The Sea Ray Select 200 2005 vs Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023 measures 31,5 feet overall (2023), giving it roughly 11,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray Select 200 2005 at 20,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023 tips the scales at 8 053 lbs - 4 503 lbs less than the Sea Ray Select 200 2005 at 3 550 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 250 hp for the Sea Ray Select 200 2005 and 250 hp for the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023 carries 135 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Sea Ray Select 200 2005. 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 SLX 280 Outboard 2023 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Sea Ray Select 200 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 31,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sea Ray Select 200 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.