The 185 Sport offers a solid, entry-level platform for the active family.

By Capt. Bill Hudson

On test day Sea Ray had the 3.0L and the 4.3L version of the 185 Sport at the docks. One boat had the optional wakeboard tower installed, otherwise, they were identical.

Redesigns

The first noticeable difference on this boat from past models is the new bow seating arrangement. Rather than wrapping a bench around in a small bow, Sea Ray designed two comfortable corner seats. Up front there was also a sea facing aft -- making the bow a comfortable place for three people.



The low profile windshield not only adds to the sporty lines on this model, but allows unobstructed visibility at the helm when leaning on the seat bolster.

Sea Ray uses Taylor Made windshields. In some windshields you can see imperfections, but these were crystal clear. The cockpit includes a huge center locker in the floor for gear brought aboard. Even without the wakeboard tower, you should have no problem sliding wakeboards and boogie boards in this padded compartment.



The deep bow seating area has more than enough room for three adults. Note the grab handles directly in front of each seat. keeping the handles low makes then practical to use and allows for easy installation of the snap on cover.





The bucket seats are very comfortable and add to the overall style of the boat. Note the grab handle for the passenger sitting to the aft of the driver.

Functional Helm Station

The companion pod has a glove box which houses the main stereo. Our boat came equipped with an optional Sirius Satellite installed with AM/FM/CD stereo. The helm has high-backed bucket seats, which are ventilated in the back for comfort in the heat, and have slide and swivel adjustments for easy positioning underway or at anchor. The helm has the instruments arranged for easy view, and a digital depth gauge prominently positioned in the center to keep an eye as you approach your favorite beach or shore. Switches on the 185 are aircraft style stainless steel with lights, so you can quickly identify what is on after dark. Under the dash is a 12-volt socket for your portable gear.



The layout of the helm is something you would expect to see in a sports car. Gauges are mounted on a brushed finish black metal dash. Notice how the gauges are positioned above the wheel so the driver has unobstructed site lines to all of them. Also note how the switches are positioned to port and starboard of the wheel, easily accessible in a flash.



The gauges are backlit, have glass lenses, and are easy to read at a glance, a must for a sportboat.

Transom Features

The gull wing sun pad on this model really stood out. I have seen it on some larger high-end boats, but never on an entry-level runabout. This style opening also makes it very easy to get to the engine check points from the swim platform or from the cockpit. There are large spaces on either side for storing damp items, which can use the heat of the engine to dry.



The sun-pad/engine hatch open in a gull wing configuration. We especially like this feature since it will allow a boaters to access the engine compartment and the storage areas safely from the cockpit while they are on the water.

Specs

The 185 Sport is 19’8” (5.99 m) length overall with a standard swim platform and has a 7’3” (2.21 m) beam. This model weighs in at 2,600 lbs. (1,179 kg.) and has a fuel capacity of 26 gallons. Draft on the 185 Sport is 34'' (86 cm) with the outdrive down, and 17'' (43 cm) with the outdrive up.



Since this is a sport boat, and safety comes first, the companion seat swivels to face aft making it a comfortable and practical observers position.

If you are in the market for a bowrider with a lot of thought in its design and also stands out from its competition, Sea Ray has the 185 Sport waiting for your test.