Who hasn't dreamed of grabbing a surfboard and challenging the waves with skill and agility? Most people would want to try at least once. But few are ready to spend a fortune on a purpose-built towboat. If you're not a professional wakeboarder or wakesurfer, wouldn't a versatile boat with quality surf features be enough? 

Imagine spending an entire day on the water. It cannot be just surfing and tricks—you’d want to cruise with family and friends, swim, or relax in the sun. Outdoor action will likely make you hungry, so having a table on board is a must. A restroom would come in handy as well, yet most towboats, even the expensive ones, are lacking it. Understanding these requests, Sea Ray added surf versions of their latest models to the lineup. Last January, at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, the European premiere of the SDX 270 Surf took place. Released in the U.S. in the summer of 2024, this 8.5-meter bowrider comes equipped with the intuitive NextWave surf system. It features three ballast tanks and trim tabs to create a clean, customisable wave for wakeboarding and wakesurfing.

The boat is powered by a robust 6.2L MerCruiser V8 engine delivering 350 horsepower. It offers excellent torque and acceleration, with a maximum RPM of 5000–5400. Adaptive cruise control maintains engine RPM during sharp turns, allowing you to steer without adjusting the throttle. The engine is quiet and low on vibration, thanks to an intake resonator and an aft-facing throttle body that directs noise away from the cabin. The Bravo Four S drive enhances manoeuvrability, especially at low speeds, with forward-facing propellers providing extra grip in the water. The SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) system eases handling and helps save fuel.

“The 270 and 270 Surf are new additions to the SDX lineup, designed with next-generation styling,” said Keith Yunger, President of Sea Ray. “The SDX 270 Surf is also the first boat in the series built specifically for surfing. Designed for maximum enjoyment, these boats feature spacious cockpits, ample storage, and amenities that allow families to spend hours of fun on the water.”

From stern to bow, the SDX 270 Surf is designed as a seamless space for relaxation and comfort. The SDX series has always been known for its increased deck space, and this model is no exception. 

The swim platform includes a telescoping ladder and a mechanical submersible step, making it easy and safe for everyone to get in and out of the water. You can bring kids and elderly passengers without worrying about their safety. 

Aft of the cockpit is a large sunbed with an adjustable headrest. The default upholstery is high-quality marine vinyl in a sand-coloured Dune finish, resistant to sun fading. Alternatively, you can choose a stylish combination of white and stone (a coastal pebble tone). Beside the sunbed, a control panel on the gunwale lets you adjust the music and lighting. A USB port ensures your phone stays charged. On the port side, there’s a shower, while the starboard side features a passage to the cockpit with storage underneath. You can add a refrigerator here to keep cold drinks within arm’s reach while lounging. The left section of the sunbed lifts to provide access to the battery.

The cockpit layout of this bowrider is impressively thought out. At 8.5 meters long, the SDX 270 Surf is certified as a yacht, meaning it can accommodate nearly as many people as you can fit.

The wraparound seating includes a corner sofa to port, a smaller sofa to starboard, and forward seats. There’s room for everyone who isn’t dancing to the music from the powerful speakers or relaxing in the bow. Need more space? Slide the front seatbacks forward, adjust the table’s height and position, and add a cushion to create additional seating. With more people onboard, you’ll have more gadgets, so there’s a wireless charging station available. Storage compartments under the seats provide space for clothes and sports gear. The inboard engine and ballast system are located under the rear section of the large sofa, making them easy to access for maintenance from the deck or sofa.

The standard equipment includes a power-assisted tower. With the push of a button, you can lower it to the windscreen to pass under low bridges. The tower holds four board racks and features two extendable canopies—one for the bow and one for the cockpit—offering shade or rain protection for nearly the entire deck.

The bow walkthrough splits the helm into two sections. On the starboard side is a wide, user-friendly dashboard with two 9-inch Simrad NSX touchscreens. One displays vessel data, including wakeboarding and surfing settings, while the other shows speed, RPM, and a selection of other parameters. The screens are fully customisable, allowing you to create a layout that suits you. For water sports, the captain simply selects the activity, and the system automatically adjusts acceleration, towing speed, and wave characteristics, which can be fine-tuned. The interface is intuitive, and digital controls coordinate the ballast, wave-shaping system, and engine performance. Below the screens is a panel with analogue switches for quick access to essential functions. 

A rearview mirror on the windscreen lets the pilot monitor riders performing tricks. 

The helm console houses a restroom. Even tall passengers can enter without bending over. This spacious area is well-ventilated and includes cushions, making it a quiet, cool spot for a napping infant or small child.

The left side of the helm is dedicated to the Fusion Premier audio system. It features an Apollo RA770 AM/FM radio, a Signature Series subwoofer (under the captain’s seat), and three pairs of speakers (near the front seats, bow sofa, and rear cockpit sofa) with auxiliary components. The sound is rich and immersive, perfect for music enthusiasts. In the evening, the experience is enhanced by a light show. The deck and underwater LED lights offer customisable RGB-W colours. Two removable teak tables for the bow and cockpit are stored in the left console. 

The 2025 model’s redesigned bow is another highlight. The windlass is mounted on the bow stem, keeping the anchor area clear of ropes, mechanisms, or open hatches.

The bow features a wide step with non-slip SeaDeck coating and a dedicated compartment for a telescoping ladder for shore access. The electric windlass is controlled from the helm or via a remote. 

The bow seating area is surrounded by a comfortable sofa. Lower the table and add a cushion to create a deep playpen for kids or a sunbathing space. Each sofa section has storage underneath. 

In summary, the new SDX 270 Surf combines the best of both worlds: the seaworthiness, space, and comfort of a recreational boat with the precise wave control of a modern towboat.