A Popular Model Redesigned for 2006

The 185 Sport offers an ideal, entry-level platform for the active family.

By Capt. Bob Smith

Test Captain

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 runabout, Sea Ray designed two comfortable corner seats. These seats were plenty comfortable with a good amount of cushioning. Up front there was also a small section with aggressive grip to board from the bow.

Sea Ray uses Taylor Made windshields and the difference was also noticeable. In some windows you can see the waves and imperfections, but these are crystal clear and have a well supported walkthrough for easy movement about. The cockpit includes a huge center locker in the floor for gear brought aboard. Even without the wakeboard tower, you will have no problem sliding wakeboards and boogie boards in this padded compartment.

Functional Helm Station

The companion pod has a glove box which houses the 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 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 on the ends of them, so you can quickly identify what is on after dark. Under the dash is a 12-volt socket for your portable gear.

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.

Specs

The 2006 185 Sport is 19’8” length overall with a standard swim platform and has a 7’3” beam width. This model weighs in at 2,400 lbs. and has a fuel capacity of 26 gallons. Draft requirements on the 185 Sport is 34 inches with the outdrive down, and 17 inches with the outdrive up.

Test Results

Capt. Chris Kelly and I tested the 185 Sport on a calm inland lake in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 4.3L package proved to be a quick ride with a planing time of just 2.9 seconds, and 0-30 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The 185 cruised smoothly at 3000 rpm traveling 30.9 mph, which gave us a maximum of 116 miles on a full tank of fuel. Wide-open-throttle speed was 50.5 mph turning 4700 rpm. Handling was smooth throughout the speed curve, and turns were also flawless with no cavitation or typical loss of momentum.

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

• Top speed for the Sea Ray 185 Sport (2006) is 50.5 mph (81.3 kph), burning 15.6 gallons per hour (gph) or 59.05 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Sea Ray 185 Sport (2006) is 30.9 mph (49.7 kph), and the boat gets 4.86 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.07 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 114 miles (183.47 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 190-hp MerCruiser 4.3 L.