By BoatTEST.com staff



Three may be a crowd, but it can also be a magic number, particularly in boat design. On average, most pleasure boats have a length-to-beam ratio (L/B) of 3.0, meaning the boat is three times longer than she is wide. As the ratio of a design approaches 4.0 the boat narrows, generally yielding higher speeds and less stability. Conversely, as the ratio heads towards 2.0, wetted surface and drag increase, so the boat gives up speed in exchange for more usable space and greater stability. But when you try to apply these generalizations to Sea Ray's new 330 Express Cruiser--with her extra-wide L/B of 2.48--they just don't fit since she manages to combine stability, open deck space, and speed in a good-looking, multipurpose cruiser.

The 330 EC follows closely on the heels of her successful big sister the 370 EC (see "Rule Breaker," October 1996), and she is remarkably similar in design. Like the 370, the 330 is as well-suited for offshore fishing as she is for coastal cruising, and she offers private accommodations for two couples or a family of four. The primary difference between the two boats (outside of the price difference of $90,000) is not so much in amenities, but in below-decks layout, as the 330 has a slightly shorter saloon and forward stateroom. Still, she plays her wide-beam card to the max, with a roomy bridgedeck, uncluttered cockpit, and a luxurious, open interior.

The 330 EC practically begs you to come aboard, with easy cockpit access either through the transom door or down from the 12-inch-wide cockpit covering boards. A molded inwale step on either side facilitates boarding, and the port step covers all shoretie connections for power, TV, phone, and dockside water. The cockpit itself is oversized for a 33-footer, with nearly 70 square feet of uncluttered space. With the exception of the insole circulating livewell (18-inches in diameter by 19-inches deep) and removable fishbox, there are no seams or gutters to trap dirt, and that--combined with the raw-water washdown spigot--will make it a breeze to keep the cockpit clean once you start pulling dolphin into the boat. The nonskid is easy on bare feet yet effective when wet, and since the cockpit is self-bailing, it should make for a safe, secure fighting area.

As a multipurpose sport boat, the 330 is rigged for a fast conversion from cruiser to fishboat. The aft bench seat for three flips up and stows securely in the transom, and four rod holders are standard equipment as is a bolster cushion along the aft inwale. For bait watching there's an aft-facing benchseat for two, and for bait prep, a dual-purpose console to starboard has twin sinks and a "Starboard" cutting surface. When not in use for fishing, it becomes a wetbar with three bottle holders, ice bucket, trash-bin chute, and two electrical outlets on its underside. While the plugs are in an inconvenient spot, at least you can use a blender, electric downriggers, or power tools in the cockpit without snaking an extension cord down into the cabin. About the only downside to the entire design is the aft hawsepipes that lead through the transom. In my view it's more convenient to lead stern- and spring lines down through the coaming to a stern cleat, but this is a minor point in an otherwise highly functional cockpit design.

It's one step up to the raised bridgedeck where you'll find a benchseat for two, drink holders, and chart table to port, directly across from the two-person, electrically adjusted helm benchseat to starboard. Both seats are raised for good visibility, with stowage beneath the port seat and a Raritan mini-freezer beneath the helmseat.

As is tradition for Sea Ray, the dash is a two-tiered affair, with ample room for a full set of electronics on the lower level (within easy reach), and a set of Teleflex gauges further forward on the upper level. Both are backed with a simulated burlwood panel for an up-scale look, and are a good complement to the wood-accent steering wheel.

Surprisingly, the 330 comes standard with mechanical--not hydraulic-- steering, which was an option on our test boat. Even so, steering was a two-handed operation at speed, and the 330 exhibited a fairly wide turning radius. At 16,500 pounds she's not exactly nimble, either, but the good news is she's exceptionally stable and runs softly through three-foot boat wakes like she's got built-in shock absorbers. She should also provide a dry ride in a seaway since her hull design is a smaller version of the dry-running 370 we tested offshore.

As far as performance is concerned, I found most of the torque from the 7.4L EFI MerCruisers at the lower end of the rpm range, meaning the 330 jumps onto a plane in less than five seconds from a standing start with little pressure from the tabs. Once up and running, acceleration is gradual and predictable, making her an ideal choice for anyone who doesn't like unpleasant surprises at the helm. If you're backing down on a big one, you can steer the 330 EC in reverse with just the engines, and she never shipped water during my test. In short, she's a strong, steady performer that can handle steep chop like a champ while keeping everyone dry.

Once you've arrived at your port-of-call, you'll appreciate the sheer size and luxurious appointments of the 330's interior. The portside head, for example, has 6'2" of standing headroom. And though there's no separate shower stall, there's plenty of room to move, it appears to be easy to clean, and it even has an opening port and its own air-conditioning duct!

The salon, meanwhile, boasts a full in-line galley to port with a sofa to starboard that converts to a double berth with the push of a button. The galley is well equipped for week-long cruises, with plenty cabinet stowage, a two-burner cooktop, under-counter Norcold refrigerator, microwave oven, and built-in TV/VCR. I especially liked the attention to detail here, as shown by fine joinery, retaining posts for dishes, and convenient utensil holder in one of the galley drawers. Over to starboard, there's more dry stowage, both above and below the sofa.

Fully forward is the owner's stateroom, separated from the salon by two sliding solid doors (there are no "privacy curtains" here). This area does double-duty, serving both as a dining area by day (four adults can sit around its oval pedestal table), and as a private double cabin by night (by using the drop-down filler cushions). Though it has just two half-length closets, there is a ton of dry, carpeted stowage space beneath the plush, C-shaped lounge that rings the stateroom.

Living room aside, perhaps one of the 330's greatest assets is her engine room--it's one of the best I've ever seen on a boat this size. The entire bridgedeck rises on two powerful electro-hydraulic rams (you can jump on it when raised and it won't budge), and this really exposes the engine room for wide-open access. For routine fluid checks, use the day hatch between the helm seats. All dip sticks, fluid-reservoirs, filters, and strainers are conveniently located along the centerline, and there's a full 12 inches between the powerplants so you can move fore-and-aft with ease. Dripless shaft seals are standard equipment, and the Mercs are bolted directly atop the heavy-duty stringers for maximum support and transfer of power. In short, Sea Ray has done an outstanding job in this oft-neglected but vital area.

So if you go by the design numbers, the 330's top-end speed of nearly 35 mph with standard power is surprising all by itself. But when you combine that with a full-featured accommodations plan, the ability to seriously fish and cruise, and a stable 13 1/2-foot beam, you start to wonder how Sea Ray did it. The answer, it would seem, is magic.

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 330 EC is 34.5 MPH (55.5 KPH), burning 58 gallons per hour (GPH) or 219.53 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 330 EC is 26.5 MPH (42.6 KPH), and the boat gets 0.76 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.32 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 188 miles (302.56 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 310-hp MerCruiser 7.4L MPI.

= Standard = Optional

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!