Boating’s Boat of the Year is the most prestigious honor
awarded to recreational boatbuilders. For 2017, the Sea
Ray SLX 400 joins the pantheon of great boats that can
claim the title of Boat of the Year. Congratulations!
Boating’s Boat of the Year is not decided by favorites
— advertising dollars spent do not equate to qualifica-
tion points for the award. Nor does favoritism among
boaters play a role; a boat (or anything, really) could
be sold in great numbers without being great. No, it’s
not as simple as that. Just as a box-office smash film
may not win an Oscar, and just as a Heisman-trophy-
winning player may not make it to the championship,
the title of Boat of the Year is earned by merits deeper
than simply economics and popularity. (But success-
ful, popular boats can garner the award.)
We tested more than 130 boats during 2017, assess-
ing their safety, performance, innovation and place
in their categories. For evidencing no departures
from American Boat and Yacht Council standards,
incorporating features such as an expanded swim
platform and dedicated stand-up paddleboard stow-
age, and delivering performance and attention to
detail above the rest, we name the Sea Ray SLX 400 as
Boating’s 2017 Boat of the Year. — Kevin Falvey
B
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