370 Venture

The first production express cruisers this size to feature outboard propulsion, the 370 Venture was a revolutionary design when she was introduced. The stern of the boat has the customary aft swim platform and aft-facing seats like most express cruisers, so where are the outboards? They’re concealed under sound proof hatches on either side of the walk-through. Sea Ray claimed several advantages for this setup—the motors can be tilted up out of the water reducing corrosion issues at the dock, and this system also makes the boat a lot quieter. By using outboards rather than sterndrives, the aft interior bulkhead has been pushed back resulting in a full-beam amidships master stateroom complete with diagonal queen bed, a long sofa, and generous headroom. The forward dinette features oversize hull windows and a wraparound settee that converts into a V-berth at night. The enclosed head to starboard includes an electric toilet, and the galley opposite comes with a microwave, a large counter, and refrigerator. Twin 300hp Mercury Verado outboards cruise at 25–26 knots (high 30s top). In the end, the 370 Venture’s outboard configuration never caught on which makes this a unique boat.