Recipe for Fun

Test by Capt. Vince Daniello

While Sea Ray lists the SRX series as a new line, it is essentially a flavorful version of the company’s popular bow riders with a sporty color and trim package. Hoping to attract the newest generation of boaters, the 176 SRX features a bright red or yellow two-tone hull with racing inspired graphics.

Layout

The interior layout is fundamentally the same as the standard Bow Rider. Seating forward includes a backrest cushion across the bow and convenient hand-holds on port and starboard. The wrap-around windshield has a hinged center section protecting the skipper and a passenger from spray. Part of the SRX package, the steering console features a graphite colored dash with chrome bezeled gauges. The port and starboard swivel bucket seats are embroidered with a colorful SRX logo. Aft, bucket style jump seats are on either side of the engine compartment.

Storage and Features

Storage includes a large ski locker in the cockpit sole, storage under the forward seat, under gunnel storage to port and starboard, and storage “net” under the port console. The “glove box” in the port console conceals a stereo/CD player. The swim platform, integral to the hull, includes a stainless steel telescoping ladder and ski tow eye.

Power and Performance

Concealing the single 135 horsepower MerCruiser 3.0 liter engine, the fiberglass engine cowling provides easy access to all vital engine checks. Pneumatic supports make the cowling easy to lift and hold it securely open. While I wouldn’t advise serving gazpacho while running, the boat was a lot of fun, topping out at 41.7 miles-per-hour and handling quite well. Time to plane was a quick 2.8 seconds, and 0 to 30 miles-per-hour took just 7.2 seconds. She cruised at 22.7 miles per hour burning only 3.7 gallons per hour, for an incredible 6.39 miles per gallon. With the 21 gallon fuel tank, she could cover 121 miles or cruise around all day without refueling.

Like the Sea Ray 176 Bow Rider, the 176 SRX is an uncomplicated boat without many accoutrements. But for a small, simple boat, I had a lot of fun testing it! If you’re looking for a simple, sporty, exciting boat, add a little spice to your nautical diet with a Sea Ray 176 SRX.

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 176 SRX (2003-) is 41.7 mph (67.1 kph), burning 10.5 gallons per hour (gph) or 39.74 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 176 SRX (2003-) is 22.7 mph (36.5 kph), and the boat gets 6.39 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.72 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 121 miles (194.73 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 135-hp MerCruiser 3.0L.