| |
Sea Ray 410 Express Cruiser 2-Speed Gearboxes Increase
Performance |
|
| |
by Dag Pike
Sea Ray is one of the largest builders of boats in the U.S.,
particularly now that it has added Boston Whaler and Baja boats
to its range. The range covers virtually every type of boat
in the power spectrum and although there is obviously a very
strong American influence in the design, the Sea Ray boats  have
moved to a much more international concept. This reflects the
fact that Sea Ray now markets its boats around the world. Whilst
this might lead to a rather bland concept like so many modern
motor cars designed for international markets, Sea Ray recognises
that boats are a very personal acquisition and they have set
out to endow their range with character.
This can be seen in the way that wood is used to a greater extent
in the interior, moving away from the American love affair with
practical plastic. The exterior styling is more curvaceous,
reflecting the influence of European design. Above all, Sea
Ray has recognised the need for reliability and practicality
and the new designs are a revolution in sound, sensible design.
This latest offering by Sea Ray, the 410 Express Cruiser, reflects
the demands of a quality market, combining good performance
with good looks.
The hull is a conventional deep vee, deep enough to give good
ride comfort at sea, yet shallow enough to enhance the performance.
The chine keeps low, barely braking the surface when the boat
is at rest, but merging into the bow, which is long and raking.
This bow and the matching downward sloping fender line at the
stern combine to produce a very performance related style which
is enhanced by the arch mast.
The 410 is a wide beam deep vee, but this is only apparent from
the interior. Externally there is a strong horizontal line emphasised
by the knuckle in the topsides and the moulded lines in the
sleek coachroof. The rails round the deck angle forwards to
emphasise performance, balanced by the forward angle of the
arch mast and the rearward slope of the deep, sweeping windscreen.
It is a well-balanced design with all the components laid out
logically; the engine compartment air intakes at the stern creating
the main note of individuality.
The transom has a gentle curve with the steps from the cockpit
on the port side. In standard form these lead to a narrow bathing
platform but a very practical option is a powered lifting tender
platform. This platform is lowered below the water, the tender
is floated on and the platform rises at the touch of a button
with the tender high and dry. The transom itself offers plenty
of stowage for ropes and fenders and the settee fitted against
the cockpit side of the transom is part of the social area.
There is a matching settee opposite in the lower cockpit and
this, together with the cockpit deck can be lifted under power
to open up the engine compartment for servicing and maintenance.
The passageway on the port side leads to the accommodation door
and to the helm area. Alongside the passage is the narrow wet
bar with fridge and icemaker built in below.
The white of most of the cockpit changes to an almost olive
at the hem to reduce glare. The helm itself features a two tier
panoramic dash, the upper section for engine instrumentation
and the lower for switches and small electronics. Offset on
the centre line is a secondary panel for large electronics such
as  radar
and this allows the occupants of the twin guest seat to operate
the navigation. At the helm itself there is a dedicated, adjustable
seat with a flip-up squab allowing standing or sitting at the
helm.
Considering this is only a 41 footer (12.65m), Sea Ray has managed
to squeeze a lot of accommodation into the available space.
This has been achieved through the ingenious guest cabin which
in the daytime is an extension of the saloon and at night, can
be screened off with a sliding privacy screen. This cabin is
a very basic double with the bed converting into a settee for
day use. The forward double cabin is much better equipped with
good storage and luxurious furnishings. The large bathroom with
its separate shower compartment can be accessed direct from
the forward cabin or the saloon.
The access steps from the cockpit curve into the saloon with
the galley on the port side. This bar-type galley is basic but
well equipped. Alongside in the aft corner is the TV, facing
across the saloon to the L-shaped settee which surrounds a removable
table. The decoration is straightforward with the main emphasis
on fabrics to give a softer atmosphere. The high portholes are
set in panelled boxes and each area has its own skylight.
Sea Ray places particular emphasis on practical features. There
are good handholds throughout, and trashcans are located in
the galley and close to the helm. The lower centre section of
the windscreen can be opened to improve ventilation and the
luxury touch is the use of bevelled edge mirrors. The interior
has been carefully developed to match international requirements
and the use of wood panelling albeit in practical, wipe clean
form, helps to produce a sense of quality.
Mechanically, the 410 is well developed and it is one of the
first production boats where the ZF 2-speed gearbox is offered
as an option. Sea Ray is hoping to develop an automatic change
system for these gearboxes with the changes dictated by engine
rpm. The main engines on the test boat were Caterpillar 3126
units of 420hp each, but the standard alternative engines available
are Caterpillar 3116 units at 340hp or the more powerful  Cummins
diesels at 430hp. For the US market 380hp Mercruiser petrol
engines are the standard and these are matched by a petrol generator.
Diesel generators are an option. The propulsion system is conventional
with four bladed propellers, and flaps are a standard fitting.
The 2-Speed gearboxes make a significant difference to the performance
of the 410. Using low gear for harbour manoeuvring it is possible
to get a much more gentle and subtle response from the engines
and the acceleration on to the plane is more exciting. When
the switch is made into high gear the boat seems to cruise comfortably
and there is probably an extra knot or two added to the top
speed. These gearboxes give a lot more flexibility to the performance
and in rough seas, the use of the low gear could give a much
better response to throttle control. Sea Ray uses separate gear
and throttle controls on this new boat, which also helps to
give a better response.
Testing the 410 off Miami did not produce much in the way of
difficult sea conditions, but the wash of passing boats is always
a challenge. The 410 handled this well and there is no reason
to doubt that this new boat is a very competent performer in
adverse conditions.
Sea Ray has obviously done a lot of development work on this
new design and it offers a very practical solution to those
who want good performance at sea and comfort in harbour. The
410 is likely to prove a very satisfying experience all around.
| Length |
12.65m (41ft 6in) |
| Beam |
1.10m (3ft 4in) |
| Draught Weight |
9526 kg |
| Engines |
2 x 420hp |
| Caterpillar |
3126 diesels |
| Fuel capacity |
1268 litres |
| Water capacity |
|
| Contacts: |
Barry Bailey, Manager Asia Pacific Operations |
| |
|
| Sea Ray International |
1031 Rizal Highway,
Subic Freeport Zone
Philippines 2222
Tel (63) 47 252 1739
Fax (63) 47 252 1738
Email: searayap@iname.com |
|
|
|
|
