My first 2010 Sea Ray 185

[sk1m]

Found a good deal and looking to buy a new sea ray 185. This would be my first boat but I already have some questions looking over reviews and concerns.

First off is that I don't have a truck to pull the trailer. I do live less than five minutes from the dock yet still will need to transport it to and from. I have multiple compact cars, yet was wondering if a Toyota Corolla would be able to do the job. The largest car I have would be a 1999 Buick lesabre with a V6 engine but it's not in the best condition and don't want to really push it. If not what is my best alternative without having to buy a truck?

Second, a lot of people were recommending to get the 4.3L engine instead of the std 3.0. I really don't plan on doing water sports and plan on mostly cruising and some fishing and swimming with the family. Is the bigger engine really necessary and how does the size difference affect the gas mileage?

Third, I plan on using the 185 in the Atlantic Ocean. I live near the Raritan Bay and was wondering if this boat is made for salt water. Most of the reviews of the 185 sport that I have come across uses it typically in fresh water (lakes, rivers). If there is anything I need to know about I'd really appreciate it.

Lastly, I want to know the honest reviews of the 185 from none other than the owners themselves. Looking through many threads, this forum seems like the perfect spot to ask questions and share experiences! Thanks a lot in advance

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: My first 2010 Sea Ray 185

Dry weight of that boat is 2600lbs, the Corolla is rated at 1500lbs so no, you won't be able to pull that safely.

The 185 is 19' 8" so a 3.0L will do what you want, but my opinion is undersized for the boat, particularly with a belly of fuel and a bunch of people on board (rated for 8 persons/1100lbs)

I don't own a 185 but have a friend who has a 2007 with the 4.3L. I've seen it, and have heard nothing but great things about the boat and is an above average boat from the people I've known who own the Sea Rays.

I think you've chosen a great boat, but you need to determine the power (3.0L may be fine if you only intend to do as you've indicated) but you'll need a way to get it to/from the water.

As for salt water, I know of no reason why not providing you take the necessary precautions and rinse it down once out of the water and give it a lengthy flush to get the salt water out of the cooling system.

What I"m not sure of and someone else can chime in, you may need a different anode if running primarily in saltwater....Anyone know? I only run in fresh water.

 

[nlain]

Re: My first 2010 Sea Ray 185

The boat will work fine in Salt Water, wash it, flush it well when you pull it out. I have a 2004 185 with 4.3L, it does not burn much more gas than a 3.0L would in that boat, 3.0L has to work a little harder to push it than the 4.3L does, I had a 1987 17' with 3.0L, boat was half the weight of the current one and on the same identical run I may burn 2 gal more, although I doubt it, if I had 3.0L in my boat I do not think the fuel burn would vary enough to tell. You will have much more power for whatever you do which includes getting out of the way of a Tstorm, they can pop up at anytime.

You will need a bigger tow vehicle.