If asked to pick just one word to describe the Sea Ray Fly 400, I’d choose “volume.” Step into the salon. You’ll be impressed by the sheer space and headroom. Sea Ray achieved this canyonesque feel by installing oversize windows, keeping sightlines open (no high dividers), and creating a single-level living area (no steps) from the transom all the way through to the windshield. Even better, it did this while maintaining pleasantly svelte exterior styling.
The Sea Ray Fly 400 boasts the staples that cruising boaters expect, and then some. In the salon there are settees and a flat-screen TV. In the cockpit there’s a table and settee. In the galley, opposite the helm, we found several chef-pleasing amenities.
The master stateroom forward is equally spacious, offering large windows and an island berth that measures darn close to queen-size.
Our test boat had the optional (no-brainer) en suite head for the master, allowing the standard head to serve the guest cabin tucked under the salon. Both heads have tube showers and surprising space.
The guest cabin is bright and civilized, with twin berths that slide together to become a queen. This makes it as suitable for another couple as it is for a couple of kids. The standard layout has a third fore-and-aft berth in the guest cabin, but a built-in bureau is a wise option for weekender stowage space.
The flybridge is a panoramic entertainment center, with an L-shaped settee with table, a pedestal helm seat opposite a doublewide companion seat, and a wet bar with sink and refrigerator so no one is thirsty.
Power is a pair of Cummins 480 hp QSB6.7 diesels, with V-drives so the engines are placed well-aft and accessible when the entire cockpit sole raises on lifts. The optional hydraulic transom platform is an easy choice because it can carry/launch a Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft.
Underway, the Fly 400 is a nimble but solid delight. The Cummins joystick makes maneuvering easy, and we topped out at a pleasant 34 mph.
Once again, Sea Ray shows why it ranks high in the flybridge market by creating a delightful yacht with an immense amount of living space.
High Points
- Electrical panel is hidden behind a flip-up couch back, which means no more crawling on your knees to switch on the lights.
- Big roller bins under the master berth add easy-to-reach stowage.
- Optional gourmet station — a handy mini-galley on the transom — keeps smoke away from the cockpit while you char the burgers.
Low Points
- Galley counter has no edged lips to prevent spills from running onto the floor or upholstery, and the sink is hard to reach.
- Access to the Racor filters means lying on the engine (not while it’s hot) and reaching into a far, dark corner.
- Bridge stairs will be a steep climb for Aunt Edna.
Tough Competitor
The Galeon 420 is less expensive at about $700,000, similarly sized and powered, and offers an optional third cabin for kids.
Price: $809,542
Available Power: V-drive
Sea Ray Fly 400 Certified Test Results
How We Tested
Engine: Twin Cummins QSB6.7 HD
Drive/Prop: ZF 280 IV/23″ x 25.5″ 4-blade
Gear Ratio: 2.06:1
Fuel Load: 300 gal.
Crew Weight: 550 lb.
More Information
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
