We – and the entire boating public – have come to expect good things from Sea Ray. No other name in the marine industry signals quality and innovation like Sea Ray. And each year, it continues to churn out some great new products.
This year’s 215 Express Cruiser is one of them.
It’s difficult to build a 21-foot boat and call it an express cruiser – so difficult that we know of no other manufacturer that builds one. At this length, boats more so resemble large cuddy cabins, but that’s the case with Sea Ray’s 215.
Most cuddy cabins require the flexibility and size of a circus contortionist to enter the forward compartment. Because of the intelligent design of the cabin door, which arcs up and forward beneath the windshield, stepping down into the cabin is simple. Once inside, you’ll find a separate starboard compartment for the porta-potty, enclosed by a sliding curtain and to port, a sink and insulated ice chest. The V-berth cushions are wide and supportive, with enough headroom for four adults to play cards while seated around the standard dinette table.
Close the cabin door and passengers can easily climb the molded-in steps to the foredeck. Nonskid decking provides excellent traction while walking to the monstrous anchor locker.
Back in the cockpit, an in-deck locker will swallow all your water-sports gear. A choice of two seating arrangement to tailor the interior to your likes. Sea Ray also offers an optional camper canvas package, which includes a front isenglass visor, side and aft curtains, ideal for overnighting or foul weather.
More than just a great overnight boat, the 215 performs well and can handle duty as a water-sports boat. It handles chop well, thanks to its deep V hull. It provides ample acceleration with the standard engine and drive package, and it’s comfortable to drive while sitting or standing. Our water-sports team liked the 215’s performance so much that they said it had “a wake that’s perfect for a beginning to intermediate rider.”
Hmmm. Cruising, overnighting and water-sports potential. Sounds like a pretty well-rounded boat. But then, we’ve come to expect that from Sea Ray.
Specifications
Length 21 ft. 6 in.
Beam 8 ft. 6 in.
Fuel capacity: 50 gal.
Cockpit*: 80 in. (w) x 89 in. (l)
Cockpit depth*: 38 in. (driver) x 28 in. (rear seat)
Bow interior*: 97 in. (w) x 93.5 in. (l)
Seating capacity (NMMA rating): 8
Seating capacity (actual people)*: 8
Driver knee room*: NA
Windshield height*: 12 in.
Bridge clearance*: 64 in.
Walk-through width*: 19 in.
Passenger foot room*: NA
Rear foot room*: NA
Rear seat width*: 77 in.
Rear seat to engine cover*: NA
Dry weight: 3,800 lb.
Platform: in. 71 (w) x 16 in. (l)
Height from water*: 14 in.
Test engine: 220-hp 5.0-liter V-8
Base engine: 220-hp 5.0-liter V-8
Engine options: 150-hp diesel, 250- and 260-hp 5.7-liter V-8
MSRP on base boat: $
MSRP on test boat: $
Top speed: 47.8 mph @ 4,800 rpm
Speed @ 75-percent throttle*: 37.2 mph @ 3,600 rpm
Speed @ 50-percent throttle*: 15.1 mph @ 2,400 rpm
Loaded acceleration time to 30 mph*: 11.14 seconds
Loaded distance to 30 mph*: 280.55 feet
Unloaded acceleration time to 30 mph*: 8.87 seconds
Unloaded distance to 30 mph*: 215.88 feet
Time to plane*: 6.99 seconds
Noise level**: 83, 95, 100 db
*Test-team measurement
** Noise levels were recorded at 36 mph using a digital decibel meter set on the “A-weighted” scale, which closely resembles human hearing. The three numbers displayed represent (in this order) sound measurements made at the helm at driver’s head level, rear seat at passenger head level and just behind the transom.
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
