Sea Ray 240 Sundeck Specs and Review [Video]

Often referred to as the 240 SD, Sea Ray marketed its extremely popular Sundeck 240 deck boat with MerCruiser sterndrive engines from 1995 through 2015. During her long life, this best-selling model went through four generations (‘95-‘99, ‘00-‘08, ‘09-’13, ’14-‘15) and several updates, before it was phased out by the 240 SDX.

In this comprehensive post, we’ll review these four generations and their factory specifications one by one.

First Generation (1995-1999)

Hull and Deck (’95 – ‘99)

Sea Ray introduced its innovative Sundeck 240 deck boat in 1995, the same year that the exciting Sea Rayder F14 hit showrooms.

Often referred to as the first-generation model, it was manufactured from 1995 through 1999 without any significant changes.

Built on a moderate-V fiberglass hull with an 18-degree deadrise, she measured in with an overall length of 23.5 feet, with a beam of 8.5 feet.

Compared to her smaller bowrider relatives, the 240 SD was much heavier since it blended the design features of a bowrider with a deck boat.

Her claimed dry weight was 3,750 pounds and about 4,500 pounds when filled up with liquids and some basic gear.

Figuring in the weight of a matching tandem-axle trailer, you could expect the trailering weight to be in the ballpark of 5,500-5,800 pounds (with a std. engine).

Designed for families and large groups of up to 12 people, the top deck offered a plethora of free space and nice-sized lounges.

The bow area was designed with two asymmetrical bench seats with a step between them.

In the aft section, there was a spacious L-shaped bench seat with a Hi-Lo dinette table, while the helm utilized a swivel bucket seat.

Through the walk-thru transom, you could reach a small integrated swim platform, which came standard with a grab handle and a retractable ladder.

The top deck was completed with a wet bar and a tiny head compartment housing a porta-potty.

Besides the numerous under-seat storage units, a sizeable ski locker was also hidden under the floor.

Standard features included dinette tables, cup holders, cleats, eyes, side rails, lights, and a nice dashboard with some analog gauges and an adjustable steering wheel.

Problems?

One of the main problems of the Sundeck 240 was arguably the lack of a wrap-around windshield.

Unfortunately, she only featured a tiny dash visor that offered very minimal protection.

 

Engines (’95 – ’99)

Sea Ray marketed the first generation Sundeck 240 with MerCruiser gasoline engines and Alpha I sterndrive propulsion systems.

The entry-level power option was the carbureted MerCruiser 4.3LX V6 engine rated at 180hp.

Optional power sources included the fuel-injected MerCruiser 5.0L EFI and the carbureted MerCruiser 5.7L TKS V8 engines.

These units delivered 240 and 250hp, respectively.

Specifications (’95-’99)

In a nutshell, the key specifications of the 1995-1999 Sundeck 240 were as follows:

Overall Length

23’ 6”

Maximum Beam

8’ 6”

Height – Waterline to Top of Dash Visor

4’ 5”

Height – Waterline to Top of Dash Visor

5’ 10”

Draft (stern drive down)

36”

Draft (stern drive up)

20”

Dead Rise

18°

Dry Weight

3,750 lb.

Est. Trailering Weight*

5,500-6,000 lb.

Fuel Capacity

65 gal.

Usable Fuel

61.7 gal.

Water Capacity

20 gal.

People Capacity

12 persons

*(w/ std. engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Second Generation (2000-2008)

Hull and Deck (’00 – ‘08)

For the Millennium, Sea Ray heavily redesigned its deservedly popular 24-footer deck boat.

Also known as the “second-generation 240 SD” this Sea Ray was in production from 2000 through 2008.

She returned with a longer hull, which enjoyed a deeper deadrise (change: 18->21 degrees). This translated to a much better rough water performance.

Redesigned from scratch, the huge bow lounge utilized curvier lines and symmetrical architecture.

Covered by high-quality upholstery, its wraparound bench seats were shaped to the same size.

