Sea Ray will be launching a wakesurfing boat in 2023. The all-new SLX 260 Surf will expand upon their already popular SLX lineup to provide a built-in platform for wakesurfing and other watersports.
The release coincides with their modus operandi of late as the luxury builder surprised boaters with the sudden release of the SLX 260 and SLX 260 outboard back in May. These new SLX 260 variations also mark an important turn for the highly regarded brand as they announced back in 2021 they would be following a new design philosophy for new models.
“We kicked off the next chapter of the SLX line earlier this year with the launch of the SLX 260 and SLX 260 Outboard,” said Keith Yunger, Sea Ray president. “We created the SLX 260 Surf as a new option for boaters who are looking for the excitement of watersports but love the elegance of the SLX 260. The SLX 260 Surf presents the best of both worlds without compromise.”
“The SLX 260 Surf offers boaters more flexibility for fun – whether they want to share a romantic getaway, cruise around in comfort with friends, or give watersports a try with the kids or grandkids,” said Carrie Fodor, senior manager of design engineering. “In addition to advanced features designed to facilitate wakesurfing, the vessel leverages the SLX 260’s elevated style and easy-to-use amenities for an exceptional on-water experience.”
To create the ideal wake and provide unrivaled handling for wakesurfing and other tow sports, the SLX 260 Surf is powered by a Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT engine with a forward-facing Bravo Four S drive, integrated SmartCraft technology and Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls. Working in tandem, electric surf tabs and ballast tanks control the height of the wave and produce a long or short pocket. Using a custom user interface, developed in partnership between Sea Ray, Mercury Marine and Simrad, surf settings can be adjusted with a touch of a button to accommodate specific watersports and riders’ preferences.
The SLX 260 Surf also features a new seating arrangement with deeper seats to create a smoother, more luxurious ride. The cockpit’s L-shaped bench seating encourages socializing with cooler storage for up to two soft-sided coolers. The bow offers U-shaped lounge-style seating with foldable armrests. As part of the Comfort bundle, a teak table and filler cushion can be added. The table can be used to share snacks, and the filler cushion converts the bow into a large sunpad.
At the transom, the expanded sunpad presents a relaxing place to take in the sights along the water’s edge. The swim platform with a manual submersible step provides easy access to the water and facilitates reboarding after swimming or enjoying watersports. Convenient storage has been incorporated throughout the boat, including an integrated cooler or dry storage spot under the transom sunpad and a transom locker for stowing gear, floating water mats and inflatables.
Overhead, the standard electrically actuated watersports tower with an integrated Bimini top and surf tow points allows you to pull wakesurfers with ease. The tower offers plenty of shade and coverage from the elements for an extended day on the water. It can also be upgraded with Fusion Signature Series speakers, part of the Entertainment bundle’s Premier Audio package, and LED RGB-W color changing lighting with a Sea Ray logo projection is available with the Lighting bundle.
In addition to the intuitive surf system, the SLX 260 Surf includes a host of technologies that deliver intelligent and seamless command. The helm is equipped with a Dual Digital Dash featuring 9″ Simrad touchscreen displays with Mercury VesselView Mobile, Active Trim control and monitoring, and CZone digital switching. As part of the Entertainment bundle, the helm can be enhanced to add an inductive charging station.
You can get a brief glimpse at the new SLX 260 Surf in the video below:
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