Sea Ray 220 Sundeck, Much More Than a Bowrider

When Sea Ray launched the 220 Sundeck in 2002, it slotted nicely in between the already popular 210 and 240 models, bringing to the market a boat that was big enough to accommodate large groups of friends and family, yet small enough to be an adept watersports boat and more easily trailerable. The 220, like the rest of the Sundeck series, is part deck boat and part bowrider, the main difference to its competitors being the deep-V hull rather than a modified deep-V, which means it isn’t limited to the lakes.

The 220 had a long run and was in production until 2016 when Sea Ray halted manufacture of the entire Sundeck series. The sheer versatility of the 220—seen in all its versions over the years—garnered a big following of owners impressed by Sea Ray’s willingness to shake things up and not follow the crowd. The result is a boat that has never really sat neatly in one classification or another, and is today well-represented on the used market.

The 220 Sundeck is a true family boat, with the speed and performance, thoughtful features—we’re talking a wet bar, enclosed head, and bucket loads of storage—and an impressive amount of deck space for a boat of its size. It is practical and versatile, with its watersports tower offering yet more family fun activities, as well as pure performance enjoyment equipped with its MerCruiser 6.2L MPI engine. (Some 220s have a 5.0L MPI engine and naturally have reduced performance.) There are models of boats that tick many of the boxes, and the Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is certainly one of them.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is sporty and versatile. All photos by Rightboat sellers.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck Key Features

The most impressive thing about the Sea Ray 220 Sundeck, which has no doubt been the reason for its continuing popularity, is its many features packed cleverly and usefully into a compact body. These include its seemingly never-ending storage hidden in every conceivable spot, to the lockable head compartment, and an integrated swim platform (it was the first Sea Ray to have one).

The aluminum watersports tower came as an optional extra, but the majority of boats on the used market do have them, while there is a well-placed ski tow eye as standard. The 220 makes for a very capable watersports boat, ideal for beginners, and with tons of storage for boards and skis. The very layout, with its walk-through windshield, and comfortable helm station with good watersports visibility, elevate its status as a sport boat further.

The designers of the 220 put emphasis on sociable spaces, using the innovative design to create seating in the bow cockpit, rear lounges, and console with seating for two.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck deck space

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck offers impressive deck space and lounging for up to 12 people.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck Performance

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is no wallflower, and while data for differently powered versions varies, it can reach top speeds over 50 mph when equipped with a MerCruiser 6.2L MPI (Bravo Three drive). Cruising speeds of a highly respectable 35mph combined with a 50-gallon fuel capacity give it a range of 135 miles, more than enough for most days of fun.

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is part bowrider, part deck boat with a true deep-V hull

The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is part bowrider, part deck boat with a true deep-V hull.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck Why Buy It

Excellent watersports capabilities
Comfortable seating for up to 12 people
Packed with features including integrated swim platform and enclosed head
Cruising range of 135 miles and top speed over 50mph
Innovative use of deck space with features expected on larger vessels
Buying Used? If you plan on using the boat for watersports, it’s worth looking for a model with a tower, which were options when built. For other tips when buying used, read our Boat Inspection Checklist

With features such as an enclosed head, Bimini top, and wet bar the Sea Ray 220 Sundeck is as well-equipped as a much larger model