Sea Ray’s latest creation, the 450 Sedan Bridge shows its style

by Bob Wonders on 9 Apr 2011 Sea Ray Boats has for many years rated as one of the most popular and best-known names on the US market and has been equally prominent on Australian waters for more than 30-years.

This is a company renowned for innovation in its designs and for continually unveiling a complete range of new models, seemingly almost on an annual basis.

At the recent Miami International Boat Show I was able to check out the company’s latest release, the very stylish 450 Sedan Bridge.

Sea Ray claims this represents a 'new and exciting outlook' in ‘bridge boats, offering panoramic seascapes and wide-open spaces the company believes will inspire thoughts of comfortable cruising and luxury living.

Considerable thought has gone into the design of the flying bridge, which along with an unobstructed 360 degrees vision boats a U-shaped dinette, served by a table that cleverly converts to a sun bed.

Throw in a refrigerator, an optional LCD television, comfortable seating and it becomes easy to see why this is where guests will congregate.

A well-planned helm forward, with a two-seater companion seat and helm seat, all of which swivel to face the dinette, complete an excellent ‘bridge area.

The skipper of this delightful vessel will find ergonomically-placed controls and switches all from the comfort and convenience of a commanding helm chair.

For what the company terms the 'ultimate in situational awareness' the 450 Sedan Bridge comes standard with SmartCraft instrumentation with an optional suite of Raymarine navigational equipment ranging from radar to depth sounders.

Being a vital component of the Brunswick Corporation, parent company of Mercury Marine, among others, standard power is the proven Cummins MerCruiser diesel, a dual installation each delivering 480hp.

With standard joy-stick control and Zeus pod drives, the job for the helmsman has never been easier.

The Zeus system comes standard with ‘Skyhook’, a station-keeping function that maintains vessel position at the push of a button, despite the presence of wind and current.

Of course, the Zeus system also leads to precision docking, even for relatively inexperienced helmsmen and greatly improves cruising performance.

Heading below, via a moulded fibreglass stairway, there’s the spacious aft cockpit with L-shaped bench seating with the provision to enhance it by way of optional table, wet bar, icemaker or refrigerator and a barbecue grill, making this the perfect spot for some al fresco entertaining.

A transom gate leads to the aft swim platform (a hydraulic platform is an available option) with a three-step stainless steel ladder to provide easy access to and from the water.

Within the main saloon, natural light and earthy colours create a bright, relaxed atmosphere.

Large windows, ample headroom, moveable wing chairs, supple leather sofas and full air conditioning with reverse cycle heating are among its attractions.

A stylish coffee table, an entertainment centre complete with Sony high definition LCD television and DVD player and a comprehensive sound system satisfy the most discerning guests on board.

Forward, the raised dinette maintains the unobstructed views and is fitted with a high-gloss table and timber accent flooring.

A few steps down from the dinette is the galley area, with an upright ‘fridge/freezer, microwave oven, recessed two-burner stove, a pull out pantry and abundant storage.

Accommodation forward comprises the master stateroom and a guest cabin amidships, both superbly furnished and fitted.

The master has its own en-suite to go with the queen berth, cedar-lined hanging lockers, another LCD television and DVD player and loads of light via four port holes and a skylight.

Guests have the option of a king size berth or twin berths in the guest stateroom and share the main bathroom.

As usual, Sea Ray offers a broad range of options such as a lower helm station, washer/dryer, central vacuum system, underwater lights, even a thermal imaging camera for night time cruising.

Sea Ray is indeed fortunate to have as its dealer in New South Wales, Australia, the respected Andrew Short Marine Services, a company which has already been named Sea Ray International Dealer of the Year on three occasions.

The company is spread across the Sydney metropolitan area with showroom and marina facilities both sides of Sydney Harbour.

For further information on the Sea Ray 450 Sedan Bridge or other Sea Ray models, contact Andrew Short Marine, telephone (02) 9524-2699.