2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

[magy1976]

Hi Everyone

I am new too the Iboats site.
I am looking for a new "used" boat and interested in the Sea Ray 185 Sport with a tower and 4.3 TKS as a garden variety runabout for our lake in Ontario Canada.
What is your opinion for general waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing?
Will this boat and engine size provide the adequate power and reliability?

Thanks
Magy

 

[drrpm]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

It depends on how many people you intend to bring on the boat. I looked at one of those a few years ago and it was fine but a bit small so I got a 20 footer. Space gets tight in a hurry with tubes, coolers, etc. but if you are out with less than 5 passengers it would be OK.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

Got the same engine in a similar sized boat. That engine performs real well for water sports. We have a family of 5and even take along another friend. No problems pulling a two man tube at all. I also pull my kids on a knee board, again no problems.

 

[jkust]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

One of the things to look at is the dry weight of the boat where the power is concerned. That model looks to weigh in at a relatively light 2400lbs and has a narrow 7'3" beam if my internet resources are correct. A competitor boat would weigh likely a couple hundred less to maybe 600lbs more as you move up the scale more (generally a heavier boat all else equal is a more expensive boat) but could still have the same engine. The LOA to me isn't that small but the beam is pretty narrow for a contemporary 18 foot boat. The simple fact is power wise the 4.3 is venerable and quite powerful for only a 6 cylinder. Given the lighter construction and narrow beam, I think you are in the sweet spot for a carbed 4.3. At the end of the day, we did all the stuff you are suggesting growing up on shorter, lighter, narrower, much less powerful boats and were just fine. I do all the things you mentioned with a boat the same length boat but weighing in 600lbs more plus a much larger gas tank with the same base 4.3 liter and all in all it does a good job given my prop is a 21".

 

[magy1976]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

Thanks so much for replying.
I am excited about looking for a new boat but concerned about spending good money on something my kids are not going to be happy with.

Magy

 

[nlain]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

I have the 2004 version, 2650 lbs., 4.3L 190 hp, it can do anything you want, the one you are looking at weighs less than mine with the same power, it should do what ever you want. I will say that mine has a little more room than the one you are looking at. I recently had 4 adults and two kids, 3 adults over 200 each, 1 adult about 130, 2 kids 90 to 100 each, handled great with plenty of power.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

That boat sounds ideal for your intended usage.

 

[jkust]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

Thanks so much for replying.
I am excited about looking for a new boat but concerned about spending good money on something my kids are not going to be happy with.

Magy

Well, I'll tell you that my Chaparral is mostly overkill other than its better than average large wave capabilities given it is only an 18 footer (because it is so heavy and the portion of the hull used as running surface is longer than most). As long as it's not a ratty, tatty piece of junk, my kids don't even notice. I also have a Bayliner bowrider of a similar size which is the antithesis of a Chaparral and the kids don't really care too much which they are in as long as it is capable. Anything that exceeds just 'capable' is for my benefit not theirs.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

All depends on the price and condition. The 185 sports are a nice enough boat but don't deserve a "Searay Premium" as they have the same or worse fit and finish than the "bargain brands".

 

[magy1976]

Re: 2006 Sea Ray 185 Sport

Well, I'll tell you that my Chaparral is mostly overkill other than its better than average large wave capabilities given it is only an 18 footer (because it is so heavy and the portion of the hull used as running surface is longer than most). As long as it's not a ratty, tatty piece of junk, my kids don't even notice. I also have a Bayliner bowrider of a similar size which is the antithesis of a Chaparral and the kids don't really care too much which they are in as long as it is capable. Anything that exceeds just 'capable' is for my benefit not theirs.

Thats funny, thanks for the response.