Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370  1997 boat specs
Sea Ray
Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997
1997
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VS
Sea Ray Sundancer 370  2023 boat specs
Sea Ray
Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023
2023
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Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 vs Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 vs Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 at 38,2 ft versus Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 at 37,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 tips the scales at 24 000 lbs — 3 200 lbs more than the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 at 20 800 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 370 hp, the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 has a 70-hp advantage over the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023'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 Sundancer 370 2023 carries 25 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 and its 370-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail38.20 ft
Length overall - Detail37.20 ft
Length - Feet38.2
Length - Feet37.2
Length overall - Meters11.64
Length overall - Meters11.34
Length overall - Inches458
Length overall - Inches446
Beam14.30 ft
Beam12.00 ft
Beam - Meters4.36
Beam - Meters3.66
Beam - Inches172
Beam - Inches144
Draft [max] - Detail3.20 ft
Draft [max] - Detail4.20 ft
Draft [max] - Meters0.98
Draft [max] - Meters1.28
Draft [max] - Inches38
Draft [max] - Inches50
Displacement24000.00 lbs
Displacement20800.00 lbs
Draft Minnot available
Draft Min3.10 ft
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Engine makeMercruiser
Engine makeMercruiser
Engine model8.1 L MPI Horizon
Engine model8.2L MAG HO ECT SeaCore Bravo
Horsepower370 hp
Horsepower300 hp
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Engine MakeMercruiser
Engine 2 Engine Modelnot available
Engine 2 Engine Model8.2L MAG HO ECT SeaCore Bravo
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Horsepower300 hp
Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available
Engine 2 Fuel TypeGas
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity4
Sleeping capacity4
Cabins2
Cabinsnot available
Head2
Head1
Water capacity1
Water capacity46
Holding tank capacity - Gal54
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters204.41
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Boat typePower
Boat typePower

Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 vs Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 or the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023?
The Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 is the longer of the two at 38,2 feet overall. The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 comes in at 37,2 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 or the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023?
For trailering, the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 has the edge at 20 800 lbs dry weight versus 24 000 lbs for the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 is rated to a maximum of 370 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 is certified for 11. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 measures 172" wide, compared to 144" for the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 or the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023?
The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 and Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sea Ray Aft Cabin 370 1997 and the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 2023 are built by Sea Ray. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.