The Sundancer line of express cruisers is the most popular in the world by far, and the new 550 continues the tradition by taking the two-stateroom, two-head layout almost to the extreme.

The cockpit on the 550DA is so big you can have two totally separate conversation groups going on, while everyone can join in for alfresco dining. There's no need to run down to the galley, either, as the wetbar comes complete with sink, icemaker, and fridge.

We especially liked the aft benchseat that slides forward and down at the push of a button to create a huge sunpad. And, the optional electric swim platform lowers to about 1 foot underwater so its an easy task to ride your PWC right into the chocks, then by using the waterproof handheld controller you can actually raise your PWC up out of the water, all before coming into the cockpit.

Typically, Sundancers are designed to hit a top speed of about 35 mph and generally provide a very stable but unexciting ride for cruising families. But not here. Powered by a pair of 800-hp MAN diesels, the 550DA carves exhilerating turns, and she gets up on plane in just 8 seconds! This is an amazing performance for a yacht of this size.

While we appreciated all the power in the MAN diesels and the fact they provide a cruising range of nearly 400 miles at best cruise, be advised that while engine access is easy through a hatch in the cockpit, the width of the MAN's make the engine room space seem somewhat cramped on the centerline. Against that, all fluid checks are easily reached and the hatch is positioned aft so you can check the status of your bilge in two seconds by simply looking down into the engine space.

Overall, we can see why Sea Ray kept the hull of the 540DA--performance--while at the same time incorporating a number of new features that its customers requested.

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 550 Sundancer is 39.5 mph (63.6 kph), burning 93.6 gallons per hour (gph) or 354.28 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 550 Sundancer is 22.4 mph (36 kph), and the boat gets 0.73 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.31 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 392 miles (630.86 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 800-hp MAN D2848LE 403 diesels.