1997-2003 Sea Ray 185 Bow Rider Specs and Review [Video]

The 1997-2003 Sea Ray 185 Bow Rider was a great beginner runabout powered by 4.3L V6 MerCruiser sterndrive engines. Its legacy was carried over to the more advanced 185 Sport, which remained part of the fleet until 2012.

In this post, we’ll take a close look at the 185 Bow Rider (185 BR) and its factory specifications.

Sea Ray 185 Bow Rider Review

Hull and Top Deck

Sea Ray introduced their first 185 Bow Rider runabout in 1991. Interestingly, this short-lived model was only in production during that model year.

After 5 years of hiatus, the 185 BR was re-introduced for 1997.

The new model was built on a 20-degree deep-V fiberglass hull, which utilized very little wood in its construction.

It was a game changer compared to previous models, which had wood-cored stingers and floors.

Unlike its predecessors, the new 185 BR enjoyed wood-free composite structural elements, which were not prone to rotting. (Except for the transom, which still housed a thin wood core.)

In terms of dimensions, the boat measured 18.5 feet in length with a beam of 7.5 feet.

Her dry weight averaged between 2,700 and 2,800 pounds depending on the model year.

Filled with 27 gallons of gas and some essential gear, the curb weight rounded up to 3,000-3,100 pounds.

You could also expect the trailering weight to be roughly 3,500-3,700 pounds with a single-axle and 3,800-4,000 pounds with a tandem-axle trailer.

Comfortable and spacious, the traditional bowrider-style top deck was available with three cockpit seating plans, which were as follows:

Std. floor plan: Helm and companion swivel bucket seats, aft bench seat, full-beam sun pad

Opt. floor plan #1: Helm swivel bucket seat, port-side back-to-back lounger seat, aft sun lounge with two Hi-Low aft jump seats

Opt. floor plan #2: Two back-to-back lounger seats, aft sun lounge with two Hi-Low aft jump seats

Each of these configurations shared the same integrated swim platform and the cozy bow lounger, which featured wraparound seating, grab handles, and cup holders.

The cockpit was also designed with many advanced features and convenience amenities like a curved walk-thru windshield, floor carpet, integrated cup holders, grab handles, and plenty of cushioning on the side panels.

You could also find many storage units hidden beneath the seats, sun pad, and the floor. These were completed with two gloveboxes and side panel storage.

Even though the 185 BR was rated for 8 people or a maximum weight of 1,200 pounds, it could only comfortably seat 5-6.

Sea Ray refreshed this model for the 2001 season with a more modern look and some new bells and whistles.

The key novelties included a revamped bow section, which returned with relocated cup holders, larger backrest cushions, and a useful anchor locker.

Besides these, the cockpit was also upgraded with more upholstery, a new dashboard, and a redesigned port console, both of which were enhanced with luxury wood panel inserts.

Due to these new features, the weight of the 185 BR increased by 100 pounds but her dimensions remained unchanged except for her draft.

Engines and Performance

The standard power source of the ’97-’03 185 BR was a MerCruiser 3.0L sterndrive engine with Alpha I MCM sterndrive propulsion.

The far more popular 4.3L with Alpha I MCM was also availabe as an option.

This carbureted 4.3-liter V6 gasoline marine engine delivered 190hp and ensured a planing time of about 4 seconds.

The top speed of the 185 BR with this engine package averaged around 45-46 mph when burning roughly 15 gph and getting about 3 mpg.

Her estimated fuel range at this speed was in the neighborhood of 90-100 miles.

The best cruising for the boat occurred at about 21-22 mph when she got 4.5-5 mpg and had a range of 110-120 miles.

(In contrast, the top speed with the standard 3.0L enigne was 6-7 mph less.)

Enjoying a fuel-injection system, the more advanced optional engine in the ‘97-’01 seasons was the MerCruiser 4.3L EFI Alpha I MCM upgraded for its multi-port injected “MPI” variant in 2002.

They were rated at 210 and 220hp, respectively.

These optional engines offered slightly better hole-shot acceleration and a bit more top-end, but the power of their carbureted sibling was more than enough for watersports.

Specs Charts

The main specifications of the 1997-2003 Sea Ray 185 Bow Rider included:

Overall Length w/ Swim Platform	18’ 6”
Maximum Beam	7’ 6”
Draft (stern drive down)	31”
Draft (stern drive up)	14”
Dry Weight (‘97-‘00)	2,700 lb.
Dry Weight (‘01-‘02)	2,800 lb.
Dry Weight (‘03)	2,750 lb.
Est. Trailering Weight*	3,500 – 4,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity (’97-’00)	26 gal.
Fuel Capacity (’01-’03)	27 gal.
Dead Rise	20º
People Capacity	2 persons or 1,100 lb.
Total Weight Capacity	1,200 lb.

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

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

Takeaways

The 1997-2003 Sea Ray 185 Bow Rider was a much more modern version of its 1991 predecessor.

As the name suggests, she was built on an 18.5-foot fiberglass hull designed with wood-free floors and stringers.

The heart of this lively boat was a 4.3L MerCruiser gasoline engine, which was available in either carbureted or fuel-injected configuration.

These engines were known for their great performance and excellent durability.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that many of these boats are still in very good condition and often turn up on the second-hand market.

If you are considering buying one of them, you may want to invest in a refreshed 2001 model with an EFI or MPI engine option.

(Note that the standard 4.3L MerCruiser is a carbureted engine that needs more attention and care.)

Depending on their age, condition, and engine package the asking prices of the ’97-’03 185 Bow Riders typically range from $6,000 to $12,000.