The lounge was equipped with a lot of bells and whistles like stainless steel grab rails, speakers, a bow shower, a dinette table, and a bow ladder with an anchor locker.

However, the most important novelty was the wraparound windshield with a walkthrough door. Unlike the dash visor of its predecessor, these offered great protection for the captain and the crew.

For better space utilization, the wet bar was relocated behind the helm. Also known as the “entertainment center,” it was equipped with a sink, cup holders, and designated cooler storage.

The cozy cockpit could be ordered with two different floor plans.

The standard seating plan featured a swivel helm chair and a large L-shaped lounger on the port side.

In contrast, the optional plan was designed with a smaller sofa and a swivel companion seat. There’s no question that this optional variant was far more popular.

Enclosed by a heavy-duty clamshell door, the head featured a sink, vanity, medicine cabinet, porta potty, opening side port window, and upper and lower storage.

Since the head was relocated to the port side, the enclosed compartment on the starboard side was converted into a storage unit. Its door doubled as the walkthrough door.

Just like the bow area, the cockpit was also fitted with many grab handles, beverage holders, and an abundance of storage space.

Through the transom door, you could access the aft which was redesigned with an all-new extended swim platform.

Its key features included an integrated reboarding ladder, transom trim, transom shower, and a large grab handle that doubled as a ski-tow eye.

Due to the plethora of new bells and whistles, the second-generation Sundeck 240 gained a lot of weight.

Fitted with the standard engine, its claimed dry weight was 4,680 pounds, which meant a 25% weight increase compared to its predecessor.

Figuring in the weight of the liquids and minimal gear, her curb weight was in the neighborhood of 5,500 pounds, which increased up to 6,500-6,700 pounds with a tandem-axle trailer.

With the largest optional engines, the trailering weight of this 24-foot deck boat exceeded a whopping 7,000 pounds.

The capacities were also remarkable since she could carry 12 people and a plethora of gear, up to 2,100 pounds.

The 65-gallon fuel tank and 20-gallon fresh water tank could be completed with a 10-gallon optional holding tank.

https://youtu.be/6Ae3p_n5bM0

 

Engines (’00 – ‘08)

As a rule of thumb, each sterndrive Sea Ray 240 Sundeck runabout was designed with V6 and V8 MerCruiser gasoline engines, and the second generation was no exception.

In the year of its introduction, the standard engine of this model was the fuel-injected MerCruiser 5.0L EFI with Alpha I MCM Stern Drive rated at 240 hp.

In contrast, the list of the optional engines was as follows:

  • 5.0L EFI Bravo III MCM (240 hp)
  • 5.7L EFI Alpha I MCM (260 hp)
  • 5.7L EFI Bravo III MCM (260 hp)
  • 7.4L MPI Bravo I MCM (310 hp)
  • 7.4L MPI Bravo III MCM (310 hp)

The standard engine was soon upgraded to the 5.0L MPI Bravo III (260hp) while the optional engines were also expanded with a lot of new units, including:

  • 5.0L MPI (260 hp)
  • 350 MAG MPI (300 hp)
  • 496 MAG (375 hp)
  • 496 MAG (HO 425 hp)
  • MX 6.2L MPI (320hp)

Most of these were paired with a Bravo III MCM sterndrive propulsion system.

Even though the performance of the 5.0L engine was enough for average use, many buyers ordered their 240 SD with a more powerful engine option.

The extra hp was a game changer when it came to towing a wakeboarder or cruising with a large crew.

What’s more, the 240 SD had greater resale value and was much easier to sell with the larger engine.

In terms of speed, with the 350 MAG and 496 MAG engines, the 240 Sundeck topped out close to 50 mph.

Specifications (’00-’08)

The key specs of the 2000-2008 Sundeck 240 were as follows:

Overall Length

24’ 0”

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform

26’ 4”

Maximum Beam

8’ 6”

Height – Keel to Top of Windshield

6’ 6”

Height – Waterline to Top of Windshield

4’ 7”

Draft (stern drive down)

41”

Draft (stern drive up)

25”

Dead Rise

21°

Dry Weight

4,680 lb.

