Bayliner 185 Bowrider Review and Specs [Video]

Bayliner redesigned and rebranded its 185 Capri runabout for the 185 Bowrider (185 BR) in the early 2000s. This affordable 18-foot bowrider was built on a modified V fiberglass hull and was powered by 3.0L and 4.3L MerCruiser sterndrive engines.

This model was also available in an outboard configuration labeled as the 180 Bowrider.

But in this post, we’ll review the sterndrive-powered 185 Bowrider manufactured from 2003 through 2016.

Bayliner 185 Bowrider Review

Hull and Top Deck

18-foot Bayliner bowriders had been around since 1993, but these early models were part of the Capri and Classic runabout series.

In the early 2000s, the manufacturer dropped the Capri name, and the 185 Capri was rebadged as the 185 Bowrider.

She remained in production until late 2016 when she was phased out by the more advanced VR4.

According to BoatingMag, the 185 BR was one of the best-selling bowriders under 20 feet globally.

And with good reason!

This well-designed boat was large enough to accommodate a family or a small group of friends. Yet, she was compact enough to store in a garage and tow with a relatively small vehicle.

Even though the boat had gone through many hull upgrades and cosmetic changes, her main architectural features and bowrider top deck arrangement remained unchanged.

In terms of dimensions, she measured in at an overall length of 18 feet, while her beam was just over 7.5 feet.

Depending on the model year, the dry weight with a standard engine averaged between 2,285 and 2,335 pounds alone and 2,912-2,962 pounds on a trailer.

Filled up with liquids and loaded with safety and personal gear, you could expect the gross trailering weight of the 185 BR to be in the ballpark of 3,500-4,000 pounds.

Note that the optional engines could increase the weight by up to 210 pounds.

In most model years, the top deck was available in two configurations. Both shared the same walk-thru windshield and forward lounge with full wraparound seating.

In contrast, the cockpit could be opted with two floorplans.

The standard layout had two back-to-back seats (a.k.a. “sleeper seats”) for the captain and his companion.

At the aft, you had two removable jump seats on both the aft and starboard side of the molded fiberglass engine cover. These also converted into a small sun lounger.

This plan could also be opted with a swivel bucket helm seat, which maximized the amount of free deck space.

This is why this arrangement was the most popular among watersport lovers.

Stylish and comfortable, the optional cockpit layout came standard with helm and companion bucket seats, a full beam aft bench seat, and a sizable sun pad.

The latter housed under-seat storage and a removable cooler.

Even though this configuration offered a more crowded interior, it was far more popular among buyers.

At the helm, you had a padded power steering wheel, a side-mounted throttle/shift lever with trim, a 12V accessory outlet, and a custom molded dash panel.

Protected by a non-glare brow, the latter housed a speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, fuel, and trim gauge.

Standard deck features included beverage holders, grab handles, side panel cushions, floor carpets, a ski tow eye, and a 120W waterproof audio system with two Jensen speakers.

Families appreciated the abundance of storage compartments located under the seats, consoles, and inside the side panels.

These were completed with an in-floor ski/wakeboard locker and a lockable glovebox in the port console.

We should also mention the optional “Flight” package designed with watersport enthusiasts in mind.

This package offered more free deck space by utilizing a helm bucket seat, and an added extended swim platform, a custom color scheme, and a wakeboard tower with lights, speakers, and a Bimini top.

Boats sold with this package were often referred to as “Bayliner 185 Flights.”

Engines and Performance

The Bayliner 185 Bowrider came standard with a 3.0L MerCruiser sterndrive engine while different variants of the 4.3L MerCruiser came as an option.

Sure, the specifications and performance of these power mills have changed over the years.

For example, in 2015, the standard power of the 185 BR was a 3.0L Alpha I offered in both fuel-injected (MPI) and carbureted (TKS) configurations.

This engine produced 135hp and cruised the boat at 24-25 mph with a top speed of 40 mph at 5000 RPM.

Running at WOT, it burned 10-11 gph while getting almost 4 mpg for a range of 100 miles.

Cruising just below 30 mph, the fuel usage decreased to 6 gph while the fuel economy and the range increased to 5 mpg and 120 miles.

You could expect the planning time to be shy of 4 seconds and the 0-30 mph time to be 8.5-9 seconds with a light load.

In contrast, the optional carbureted 190hp 4.3L TKS C Alpha I, and the 220hp 4.3L MPI Alpha I offered a top speed in the low 50s.

With the high-end 220hp engine package, the boat got on plane in around 3 seconds and reached 30 mph in close to 8 seconds.

She wasn’t designed to be the fastest boat on the lake, in return it was hard to get into trouble with her.

Built on a well-designed modified V hull, the 185 was responsive, and predictable and leaned into turns with ease even at higher speeds.

Due to her smooth easy handling, this runabout was considered a great beginner bowrider.

The performance of the standard 3.0L engine was just enough to pull a wakeboarder or skier, so for watersports and carrying larger crews the 4.3L engines were far more suitable.

Hence, it’s safe to say that except for fuel economy, larger engines were better than the 3.0L for this boat in every aspect.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the Bayliner 185 Bowrider were as follows (2015 model year):

Dimensions and Capacities (2015)

Overall Length (LOA)	18’ 0”
Beam	7’ 7”
Max Draft	3’ 0”
Dead Rise	19°
Approx weight w/ standard engine	2,335 lb.
Approx weight w/ trailer	2,963 lb.
Max people capacity	8
Max people weight	1030 lb.
Max weight capacity (persons, gear)	1100 lb.
Storage Length	19’ 11.5”
Storage Length w/swim platform option	21’
Beam on Trailer	8’
Height on Trailer	6’ 1.5”

Engine Packages (2015)

Std. Engine	MerCruiser 3.0L MPI A1 ECT	135hp	Fuel-injected
Opt. Engine 1	MerCruiser 3.0L TKS C A1	135hp	Carbureted
Opt. Engine 2	MerCruiser 4.3L TKS C A1	190hp	Carbureted
Opt. Engine 3	MerCruiser 4.3L MPI A1	220hp	Fuel-injected
Opt. Engine 4	MerCruiser 4.3L MPI A1 ECT	220hp	Fuel-injected

Disclaimer: Specifications in these charts are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

The Bayliner 185 Bowrider was an easy-handling and cost-effective 18-foot runabout that became one of the best-selling models in its size category.

Thanks to her simple features and single 3.0L or 4.3L MerCruiser engine packages, she was very reliable, easy to maintain, and cheap to operate.

Combined with her smooth handling, relatively light weight, and great capacities, this model quickly became a favorite choice for beginner boaters.

Over her long lifespan, the 185 BR was upgraded many times before being phased out by the VR series in 2017.

Despite these redesigns, the bowrider-style top deck architecture and cockpit floorplans almost remained unchanged.

Thanks to her durability and moderate price, this Bayliner sells quickly on the used market.

Due to a long lifespan and wide range of options, the asking prices vary greatly between $5,000 and $30,000.

If you are considering one, you may find many used Bayliner 185 Bowriders for sale on Craigslist, eBay, FB Marketplace, online forums, or boat classifieds.

When shopping around, make sure to look for the more powerful 4.3L engine options for more torque and overall power.

With a heavier load, this boat was fairly underpowered with the standard 3.0L engine option.