Equipped with twin 640 hp Caterpillar 3196TA diesels, the 540 reached a top speed of 26.1 knots and should cruise in the low 20-knot range. Volvo TAMD 122P EDC diesels. Sound readings at the upper helm were in the 80-decibel range, and levels peaked only slightly higher when the turbos on the big Cats kicked in. The stand-up engineroom is a nice feature if extended cruising is in your plans. A wide walkway between the two engines leaves plenty of floor space for jugs of oil and coolant.
Access is through the cockpit.
Service points on the engines are accessible, although any work on the forward part of the engines, such as tightening alternator belts, will be difficult because the L-shape fuel tanks wrap around that space. Wire runs were neat and tidy. The standard 12kW Westerbeke generator provides 110-volt power. If you plan to order air conditioning on the bridge, go with the 20kW generator upgrade. Sea Ray offers a cherry interior, or the lighter maple finish shown here.