“Our unique manufacturing process and dedication to quality can be found at each step,” said Joe Cacopardo, Sea Ray’s director of marketing, when describing the 450 Sedan Bridge, “from concept to design, to prototype testing and all the way through final production.”
After talking with Cacopardo at the Miami International Boat Show, I had a chance to climb on board and walk through Sea Ray’s new 2012 model. This boat is a direct replacement of the company’s previous 450 Sedan Bridge, and like its predecessor, it was designed with extended cruising in mind. “Specifically, we looked at two audiences: the cruising family and the cruising couple,” Cacopardo said.
The port guest stateroom serves both audiences well, with plenty of space and an extra-large window that really lets in the outside. Double twin beds convert to a king, and a nightstand and cedar-lined hanging locker round out the amenities. A head with VacuFlush toilet, vanity and sink, medicine chest, Grohe shower wand and bi-fold door — even a skylight — are just steps away. In other words, all the spoils standard in the forward master stateroom are extended to guests or the kids.
The 450 is fitted for entertainment from top to bottom. The bridge has captain and companion seats that pivot to face the U-shaped settee when the boat is at rest. A table, fridge, six drink holders, an optional 22-inch flatscreen TV with DVD player, and filler cushions that create a sun bed deliver fun and relaxation in spades. A hardtop protects the bridge and can be equipped with an optional retractable sunroof. The helm features SmartCraft diagnostic gauges, a VHF radio, autopilot and joystick control for the standard Zeus pod drives.
Molded bridge-access steps lead to the cockpit, which features standard L-shaped seating that provides the perfect perch for watching the kids swim behind the boat. Or up the ante with another table, fridge, grill and rod holders. “Normally, on this style of boat, it’s just the bridge for entertaining,” Cacopardo said. “Here, it’s the bridge and cockpit.”
And don’t forget the cabin. The airy salon — with its panoramic windows, Ultraleather sofa, wing chairs and raised dinette — can seat a crowd, while the entertainment center rivals that of any modern home. Likewise, the galley comes fully equipped with a coffeemaker, microwave/convection oven, upright fridge/freezer and two-burner stove. Storage is everywhere, including a pull-out panty and huge utility room under the salon floor.
“From an entertaining and cruising standpoint, this Sport Yacht has everything that you could want,” Cacopardo said. “It’s all about enjoying yourself on the water, and you don’t want a lot of hassles.”
That hassle-free approach extends to performance. With its standard Zeus pod drives, the boats runs 2 mph faster at wide-open throttle than the same previous 450 model equipped with V-drives. The Zeus boat also provides similar increases in performance at cruise speeds from 24 mph on up. At an optimum cruise of about 28 mph, the new 450 consumes about 10 percent less fuel than its predecessor.
With best-in-class accommodations, a fresh new look and better performance, the new 450 is a worthy successor to one of the most popular sedan bridge cruisers on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall: 45 feet, 6 inches
Beam: 14 feet, 5 inches
Draft: 4 feet
Dry Weight: 36,602 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 375 gallons
Water Capacity: 130 gallons
Base Price: $987,382
