55 ft. Sea Ray L550

Features on the L550 are; the hydraulic swim platform, walk-around decks, large fly-bridge with lounge seating, shaded bow seating area, aft galley, full-beam stateroom, shaft drives, docking thrusters and one of the coolest features that guests absolutely love is the Seakeeper Gyro 9 Stabilizers that keep the yacht stable in any size waves.

The L550 has sharp lines, especially this new 550. It’s a big boat for its length, however, Sea Ray has invested in creating a user-friendly interface and operating system with digital switching to reduce hassles. No more than two button pushes will access any and all of the boat’s systems and functions. Pre-set boat modes like cruising, day anchor, night and so on let you dial-in all the right equipment on via the digital switch panel to suit the role.

More wow factor exists in the innovative deck design that uses the full length of the boat like we’ve not seen before. The walk-around decks are backed by grab rails, moulded toe rails and there’s an opening starboard helm door for communication with crew and access to the decks when docking.

Another highlight is the trick sunken bow seating area with a table, optional shade canopy and separate sound system controls and speakers. In the Mexico heat, this shaded open-air bow seating area is a treat. It is a great go-to area for kids and adults for whale-watching cruises because the comfort and view are the best. This is the biggest bow seating zone we've seen on a 55-footer.

The cockpit is extended by the standard jumbo hydraulic teak swim platform. Heading forward, opening doors lead into the aft galley and wet bar to bring the outdoors back indoors. There are also side doors in the cockpit for improved marina access and provisioning, too. An electric awning now comes standard in the cockpit and it’s designed to shade the inbuilt L-shaped transom lounge and teak lunch table.

Stairs lead up top to a seriously big fly-bridge with abundant seating and a long lunch table that, with the Seakeeper 9 gyro stabilizer system, becomes a rock-steady entertaining area. There’s a fridge, grill and a hardtop for shade with a concertina electric canvas sunroof.

Between all these super functional deck areas — you can seat four on the bow, eight in the fly-bridge, six in the cockpit, this L550 is a great entertainer. This is the boat’s real strength. As we said, we haven’t come across a 55-footer with so many comfy outdoor ‘zones’.

The opening salon doors present the boat’s aft galley and wet bar area with genuine wooden flooring. You get four drawer fridges/freezers and wine cooler, plus a cockpit ice-maker.

The stone galley counters have a short return with bar stools perfect for casual meals. Opposite, the wet bar and entertainment center include a 50 in TV. The forward lounge area is also a highlight.

The plush white lounges (long enough to double as a daybed), deep glazing and surrounding views, and the nearby twin high-backed helm seats, mean you can cruise indoors on passages in comfort.

Yacht Equipment: Snorkel Equipment, Paddle Boards. Wave runners available to be delivered to the yacht at $200 per hour