500 Sundancer; 52 Sundancer

While the Sea Ray 52 Sundancer (called the 500 Sundancer in 2004–06) may have lacked the jaw-dropping sex appeal of the best European yachts of her day, she took a back seat to few when it came to luxury and open-water performance. Built on a deep-V hull with prop pockets to reduce the shaft angle, the Sundancer’s innovative cockpit layout is notable. Arranged with a unique rotating lounge, the cockpit forms a single entertaining area rather than the divided space found in other express yachts. Another major change is found below—instead of the ubiquitous mid-cabin floorplan found in most express cruisers this size, both of the Sundancer’s staterooms are forward. While there is a foldout bed option aft, this area is now part of the main salon making it even more expansive than before with posh Ultraleather sofas, 6'8" headroom, and built-in flat-screen TV/DVD. There are two full heads in this layout, and the galley includes plenty of storage as well as a hardwood floor. An extended swim platform, cherry interior cabinets, and fiberglass hardtop were standard. A well finished yacht, 640hp Cummins V-drive diesels cruise the Sundancer at 26–28 knots (30+ top).