Boat Review - Sea Born SX281 Offshore
January 24, 2019
By Florida Sportsman Editor
The demand for boats capable of serving dual purposes, offering family amenities and fishability alike has not been lost on the folks at Sea Born. To meet this need for 2018, the new Sea Born SX281 was introduced. The largest offering in their line is likely to appeal to existing Sea Born owners looking to step up into a larger boat as well as to the new customer looking for a fully rigged, ready to fish or cruise directly off the lot vessel whose extensive list of standard features leaves no box unchecked. Premium features from a Lewmar Anchor Windlass with polished Stainless anchor and chafe plates to a porcelain marine head and Corian counter top and vanity, Simrad Evo3 12” multi-function display electronics and Tilt-Optimus EPS Power steering to name a few are all standard equipment.
A forward seating arrangement that can be quickly converted from a wraparound bench to a full sun lounge or a dinette table picnic area with some simple adjustments will prove very useful for relaxing days spent cruising. The foredeck quickly reverts back to an open fishing work area with the removal of a filler panel and cushions when serious fishing is the daily mission.
The hard top with tempered glass windscreen and helm area frame a large interior side entry head/console with plenty of room for storage. Highest quality twin Llebroc captain's chairs are located ahead of a large 40-gallon live well and rigging station/tackle storage area in the fiberglass helm station. A 120-quart “Sea Freeze” insulated box along with matching 160-quart insulated fish boxes complete with gulper pump outs are also included. A cockpit roomy enough for offshore fishing also features an easy access side opening dive door which also makes dockside boarding simpler in many instances.
The SX281 is designed to be an offshore boat capable of taking the entire family along and keeping every member of it happy along the way. The Sea Born philosophy of outfitting a boat from top to bottom with quality features and top of the line hardware that is all inclusive and water ready has proven to be very effective with their smaller models. It should be no different with this new venture into the larger boat market.
Sea Born SX281 Specifications
Length: 27 feet 9 inches
Beam: 9 feet 11 inches
Draft: 20 inches
Deadrise: 21-degrees
Dry Weight: 5800 pounds
Maximum Horsepower: 600
Fuel capacity: 180-gallons
MSRP: $149,900.00 with 2-Yamaha 200
Features such as Underwater LED and interior courtesy lights are functional and classy looking all at once.
The SX-281 is the largest Sea Born offering to date and perfect for accommodating a growing family.
The aft cockpit section is all business when offshore gamefish are calling.
A large side-entry dive door simplifies water entry and exit while providing easier dockside boarding as well.
With the forward table removed fishing space is gained while some seating still remains.
Drop the filler piece into the Bow and a Sun Lounge or Casting Platform are at the ready.
One of several configurations possible with this convertible bow is a perfect dining or cocktail cruising set-up.
The Sea Born Helm panel is trimmed out nicely with twin Display Units and a “Blackout” finish to reduce glare.
A Porcelain Electric Head and Corian counter top trim the console interior while Electric Panel access and storage space are readily available inside the console.
A “Sea Freeze” 120-quart box for food/drinks along with matching 160-quart fish boxes forward will keep everything ice cold on a hot summer day.
Llebroc seats, multiple rod holders and an additional 40-gallon live well are all incorporated into this helm station design.
A live well, multiple rod holders, bilge access, and a pass through transom door all work together nicely in this uncluttered cockpit.
