2003 Sea Ray 400 SB

By Mike Gridley

Many couples are looking for a used boat that’s roomy and comfortable enough to spend the entire summer on or possibly to head south with for the winter. That leaves the market pretty wide open when looking for that ideal cruiser for two. When boating friends of mine were in the market for a boat to fill this role, their choice was a 2003 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge.

The 400 has a commanding and purposeful looking presence that speaks volumes about the design and evolution of Sea Ray’s ever-popular Sedan Bridge models. The proven hull, with an overall length of 44 feet and a beam of 14 feet 3 inches, is at home both on inland and coastal waters.

Typical to sedan bridges, the cockpit on the Sea Ray 400 is spacious and the flybridge overhang provides protection from the sun. Standard appointments in the cockpit include the removable seating and storage unit, a refrigerator, and easy access to the battery switches, key 12-volt circuit breakers and the fuel cutoff valves.

Access to the lazarette and engine compartment is from the cockpit, making servicing the generator a snap. However, working outboard of the optional twin 417-hp Cummins may prove to be a little tight.

Wide side decks with solid rails and lifelines ensures safety moving forward to the bow, where you find the standard windlass and bow roller complete with rode, chain, anchor and anchor wash down.

Over the years, Sea Ray Sedan Bridge models have boasted various layouts, but the 2003 design is the one I like best. My preference stems from the opposing sofas in the salon, the raised dinette area that has great seating for six and, of course, the galley down. The entire space is quite open and bright, ideal for relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort on either sofa or eating at the comfortable dinette.

The starboard sofa faces a hi-lo table with stools, suitable for drinks and a snack, and the port-side sofa folds out to create an extra berth at the touch of a switch.

The one thing my wife always checks out when we’re looking at a boat – whether new or used – is the galley. She would definitely approve of the galley down layout on this Sea Ray, as well as the beautiful Corian counters, nice deep sink, plenty of storage (both lower and upper) and nice range. If you are feeding a gang, it is convenient to have the three-quarter size refrigerator and freezer, as well as the microwave-convection oven (which takes the place of a regular oven). You’ll not only find the galley generously roomy, you’ll really appreciate the dry storage space hidden in the galley sole and the pantry just off of the galley in the companionway.

All accommodations are forward, starting with the guest cabin to port that is tucked in under the raised dinette, but does have a stand-up change area. Forward of this cabin is the nicely appointed day or shared head, which comes complete with a separate shower stall. The master stateroom has an island queen berth with innerspring mattress, two hanging lockers, gunwale cabinets, and a private head and shower.

Back on deck, moulded steps lead through a lockable hatch to the flybridge, where the 400 has a forward placed helm with a commanding view. When this boat was purchased the owner checked quite a few option boxes, so the helm is fully equipped with Raymarine electronics. To keep the captain company, there is a companion seat to port and a U-shaped settee with a removable table to allow guests to share the view.

For a 40-footer this Sea Ray has excellent accommodations that will make staying aboard for extended periods quite comfortable. And when combined with the optional diesels, the 2003 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge will make a great used buy if you are planning on putting on a lot of hours.

Test Boat Engine
Twin Cummins 6CTA 8.3L, 417-hp inboard diesels
CRUISING SPEED
24 kts / 27.6 mph
TOP SPEED
28 kts / 32.2 mph