1989 Sea Ray 39

1989 Sea Ray Express Cruiser
Walkthrough:
Sea Ray’s 390 Express Cruiser enjoyed a lengthy production run, thanks largely to its ample cockpit, an innovative and spacious two-cabin interior, and twin engine (gas or diesel) power options. The styling was contemporary, with a low, sloping cabin top surrounded by a walkaround deck and rails. The raked aluminum-frame windshield and integral radar arch were also distinctive.

The cockpit gets much of its space from the boat’s nearly 14-foot beam. There’s an aft bench and lounge seating, and engine access is through a large in-deck hatch. The bridge deck, up one step, has room for a full helm station to starboard with a double helm/companion bench seat.

The twin-cabin layout below is versatile, with a large island berth forward that can be closed off. The adjacent head, to port, is laid out with a stall shower. There’s a convenient mid-cabin with over-and-under bunks to starboard, which closes off with a sliding bulkhead. The L-shaped dinette is to port amidships in the large central area. A fully equipped galley to starboard includes a double sink, stove, refrigerator and room for a microwave, coffeemaker and other accessories. Standard power was twin 340-hp MerCruiser inboards.

Background:
Sea Ray is one of America’s oldest and most prolific builders of fiberglass boats. Founded in 1959 by C.N. Ray, the company started out building small family runabouts in the early days of fiberglass. By the 1980s, it was the second largest boat builder in the United States, and today Sea Ray (a Brunswick Corp. company) can turn out almost 20,000 boats a year, making it the world’s largest builder. Current models include bow-riders, express cruisers, sport yachts and motoryachts from 17 to 68 feet.

Introduced in 1984, the Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser was an attractively priced family boat with two enclosed cabins that could sleep up to six. During its eight-year production run, it was one of the Knoxville, Tenn., builder’s more popular boats. The 400 Express Cruiser replaced the 390 in 1992.