The Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009 is a modified-V design and the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2012 is a semi-displacement 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2012 measures 54,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 25,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009 at 29,5 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2012 tips the scales at 50 000 lbs - 42 300 lbs less than the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009 at 7 700 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 715 hp, the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2012 has a 75-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009's 640-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 540 Sundancer 2012 carries 600 gallons versus 130 gallons in the Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Sea Ray 300 Select EX 2009 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Sea Ray 540 Sundancer 2012 wasn't available.