Sea Ray SLX 310: life of the party
When it comes to premium boats that offer not only striking looks and impressive speed but also exceptional comfort and thoughtful design, the Sea Ray SLX 310 consistently takes centre stage. This 31-foot (9.6-meter) luxury bowrider is more than just a recreational vessel—it’s a meticulously crafted choice for those who value quality, innovation, and style. And if you want to throw a party on the water, this spacious and convenient boat will be hard to beat.
Design and comfort: devil in the details
The first thing that stands out is the boat’s design. The Sea Ray SLX 310 is the smallest model in the lineup to feature a hardtop, while more affordable models come with either an arch or a folding bimini. The hardtop adds a sense of solidity, making the boat appear larger, more expensive, and more luxurious than open boats of the same size.
A hardtop is more reliable than a traditional folding bimini. It allows for high-speed cruising with ease, thanks to its aerodynamically optimised design that minimises noise and drag. It also provides better protection against rain and intense sunlight, with the option to easily open the central section when needed. On sharp turns, the wide supports of the hardtop offer an additional layer of safety.
The hardtop is equipped with built-in speakers for the stereo system and additional cockpit lighting, enhancing the cosy ambiance during evening outings. At the rear of the roof, a retractable sunshade is integrated, providing shade for the aft section when needed.
Sea Ray offers three interior design options for the SLX 310: Dune, Ivory, and Stone (pictured). Each option features premium materials and diamond-pattern stitching on the upholstery, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the boat’s interior.
Aft of the boat, there’s a large convertible sun lounger that can be effortlessly transformed into comfortable seats facing the swim platform. The platform is equipped with a hydraulic underwater step, making it easy to enter and exit the water.
Storage compartments are located beneath the sun lounger, along with cup holders, an audio system control panel, and speakers—every detail for a comfortable and relaxing experience has been thoughtfully included, and we haven’t even reached the cockpit yet. There’s also an optional folding step in the side passage, making it easier to board or disembark from a high dock. This area also houses the power switches and the actuator for the underwater step.
Cockpit: convenient socializing
The boat can accommodate up to 12 people and is designed to maximise comfort and encourage interaction among passengers. The swivel seat to the left of the helm easily rotates to face the stern, while the built-in bar, with options to add a Kenyon electric grill and a refrigerator, transforms the cockpit into the ultimate hub for on-water relaxation.
Storage compartments of various sizes are found at every turn—it almost feels like the boat was designed by seasoned smugglers. There’s also a spacious compartment for water skis, fishing rods, or boards. No matter how many people are on board, everything can be neatly stowed away to keep the deck clear and prevent anything from falling overboard. Additionally, tables can be installed in both the aft and bow cockpits for added convenience.
The helm station comes standard with two 9-inch Simrad touchscreen displays, which can be optionally upgraded to 12-inch screens. All essential functions are also backed up with physical buttons to ensure you’re never caught off guard by a sudden display failure. Visibility from the helm is excellent, and passengers seated in the bow cockpit don’t obstruct the view, even if the captain is piloting the boat while seated. The front seats are very wide, comfortably accommodating two people, and the flip-up bolster cushion allows for easy and comfortable steering while standing. On the port side console, there’s a spacious compartment with a changing area, toilet, and sink.
Tech: quiet and smooth ride
The SLX 310 is equipped with Sea Ray’s proprietary Quiet Ride technology, which reduces noise, vibrations, and wave impact on the hull by 50%. This is achieved through the use of advanced materials in the hull, deck, and upholstery, as well as a specially designed aft section. The result is a smooth and quiet ride, with noise levels comparable to driving a car at 100 km/h with the windows up.
Audio System: Premium Sound
The SLX 310 features the advanced Fusion Apollo 770 audio system, providing exceptional sound quality. It allows control over four distinct sound zones, including the bow, cockpit, hardtop, and stern. Subwoofers add depth to the sound, transforming the boat into a true entertainment hub. Combined with Quiet Ride technology, the system delivers audio quality on par with the best car sound systems.
Maneuverability: Effortless Control
One of the standout features of the SLX 310 is the Axius Joystick Control system, which makes operating the boat effortless, even in challenging conditions. With this system, you can dock with ease, move sideways, or hold your position using the GPS-enabled Skyhook function. While optional, its convenience and utility are hard to overstate—after your first docking in windy conditions, you’ll never regret the investment.
Another must-have option is the Dynamic Running Surface system, which consists of two large electronically controlled triangular trim plates located at the stern corners. By utilising a combination of GPS data, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and custom-designed software, the system automatically adjusts the plates to reduce bow rise, improve acceleration, maximise efficiency, or even create a wakeboarding wave. For captains who prefer full control, manual operation is also available.
Twin engine advantages: power and safety
As previously mentioned, the SLX 310 is the smallest twin-engine boat in the Sea Ray lineup. It can be equipped with a pair of MerCruiser gasoline engines, offering 250 or 350 horsepower each, or 260 horsepower diesel engines from the same brand. Twin engines aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity for a boat of this size. Here’s what twin engines bring to the SLX 310:
- Manoeuvrability: Twin engines, and therefore twin propellers, give you the ability to pivot in place, move sideways, and dock with ease thanks to independent engine control. Add to that the intuitive Axius joystick control system—an option available exclusively for boats with twin engines—and manoeuvring becomes effortless.
- Speed and Performance: Twin engines deliver superior acceleration, higher top speeds, and faster transitions to plane, ensuring optimal performance on the water.
- Power Reserve: If one engine fails, the other will get you back to shore. This added layer of safety is especially important when you're far from home.
- Stability: Twin engines distribute the load more evenly, making the boat more stable even in challenging conditions.
- Durability: Working in tandem, the engines operate more efficiently and under less strain than a single engine, extending their lifespan.
At a speed of 25.5 knots, the bowrider with its 700-horsepower powertrain consumes approximately 65 litres per hour. At 35 knots, fuel consumption increases to 135 litres per hour. With a fuel tank capacity of 492 litres and a 95% fuel reserve, the Sea Ray SLX 310 offers a range of about 300 km at 25.5 knots and around 250 km at 35 knots. The boat's top speed with these engines is 42 knots.
Leader of its class
The Sea Ray SLX 310 sets the standard in its class. It combines thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely cruise with family, an exhilarating ride with friends, or engaging in water sports, the SLX 310 has you covered—Sea Ray even offers a package with board racks and a tow rope mount for watersports enthusiasts. If you're looking for a boat that delivers comfort, safety, and pure enjoyment on every outing, the Sea Ray SLX 310 is an excellent choice. It's more than just a means of transportation on the water—it's a complete tool for embracing and enjoying life.
