Sea Ray 176 BR and 176 SRX Specs and Review [Video]

Sea Ray only marketed the short-lived 176 Bow Rider in the 2002 and 2003 model years. This 17.5-foot runabout was powered by a 135hp 3.0L MerCruiser engine and shared her body and engine with the more advanced 176 SLX.

In this post, we’ll review these lesser-known Sea Ray bowriders and their factory specifications.

Sea Ray 176 Bow Rider Review

Hull and Top Deck

As the name implies, the Sea Ray 176 Bow Rider was built on a 17.5-foot modified V fiberglass hull featuring a 19-degree deadrise.

This gelcoat-covered shell enjoyed a wood-free fiberglass floor and stringer system but its transom still housed a thinner plywood core.

The dry weight of the 176 BR was 2,100 pounds, which converted to an estimated curb weight of 2,250-2,300 pounds with liquids and some basic gear.

Her trailering weight was in the neighborhood of 2,600-2,800 pounds on a matching single-axle trailer.

Thanks to its lightweight construction, the 176 BR was very easy to trailer and load/unload.

Another key advantage of this boat was its swing-tongue trailer and compact size, which allowed it to even fit in a small garage.

Unlike its larger brothers, this model was only available with two seating plans.

This traditional bowrider layout included a bow lounge with wraparound seating, two aft jump seats, and two swivel bucket seats for the helm and a companion.

The port-side passenger seat could be opted for a back-to-back lounger seat.

One of the main drawbacks of the 176 BR was the lack of a sun pad since its motorbox was covered with a fiberglass shell instead of a padded surface.

In return, the interior was designed with high-quality features like integrated armrests, beverage holders, grab handles, and an audio system.

Families appreciated the protection of the tinted, curved windshield, whose walk-thru architecture ensured easy access to the bow area.

Storages included under-seat storage units, side panel storage, and a floor ski locker.

These were completed with a lockable glovebox nestled in the port console.

Another downside of this tiny boat was its fairly narrow integrated swim platform. But at least it utilized a full-beam design and was fitted with a retractable boarding ladder.

Regarding capacities, the 176 BR could carry 21 gallons of gas and 7 passengers, but it was only comfortable for 4-5.

Engines and Performance

The Sea Ray 176 Bow Rider was exclusively available with a MerCruiser 3.0L gasoline engine, which utilized an Alpha I sterndrive propulsion.

Rated at 135hp, this carbureted 4-cylinder marine provided a 3-3.5 seconds planing time and a top speed of 42-44 mph.

At this speed, the fuel usage was about 10-11 gph while getting around 4 mpg.

You could expect the best cruising speed to be in the neighborhood of the mid-20s.

Thanks to its short, lightweight hull, the 175 BR was very nimble and easy to operate even for a novice captain.

Its low running cost and easy handling made the Sea Ray 176 BR a great beginner runabout.

Specs Chart

The factory specifications of the 2002-2003 Sea Ray 176 Bow Rider were as follows:

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	17’ 6”
Maximum Beam	7’ 0”
Overall Height	4’ 9”
Draft (stern drive down)	35”(’02) –  34”(’03)
Draft (stern drive up)	18”(’02)  – 19”(’03)
Dead Rise	19°
Dry Weight	2,100 lb.
Fuel Capacity	21 gal.
Usable Fuel	20 gal.
People Capacity	7 persons or 900 lb.
Maximum Capacity	980 pounds (persons, gear)

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

 

Sea Ray 176 SRX Review

It’s safe to say that the 2003 176 SRX was a more featured 176 Bow Rider.

What made this model special was its unique SRX package, which utilized a custom red/yellow color scheme, and a custom dashboard.

The latter featured a graphite color scheme while the gauges enjoyed chrome frames.

Decorated with yellow SRX logos, the cushions were covered by custom grey upholstery.

The port-side back-to-back lounger, a custom cover package, and a Bimini top also came standard with the boat.

Aside from these model-specific features, the SRX shared the rest of its features and 135hp 3.0L engine with the standard 176 Bow Rider.

Its larger brother was the 182 SRX, which was a sportier version of the 185 BR.

Takeaways

Manufactured for only two years from 2002 to 2003, the 176 BR was a popular entry-level Sea Ray bowrider.

It was built on a 19-degree modified-V hull measuring 17.5 feet in length and 7 feet in width.

Except for the transom, this shell enjoyed an (almost) completely wood-free construction including full composite stringers and floors.

She was powered by a MerCruiser 3.0L Alpha I sterndrive engine rated at 135hp.

Sea Ray marketed the 176 BR with some more bells and whistles and a custom design under the name of 176 SRX.

Thanks to their high quality and durability, each of these boats is still considered a good buy.

The asking prices average between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on their condition and features.