of a larger boat. Compared to the 220, the 240 has higher sides and a deeper hull for more comfort in choppy water, increased seating, and an optional porta-potty. With the “Executive Package” the 240 provides an electrical lift for the engine cover, upgraded hardware and trim and other refinements that are not available on the smaller boat. The 240 also includes a Smart Craft engine monitor, pressure water system, and other standard features that are offered as options on the 220.

Several other enhancements make the 240 unique to Sea Ray’s line-up of bow riders. The walk-through to the bow can be closed off with the door for the starboard console, keeping the wind and spray out of the cockpit. To compliment the burlwood trim, a solid mahogany wheel is also exclusive to the 240. The optional head is located under the port console. It is a tight fit but functional, especially for children.

The enclosed folding ladder on the swim platform looks great, although I found it a bit awkward to fold the out and slide the mechanism aft to deploy the ladder, just because it was a bit stiff. One other minor nuisance on this model is a very small step in the deck, about three-quarters-of-an-inch high, between the bow and cockpit. It is not dangerous, but it was an annoying stumbling point for both test captains who ran the boat.

What impressed me most with this boat was her smooth ride, even at high speeds. By the afternoon a stiff breeze kicked up a chop. On other boats we tested it was difficult to take accurate readings and record numbers at very high speeds. With her larger, deeper hull the 240 cut through the chop effortlessly, even at 50 miles-per-hour.

Our test boat was on its way to Colorado. To maintain optimal performance in the thinner air, it was fitted with a high altitude transmission and propeller. Even so, with the optional 375 horsepower 496 Magnum engine we recorded a top speed of 49.1 miles per hour at 5000 RPM, burning 30 gallons-per-hour. Sea Ray claims this boat is capable of reaching 60 miles-per-hour at sea-level and with the right prop and stern drive. Our most efficient cruising speed was at 3000 RPM, making 25.1 miles-per-hour and consuming 8.4 gallons-per-hour. At that speed, she would travel 153 miles on 57 gallons of gasoline. She planed off in 3.3 seconds and reached 30 miles-per-our in only 5.7 seconds.

Our test boat was equipped with the Corsa exhaust system, which allows the exhaust to be diverted through the stern drive or run directly overboard. While we did show a minor increase in performance with the exhaust open, the true benefit of the Corsa system is in choosing between quiet underwater exhaust or the deep rumble of stern exhaust with the flick of a switch.

With the 240 Bow Rider, Sea Ray has provided a solid performer with a smooth ride and plenty of speed. Added features and increased options set this boat apart from other bow riders I’ve been on. In short, she’s a sophisticated lady with a fun personality.

By Capt. Vince Daniello

Test Captain

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 240 Bowrider (2003-) is 49.1 mph (79 kph), burning 30.0 gallons per hour (gph) or 113.55 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 240 Bowrider (2003-) is 25.1 mph (40.4 kph), and the boat gets 2.98 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.27 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 153 miles (246.23 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 375-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG.