Sea Ray 180 Bow Rider Specs and Review [Video]

One of the most popular Sea Ray runabouts was the legendary 180 Bow Rider (180 BR). Newly introduced in 1989, this 18-footer bowrider went through many upgrades and generations, which were as follows:  

• 1^st – 1989-1991
• 2^nd – 1992-1993
• 3^rd – 1994-1995
• 4^th – 1998-2001

In this post, we’ll review the Sea Ray 180 BR’s four generations and some purpose-built variants.

First Generation (1989-1991)

Review (‘89-’91)

Sea Ray introduced its innovative Bow Rider runabout family in 1989 by revealing the following models:

• 160 Bow Rider (160 BR)
• 180 Bow Rider (180 BR)
• 190 Bow Rider (190 BR)
• 200 Bow Rider (200 BR)
• 210 Bow Rider (210 BR)

One of the most popular models in this breed was the 180 BR and with good reason.

She was significantly larger than her 16 and 17-footer siblings, yet she was very easy to tow and store in a garage. Launching and retrieving her was also a breeze.

This is no surprise since the dry weight of the outboard variant was only 1,760 pounds, which rounded up to about 2,000 pounds with liquids and some safety gear.

Sitting on a single-axle trailer, the estimated weight of the rig was about 2,500-2,600 pounds.

Figuring the 356-pound weight difference of the sterndrive engine, the estimated trailering weight of this variant was in the ballpark of 2,850-3,000 pounds.

In terms of dimensions, the first-generation 180 BR measured 18 feet 8 inches long and had a beam of 90 inches.

Her spacious top deck was marketed with many different layouts.

Thanks to the transom-mounted propulsion, the outboard variant offered much more deck space and more seatings.

One of the most popular floor plans was designed with two swivel bucket seats and a U-shaped wraparound lounger.

The optional seating plan included a starboard-side L-shaped lounge, a back-to-back port-side companion seat, and a swivel helm seat.

In contrast, sterndrive layouts offered less deck space, since the engine protruded into the cockpit.

The standard sterndrive floorplan had two back-to-back seats and two aft jump seats on either side of the engine box.

Unfortunately, this model lacked an aft sun lounger.

Designed with comfort in mind, the less spacious optional layout utilized a full-beam sun pad and a rear bench seat.

As a rule of thumb, each of these variants shared the same bow lounger with cushioned wraparound seating.

Standard features included an old-fashioned, angular windshield, beverage holders, and stainless-steel hardware, such as eyelets, cleats, grab rails, and a ski hook.

You could load your gear into spacious storage compartments located beneath the seats and the sun pad, and in the side panels.

These were completed with a lockable glovebox and a ski locker.

The standard power source of the sterndrive variant was a single MerCruiser 3.0L with Alpha I leg.

Rated at 135hp, this unit offered a top speed of 37-38 mph under ideal conditions.

Unfortunately, the 180 BR was fairly underpowered with this standard engine, which is why the optional 4.3L Alpha I (175hp) was far more popular.

The outboard variant was fitted with 2-stroke Mercury motors up to 135hp, while the standard power was 90hp.

Besides its inadequate 3.0L sterndrive engine, another main problem of the 180 BR was its awkward swim platform design.

Since the outboard and sterndrive models shared the same stern architecture, the latter came with a “cut-out” swim platform, which was designed for the outboard variant.

On top of that, each ‘89-‘91 180 BR was manufactured with wooden structural elements.

The wooden cores in the stringers, transom, and deck were prone to rotting, and replacing these parts was a very expensive repair.

Specs Chart (‘89-’91)

The key specifications of the 1989-1991 180 Bow Rider were as follows:

Outboard Model

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 8”
Maximum Beam	90”
Height – Keel to Top of Windshield	4’ 11”
Height – Waterline to Top of Windshield	3’ 11”
Draft (motor down)	26”
Draft (motor up)	12”
Dry Weight	1,760 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,500 – 2,600 lb.
Fuel Capacity	24 gal.
Usable Fuel	22 gal.
Water Capacity	N/A

*(w/ std. OB engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Sterndrive Model

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 8”
Centerline Hull Length	17’ 10”
Maximum Beam	90”
Draft (stern drive down)	30”
Draft (stern drive up)	15”
Dry Weight	2,149 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,850 – 3,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity	24 gal.

*(w/ std. I/O engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Second Generation (1992-1993)

Review (‘92-’93)

In 1992, Sea Ray massively upgraded its popular 18-footer bowrider.

Often referred to as the second-generation 180 BR, the revamped model returned with smaller dimensions and a refreshed design.

Her top deck was redesigned with sleek lines and a much more modern curved windshield.

Interestingly, the overall length was reduced by 4 inches while its beam was narrowed by 6 inches.

The fuel capacity was also reduced from 24 to 22 gallons.

Despite this significant size and capacity reduction, her dry weight was increased from 2,149 to 2,200 pounds with the standard sterndrive propulsion.

The latter was still the inadequate MerCruiser 3.0L Alpha I engine rated at 115/125hp while the MerCruiser 4.3L 155/175hp came as an option.

Besides these power mills, the 180 BR was also available with 2-stroke Mercury outboards.

The standard engine was still the proven 90hp Mercury, which offered a top speed of 42-43 mph with a light load.

However, there’s no question that the optional 115hp variant was the right engine for this boat.

The cockpit layouts remained unchanged but the interior enjoyed new bells and whistles, like more comfortable seats and a redesigned dashboard.

Unlike its predecessor, the sterndrive variant already featured a nice full-beam swim platform.

But to the greatest regret of many fans, this second-generation 180 BR was still engineered with wood-cored stingers and transom.

Specs Chart (‘92-’93)

Sterndrive Model

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 2”
Maximum Beam	7’ 0”
Draft (stern drive down)	31”
Draft (stern drive up)	14”
Dry Weight	2,200 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,900 – 3,100 lb.
Fuel Capacity	22 gal.

*(w/ std. I/O engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Third Generation (1994-1995)

Review (’94-’95)

The third generation of the Sea Ray 180 BR hit the market in 1994 and remained in production through 1995.

Compared to its forerunner, the new model was not only larger and had more capacities but it also came with more advanced features and amenities.

For this model year, her overall length was increased by 4 inches and the beam was widened by 6 inches. The fuel capacity was also increased from 22 to a remarkable 30 gallons.

The swim platform was not only extended but was also upgraded with a redesigned swim ladder.

Besides the aft area, the interior was also redesigned with more free deck space and nicer seatings.

The cockpit no longer featured the outdated wooden gunwale boarding steps, and had more storage units and grab handles.

It was available with two different seating plans.

The standard version offered more free deck space since it was designed with a swivel bucket helm seat and a port-side back-to-back lounger seat.

These were completed with two Hi-Low aft jump seats, which converted into a sun longer.

The less spacious optional floor plan came standard with two swivel bucket seats, an aft bench seat, and a large sun pad.

In terms of propulsion, the standard engine was upgraded for the MerCruiser 4.3LX Alpha I from the tiny Inline-4 MerCruiser 3.0L.

This 4.3 liter, V6 marine engine was rated at 180 hp, which already provided a sufficient performance.

Its optional alternative was the 5.0L MerCruiser Alpha I rated at 190hp.

The ’94-’95 Sea Ray 180 BR was also marketed with outboard engines like the standard 115hp and optional 135hp Mercurys. The latter featured a hydraulic steering system and oil injection.

For some reason, the outboard version was still built on the second-generation hull and was marketed with two different cockpit layout plans.

It could be ordered with either a U-shaped lounger and two swivel bucket seats, or a starboard-side L-shaped lounger with a swivel helm seat and a back-to-back lounger on the port side.

Specs (’94-’95)

Sterndrive Variant

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 6”
Maximum Beam	7’ 6”
Draft (stern drive down)	31”
Draft (stern drive up)	14”
Dry Weight	2,750 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	3,500 – 3,700 lb.
Fuel Capacity	24 gal.
Dead Rise	18°

*(w/ std. I/O engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Outboard Variant

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 2”
Maximum Beam	7’ 0”
Draft (motor down)	30”
Draft (motor up)	12”
Dry Weight	2,000 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,700 – 2,900 lb.
Fuel Capacity	30 gal.
Dead Rise	17°
Water Capacity	N/A

*(w/ std. OB engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Fourth Generation (1998-2001)

Review (’98-’01)

After two years of hiatus, the Sea Ray 180 BR returned in 1998 with an all-new design and innovative features.

Key upgrades?

Unlike its predecessors, this model came built with wood-free fiberglass stringers.

The top deck also enjoyed revamped upholstery, integrated grab rails, more shoulder room, all-new armrests, and a redesigned dashboard.

It shared the same full-fiberglass modified-V hull, and the 180 BR was available with either outboard or sterndrive power.

For some reason, the standard sterndrive engine was downgraded to the 3.0L MerCruiser Alpha I MCM.

Rated at 135hp, the maximum speed with this engine was about 40 mph while its best cruising speed was 30 mph.

Loaded with a larger crew, the 180 BR was fairly underpowered with this tiny Inline-4 engine package.

The list of optional engines included the MerCruiser 4.3L and 4.3L EFI which delivered 210 and 230hp, respectively.

In the ‘98-’99 model years, the 180 BR could be ordered with 90 (std.), 115, or 125hp 2-stroke Mercury outboards.

From 2000 on, the 115hp came as standard, while the 135hp with hydraulic steering became the optional power option.

