Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Sedan Bridge. There is nothing sexy about the name. After all, flybridge motoryachts under 50 feet rarely get the honor of being called beautiful. But the newly designed 44 Sedan Bridge is just that. A stylish lady with world-class refinements and a luxurious feel that you typically can only get from across the pond. Unfortunately, this yacht is so new, that we could not perform our rigorous test schedule. Instead, we were treated to a royal tour, so let’s see what’s new.

Her great looks are due in part to Sea Ray’s in-house 5-axis milling machine technology that company designers and engineers are using to style tomorrow’s yachts. This equipment cuts shapes using a computer to produce smooth flowing lines in the decks and hull of a boat’s mold master. All this power is evident in the completely re-tooled 44, which also incorporates the latest in engines, electronics and comfort systems.

Interior Design

This boat sleeps six adults in absolute comfort, and does it with a Euro / Cosmopolitan flair. The wood planked flooring, black leatherette seating and stainless steel accents are stunning. The saloon is broken into two levels, the main and lower levels for convenience and better flow. Conversation space is what the main level is all about. Long couches flank both port and starboard sides in the 44. The port side couch is really a folding sleeper sofa for two. Just forward of the port side couch is a cozy L-shaped dinette that is elevated slightly to provide a panoramic view of the outside world.

Meals will take on a new flavor when you swing the lavish wood and polished steel dinning table into place. This table is a work of art all in itself, as it can fold and rotate out of place, giving you and your guests more room to relax. From almost any seat in the saloon, you have a view of the flat screen LCD TV and entertainment center that packs everything one might need for added ambiance while aboard.

Galley

Stepping down a few steps into the lower level, you’ll find the galley. This area received the same design treatment as the saloon, with wood trimmed cabinets, black faux granite counter tops and stainless steel sink and hardware. The sink and two-burner cook top are hidden under removable panels that stow neatly under the counter in special holders. All your basic needs are covered in the galley with its refrigerator, freezer, coffee maker and microwave/convection oven combo.

Living Quarters

The lower level also contains the staterooms and heads. To port is the guest stateroom that has two twin bunks. With the help of a filler board and cushions, these two beds convert into a very roomy queen berth. The guest head is located forward of the guest stateroom and has its own private entrance. Inside you’ll find lots of space at the vanity or in the separate stand up shower. The owner’s cabin is all the way forward on the lower level, and features a queen-sized island berth with tons of storage compartments everywhere and an ensuite head. This head is slightly larger than the guest head, but comparably equipped with a vacu-flush toilet and a shower nozzle that’s adjustable for skippers and mates of all sizes.

Cockpit

When it’s time to leave the air-conditioned comfort of the 44's interior, you pass through a sliding glass door at the rear of the saloon, and are greeted by a spacious cockpit. A long transom seat provides storage for your gear or can be removed should you decide to do some blue-water fishing. Landing your catch will be easier, thanks to a big transom door and a wide swim platform at the stern. Moving up to the flybridge is easy and safe thanks to large steps for sure-footed confidence in rough seas. Located on this upper level is a U-shaped settee that has enough room for up to six people to enjoy cocktails and meals. Or, you can convert the seating into a giant sun lounge.

The captain will enjoy the helm, which is laid out in typical Sea Ray style; everything right where you need it. The gauges, controls and navigation, are all right at your fingertips. To help the skipper and mate stay comfortable, wrap-around bucket seats with flip-up bolsters replace the typical bench seating that is found on many yachts. As for how this beauty feels under way, you’re going to have to wait until she’s ready.

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 44 Sedan Bridge is 33.9 mph (54.6 kph), burning 49.5 gallons per hour (gph) or 187.36 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 44 Sedan Bridge is 16.9 mph (27.2 kph), and the boat gets .93 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.4 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 293 miles (471.54 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 446-hp Cummins 480 CE.