Sea Ray 21 SPX OB

Space is at a premium aboard any 21-foot bowrider. Sea Ray’s 21 SPX OB maximizes it better than most. Gunwales are slim to increase cockpit space, and an 8-foot-6-inch beam stretches longer than the norm. A gentle arc to the bow widens the forward cockpit, rather than squeezing it to a point. The result is a surprising 12-passenger capacity. Most will find a seat on the main cockpit’s huge L-shaped lounge and broad portside bench. Position the latter’s removable seat back to the rear and you have a forward-facing chaise. Move it one cushion length forward to make a forward-facing seat behind the port console and an observer seat aft. Or add a filler cushion against the port console to fashion an aft-facing lounge. The filler stows neatly below a hinged seat cushion. A sun pad awaits those who want to soak up the rays. Tilt up its forward half and you have an aft-facing couch for two when hanging at the sandbar.

The SPX joins a growing list of models that offer a choice of sterndrive or outboard propulsion. Below the OB’s sun pad, the real estate normally reserved for a block of iron is now ready for more than 13 cubic feet of gear. There’s more room in the partitioned compartment to starboard, as well as below the transom walk-through. The latter offers access to the battery. Even the adjoining step is ready for gear. In fact, stowage is above average throughout. There’s a dedicated spot for a carry-on cooler below the starboard portion of the L-shaped lounge, and a cooler with a drain below the aft seat. Add the port console, lockable glove box and generous ski locker, and you won’t be left wanting space.

While options include a 200 hp Mercury Verado Pro, our test boat’s lightweight Mercury 150 outboard offered plenty of power for our minimal test load, jumping onto plane in less than 4 seconds with very little bow rise. We reached the 30 mph benchmark in less than 8.5 seconds, and speed topped out at 46.6 mph in far from ideal conditions.

Comparable Model: Starcraft SCX 210 OB