Est. Trailering Weight*

6,500 – 7,000 lb.

Fuel Capacity

65 gal.

Water Capacity

20 gal.

People Capacity

12 persons or 2000 lb.

Total Weight Capacity

2100 lb., persons, gear

*(w/ std. engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Third Generation (2009-2013)

For the 2009 season, Sea Ray again revamped its best-selling 24-footer deck boat.

Known as the third generation 240 SD, she was marketed from 2009 through 2013 with sterndrive engines and refreshed once again for the last time in 2014.

(Her outboard variant was in part of the fleet from 2014 to 2016.)

https://youtu.be/VMnl2lHBlKg

Hull and Top Deck (’09 – ’13)

Interestingly, the third-generation 240 SD returned with a shorter hull by 2 feet than its predecessor.

The 2000-2008 model was built on a 24-foot hull, which featured an extended swim platform. The latter increased the overall length of the boat to 26 feet 4 inches.

In contrast, its 2009-2013 successor had an overall length of 24 feet 4 inches, which already included the swim platform.

Her capacities were also significantly lowered since the new model was only rated for 10 persons or 1,800 pounds.

Her claimed dry weight was 4,850 pounds, which was a noticeable weight gain compared to the forerunners. This converted into a trailering weight of 6,500-7,000 pounds, or even more with the largest V8 engine variants.

One of the most noticeable changes in the seating layout was an all-new sun pad with a walk-thru transom.

In summary, the key upgrades on the ’09-’15 240 Sundeck compared to the previous generation included:

  • Significantly shorter hull (2 feet)
  • Less free deck space and smaller seats
  • Lower capacities
  • More squared bow design
  • Smaller floor locker
  • All-new sun pad
  • Larger swim platform
  • Bow filler cushion

Engines (’09-’13)

Just like its predecessors, the ’09-’13’ 240 SD was also designed with V6 and V8 MerCruiser gasoline engines. Without the need for completeness, the most common of these were as follows:

  • 5.0L MPI ECT w/Bravo III (260 hp)
  • 4.5L MPI DTS w/Bravo III (250 hp)
  • 5.7L V8 MPI w/Alpha I (300 hp)
  • 350 MAG MPI DTS w/Bravo III (300 hp)

The 350 MAG MPI DTS was by far the most popular choice, and with good reason.

This 4-stroke, 5.7L (350 CID), V8 engine featured a multi-port fuel injection system and Bravo III sterndrive propulsion.

Delivering plenty of torque and a healthy 300hp, it easily moved the vessel even under heavy loads.

The top speed of the 240 SD with the 350 MAG MPI was around 50 mph at 4500 RPM.

At this speed, the fuel usage was 23-24 gph, which converted to 2-2.5 mpg and an estimated fuel range of 110-120 miles.

Cruising at 24-25 mph, she burned 7-8 gph, resulting in a fuel economy of 3.3-3.5 mpg and a fuel range of 170-180 miles.

Specifications (’09-’13)

You can read the specifications of the third-generation 240 SD in this chart below.

Model Years

’09 – ‘13

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform

24’ 4”

Maximum Beam

8’ 6”

Height – Keel to Top of Nav Light

9’ 5 ¾”

Height – Waterline to Top of Windshield

4’ 3”

Draft (stern drive down)

39”

Draft (stern drive up)

23”

Dead Rise

21°

Dry Weight

4850 lb.

Est. Trailering Weight*

6500 – 7000 lb.

Fuel Capacity

55 gal.

Fresh Water Capacity

20 gal.

People Capacity

10 persons or 1600 lb.

Total Weight Capacity

1800 lb., persons, gear

*(w/ std. engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Fourth Generation (2014-2015)

Hull and Top Deck (’14-’15)

In 2014, Sea Ray once again revamped its 240 Sundeck and also introduced its outboard variant.

The latter was quite similar to its sterdrive brother, except for her aft architecture of course.

