The Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 is a modified-V design and the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 at 28,5 ft versus Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 at 31,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 tips the scales at 11 630 lbs - 6 075 lbs less than the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 at 5 555 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 has a 125-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012's 300-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 carries 125 gallons versus 91 gallons in the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer 2012 could be the deciding factor.