The one-piece molded deck was available with many different floor plans.

Offering the largest free deck space, one of the most popular sterndrive layouts had two Hi-Low aft bench seats with sun loungers and two swivel bucket seats.

Either of these two swivel seats could be opted for a port-side back-to-back lounger seat.

Sure, the traditional “two swivel seats/aft bench seat/sun pad” cockpit layout was also available as an option.

The outboard version lacked the sun pad/sun lounge section and only featured an aft bench seat.

In return, this variant was available with the optional “Fish and Ski” package, which included a baitwell, trolling motor, and two pedestal seats with a forward casting platform.

Specs (‘98-’01)

Sterndrive Model

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 0”
Maximum Beam	7’ 6”
Draft (stern drive down)	36”
Draft (stern drive up)	17”
Dry Weight	2,100 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,900 – 3,100 lb.
Fuel Capacity	22 gal.
Dead Rise	19°
Max Persons/Weight	8 / 1,100 lb.
(MWC) Max Weight Persons/Gear	1,200 lb.

*(w/ std. I/O engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

Outboard Model

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 0”
Maximum Beam	7’ 6”
Draft (motor down)	30”
Draft (motor up)	12”
Dry Weight	1,850 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	2,600 – 2,800 lb.
Fuel Capacity	20 gal.
Dead Rise	19°

*(w/ std. OB engine, liquids, basic gear, and trailer)

180 BR Model Comparison Chart

For a better comparison, we’ve listed the main specs of the four generations head-to-head:

Model Years	‘89-‘91	‘92-‘93	‘94-‘95	‘98-‘01
Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 8”	18′ 2″	18′ 6″	18′ 0″
Maximum Beam	7′ 6″	7′ 0″	7′ 6″	7′ 6″
Draft (stern drive down)	30”	31″	31″	36″
Draft (stern drive up)	15”	14″	14″	17″
Dead Rise	Na.	Na.	18	19
Dry Weight (lb, I/O model)	2149	2200	2750	2100
Dry Weight (lb, OB model)	1760	NA	2000	1850
Fuel Capacity (gal)	24	22	30	22
Std. engine (I/O)	3.0L	3.0L	4.3L	3.0L
Opt. engine (I/O)	4.3L	4.3L	5.0L	4.3L
Std. engine (OB)	90 hp	90 hp	115hp	90/115hp
Max. opt. engine (OB)	135 hp	135 hp	135hp	135hp

Variants

Sea Ray offered the popular 180 BR in many variants, the most popular of them were as follows:

Sea Ray 180 Bow Rider Closed Bow (180 BR CB)

As the name suggests, this model was a closed-bow relative of its proven bowrider sibling.

The key advantages of this model were her better rough water capabilities, refined look, and extra storage space in the bow.

In return, she was much harder to board and had fewer seatings and deck space as well.

Sea Ray 180 Ski OB

The lesser-known 180 Ski OB was a purpose-built version of the 180 BR.

Designed with watersports in mind, this boat featured a larger 30-gallon fuel tank, a special Ski package, and a powerful outboard engine.

Sea Ray 180 Dual Console

Only offered in the 1999 season, the 180 Dual Console was specifically built for fishing adventures.

She was based on the standard 180 BR but was equipped with horizontal fishing rod racks, rod holders, trolling motor, and a livewell with a water pump.

Its deck was designed with minimal upholstery, two aft jump seats, two swivel bucket seats, and a 135hp 2-stroke oil-injected Mercury outboard.

Takeaways

Sea Ray marketed its deservedly popular 180 Bow Rider from 1989 through 2001 with a few years of hiatus.

To be more precise, the model was available in the following years:

• 1^st generation: 1989-1991
• 2^nd generation: 1992-1993
• 3^rd generation: 1994-1995
• 4^th generation: 1998-2001

Over the years, the 180 BR went through many changes and upgrades.

She was marketed in both outboard and sterndrive configurations and with many different floor plans.

Each of these was available with a closed-bow version under the name of 180 BR/CB.

What’s more, Sea Ray offered some purpose-built variants of this model, including the watersport-intended 180 Ski and the 180 Dual Console fishing Sea Ray.

Even though the 180 BR was discontinued in late 2001, her legacy was carried over to the 2006 180 Sport.

If you are considering buying a used Sea Ray 180 BR, you should stick to the 1998-2001 model, since it was designed with wood-free stringers. (Note that the earlier generations had rot-prone wood-cored stringers.)

You should also avoid the standard 3.0L MerCruiser engine, which made the boat underpowered.

The best practice is to choose one with the 4.3L sterndrive, or an outboard version with at least a 115hp engine.

Regarding asking prices, this fourth-generation (’98-’01) 180 Bow Rider is marketed for $5,000-$13,000.

As you may expect, the ones with the larger 4.3L engines are on the upper side of the price range.

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