Compared to the 2009-2013 model, the fourth-generation (’14-’15) 240 SD returned with more free deck space, a new seating arrangement, more modern angular lines, and innovative features.

The redesigned L-shaped wraparound seating housed flip-out cupholders and was completed with a wide, multi-position companion seat.

The redesigned bow and cockpit seatings, as well as the removed wet bar, freed up a lot of deck space.

Thanks to this new design the boat felt much bigger and roomier.

Another noticeable novelty was the manual submersible swim step integrated into the swim platform. The redesigned sunpad also converted into a comfortable aft-facing lounge with a flip-up backrest.

Unfortunately, this innovative feature came as an option.

 

Engines (’14-’15)

The proven MerCuriser engines and Bravo III sterndrive propulsion were carried over from the previous years without any significant changes.

Besides the most popular 350 MAG MPI, the 4.5L MPI and 5.0L MPI engine options were also available through the ’14-’5 era.

As we’ve discussed, the latest 240 SD was also marketed in an outboard version from 2014 through 2016 with Verado 250 and 300hp engine options.

After two decades of production, the entire 240 Sundeck line was phased out by the 240 SPX in 2017.

Specifications (’14-’15)

In this chart, you can find the factory specifications of the fourth-generation, 2014-2015 240 SD (sterndrive version only).

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform

24’ 6 ½”

Maximum Beam

8’ 8”

Height – Keel to Top of Nav Light

9’ 5 ½”

Draft (stern drive down)

38”

Draft (stern drive up)

20”

Dead Rise

21°

Dry Weight

4616 lb.

Est. Trailering Weight*

6500 – 7000 lb.

Fuel Capacity

58 gal.

Fresh Water Capacity

20 gal.

People Capacity

13 persons or 1773 lb.

Total Weight Capacity

1923 lb., persons, gear

*(w/ std. engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

240 Sundeck Comparison Chart

For a better comparison, we’ve compared the key specifications of the four generations head-to-head:

Gen.

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Model Years

‘95-’99

‘00-’08

‘09-’13

‘14-’15

Dry Weight (lb)

3750

4680

4850

4740

LOA

23’6″

26’4″

24’4″

24′ 6 ½”

Beam

8’6″

8’6″

8’6″

8’8″

Draft (stern drive down)

36″

41″

39″

38″

Draft (stern drive up)

20″

25″

23″

21″

Deadrise

18°

21°

21°

21°

Windshield

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Total Weight capacity (lb.)

Na.

2100

1800

1923

Passenger Capacity

12

12

10

13

Fuel Capacity (gal.)

65

65

55

55

Sun pad

No

No

Yes

Yes

Ext. Swim Platform

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bow ladder

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Takeaways

The legendary Sundeck 240 was one of the best-selling Sea Rays in history and with good reason.

She built her reputation on outstanding quality, durability, and luxury features.

Designed with larger crews in mind, her well-organized deck offered plenty of space and came standard with an abundance of useful features.

Despite her remarkable dimensions and capacities, this boat could be easily towed by an average truck.

Due to its popularity, you can still find many of them on the used market.

If you are considering buying one, you should focus on the second and fourth generations. Why?

When it comes to buying a used 240 SD, you may want to skip the first-generation model (‘95-‘99).

These boats are not only fairly aged, but they have fewer capacities than their successors. On top of that, they lack a full-size windshield.

Many boaters agree that the best 240 Sundecks were manufactured from 2000-2008.

This second-generation model is by far the most spacious and has many key features like a wraparound windshield, a large head, and an extended swim platform.

You can expect the asking prices of these 240 Sundecks to be in the ballpark of $10,000-$50,000. Prices vary greatly depending on the condition, engine option, and location.

If you are considering a newer boat, you also can’t go wrong with the fourth-generation which is typically offered for $30,000 to $60,000.

Compared to its third-generation 2009-2013 predecessor, this latest variant has much greater capacities, slightly lower weight, and some extra bells and whistles.

The smaller relatives of the 240 SD were also very popular, including the Sundeck 200 and the Sundeck 220.

These might also be worth taking a look at!


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