Sea Ray L650 Review (2016 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Sea Ray L650 measures 65ft (19.8m) and has a layout that feels notably European for a brand long associated with US-centric designs. Sea Ray launched this model as a clear attempt to take on Princess, Sunseeker, and Azimut in the European luxury market, and that intent shows throughout the exterior layout.

At the stern, the hydraulic lift platform carries a 3.3m (11ft) Brig tender with a 40hp outboard. The platform leads into a broad cockpit that works as a proper outdoor living space rather than a simple transition area. A sliding glass section allows the cockpit to close off fully when required, which adds flexibility across different climates.

Side decks run forward with good protection, helped by practical side doors that make docking easier when short-handed. Small details stand out, including illuminated L650 badging and integrated deck lighting that give the boat a more considered feel than earlier Sea Rays.

Forward, the bow arrangement goes beyond the standard sunpad-only approach that was common when this boat launched. There is a proper walkthrough area with seating ahead of the windscreen, followed by a separate sunbathing zone right at the bow. Deck lockers sit neatly to either side, and anchor handling gear is clearly laid out, including a remote-control searchlight and dedicated windlass controls.

The flybridge is a generous space that runs well aft. Seating wraps around a large adjustable table that lowers to form a sunpad with infill cushions. A bimini provides shade aft, while the hardtop includes a large opening fabric section. The flybridge carries radar, TrackVision, stereo speakers, and a full wet bar with fridge, ice maker, grill, and sink. Forward, sunpads enjoy clear views over the bow, and the upper helm repeats all primary controls, including joystick docking, engine throttles, and multifunction displays.

The main deck immediately shows where Sea Ray aimed this boat. The saloon has a distinctly European feel, with darker linings, rich woodwork, and soft ambient lighting. For a design introduced in 2015, it still holds together well visually, even if it does not chase current interior trends.

The galley sits centrally on the main deck and acts as the social core of the interior. It has extensive refrigeration, electric cooking, a wine cooler, microwave, twin sinks, and a good amount of storage. A raised section reveals additional drawers beneath, and cabinetry throughout feels well thought through rather than decorative.

The dining area sits close by and flows naturally into the aft saloon seating, keeping everyone on the same level. A bar area forward includes its own fridge, reinforcing the entertainment-led layout. Electrical distribution and control panels hide neatly behind cabinetry, keeping the space clean without hiding access.

At the helm, high-quality Stidd seats with Sea Ray branding underline the step up in ambition. The driving position has good sightlines, Caterpillar engine displays, multifunction screens, joystick docking, and a side door just behind the helm. That side door is unusual on a 65 ft boat and proves genuinely useful for owner-operators.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin sits amidships and uses the full beam. Before entering, a dedicated laundry area includes both a washing machine and a dryer, which suits longer stays aboard.

Inside, the cabin continues the dark-and-light contrast used elsewhere, with layered lighting and a calm, muted palette. Storage runs along both sides, while wardrobes and drawers aft create a proper dressing area. A pull-out stool hints at a dressing-table setup, although the space remains storage-led rather than ornamental.

The en suite bathroom spans almost the full beam and plays a practical role in sound insulation, placing a double bulkhead between the cabin and the machinery space. It includes twin sinks, large mirrors, a rainfall shower with a separate wand, a porthole for natural light, and a separate toilet compartment. 

Guest Accommodation

Forward, the VIP guest cabin has a balanced colour scheme, hull windows, integrated storage, and its own en suite bathroom finished to the same standard as the rest of the accommodation.

Further aft, two twin guest cabins sit to port and starboard and share a centrally located day head. Each cabin mirrors the other, with twin single berths, hanging lockers, overhead storage, hull windows, and AV equipment. The shared bathroom works well for this arrangement and keeps circulation efficient without sacrificing privacy.

Crew Accommodation

A compact crew or overflow cabin sits aft and is accessed from the cockpit. On a 65ft boat, this space clearly suits occasional rather than permanent crew. The layout includes a small mess area that converts into two single berths once the table is removed, along with a sink and toilet. Shore power connections sit close by. It fits the owner-operated nature of the boat and works well for guests or extra hands when needed.

The engine room is accessed from the cockpit and offers good space to move around. It houses twin Caterpillar C18 engines, each producing 1,150hp, driving conventional shafts. This setup delivers a top speed of over 30 knots, with comfortable cruising in the mid-20-knot range and an estimated range of around 400 nautical miles.

The machinery space also includes a generator and twin gyro stabilisers, one on each side. That is an unusual feature in this size range and should provide strong stability underway and at rest. Systems are clearly labelled, and additional switch panels are easy to reach. While some equipment sees infrequent use, access remains straightforward when required.

The L650 is an owner-operated boat despite its size, and that slant shows in practical details such as the helm side door, joystick docking both fore and aft, and straightforward systems access. Running costs lean toward the upper end of the 65-foot segment, driven by twin Caterpillar powerplants and twin gyro stabilisers, plus fuel, dockage, annual maintenance, insurance, and electronics upkeep.

Factory warranty terms for Sea Ray vary with region and model year, and many Sea Ray boats carry a transferable factory bow-to-stern warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, plus structural hull/deck cover beyond that term for the original owner, though specifics should be confirmed at purchase.

Because most L650s in the market are used boats built between 2015 and 2018, warranty coverage (if remaining) and transferability can have real impact on ownership costs and peace of mind. Marine warranties in general will often void if the craft is used commercially and may exclude certain interior, deck, or optional systems, so careful review of the fine print before sale is essential.

In terms of alternatives in this segment, the Fairline Targa 63 GTO is a key rival, similarly sized at 19.96m / 65’6”, and another to consider might be the Princess F62, a slightly shorter flybridge yacht that often attracts buyers seeking a similar mix of space and style.

The Sea Ray L650 was something a bit different for Sea Ray, aimed squarely at the European luxury market. Nearly a decade on, the boat still feels very coherent and well resolved. It combines generous exterior spaces, a sociable main-deck layout, capable performance, and owner-friendly operation into a package that remains relevant for buyers seeking a solid, well-specified 65 ft motor yacht with transatlantic roots and a practical bent.