Sea Ray 225 Weekender Review and Specs [Video]

Sea Ray manufactured the 225 Weekender as a higher trim level of the proven 215 Weekender. Built on a 19-degree fiberglass hull, this pocket cruiser enjoyed a single-level cockpit, a small cabin, and with a wide range of sterndrive engine package options.

Let’s drill into the details and talk about this popular cabin cruiser in detail.

Sea Ray 225 Weekender Review

Hull and Top Deck

Designed as a trailerable overnighter, the 2001-2008 Sea Ray 225 Weekender was a very solidly built pocket cruiser.

She was almost identical to the 215 Weekender except for an optional swim platform extension, a freshwater system with a sink, and different engine packages.

Consequently, the two models shared the same modified V fiberglass hull with a 19-degree transom deadrise.

According to the operator’s manual, the overall length of the boat was 22 feet, which was increased to 24 feet with the optional extended swim platform.

Thanks to her relatively light weight, towing and launching the 225 was a breeze.

Depending on the model year, the dry weight of the boat averaged between 4,545 and 4,770 pounds.

Fully loaded on a tandem-axle trailer, you could expect the gross trailering weight to be in the neighborhood of 7,000 pounds.

What’s more, with a narrow beam of 8.5 feet, the boat could be towed without a permit in most states.

Seating 8 people, the cozy cockpit was designed with a double-wide helm seat and two removable aft jump seats.

Completed with a filler cushion, these jump seats formed a sizeable aft bench seat that could be used as a one-person sun pad.

The port companion seat could either be a double-wide bench seat or sleeper seat.

Marketed as an optional seating plan, this configuration offered more free deck space and versatility.

The walk-thru transom ensured easy access to the swim platform, which came standard with a retractable swim ladder and a grab handle as well.

Since the base integrated platform was fairly small, the optional extension was a really nifty addition. In return, it added two feet to the overall length.

Keeping easy maintenance in mind, the fiberglass motorbox was completely removable, ensuring easy access to the engine.

Designed with moulded steps, the sliding cabin door was lockable.

Through these steps and the center section of the five-piece curved windshield, you could reach the flat foredeck.

Standard features of the boat included a snap-in carpet liner, grab rails and handles, beverage holders, navigation lights, a transom shower, an audio system, cocktail table, cockpit floor drain, 12V outlet, and indirect lighting.

Storage units in the cockpit were nestled under the helm and port console seats, in side panels, and under the floor.

Captains appreciated the easy-to-read helm fitted with a cup holder, switch panel, stereo remote, compass, a double-wide seat with foldable bolster, and a luxury padded tilt steering wheel.

Connected to a power-assisted steering system, the latter had three polished spokes with a burl centerpiece.

With a wood-grain insert and stainless-steel bezels, the dashboard had a speedometer, tachometer, depth finder, voltmeter, fuel meter, trim gauges, water temperature gauge, and oil pressure gauge.

Interior

Just like the top deck, the cabins of the 215 and 225 Weekender were also almost identical.

One of the most important differences included the features of the galley.

While the laminated cabinet top of the 215 only housed an insulated ice chest, the 225 came standard with a tiny sink supplied by a pressurized freshwater system.

The asymmetrical V-berth was completed with a removable table and filler cushions, while the head was separated by a privacy curtain.

Standard cabin features included two fixed portlights, a sizable overhead escape hatch, marine-grade carpets, a carbon monoxide monitor, indirect interior lighting, side shelves, an audio system, trash receptacle, and built-in cabinets.

Due to the limited space and tiny V-berth, this cabin was primarily used for storage and a daytime rest area rather than overnighting.

Engines and Performance

Another key advantage of the 225 over the 215 was her more powerful sterndrive engine packages.

In 2001, the standard power source, of the 225 Weekender was the carbureted 220hp 5.0L MerCruiser Alpha I upgraded to the fuel injected 260hp 5.0L MPI in 2002.

Depending on the model year, available gasoline engine packages included the 240hp 5.0L EFI with either Alpha I or Bravo III legs, and the 260hp 5.7L EFI Alpha I.

Over the years, more powerful optional engines became more prevalent including the 350 Magnum MPI and the MX6.2L MPI.

These power mills were exclusively available with a Bravo III leg and delivered 300 and 320hp, respectively.

Beyond the above, the boat could have been opted for diesel engines like the 150hp MerCruiser D2.8L D-Tronic Bravo III or the 157hp Volvo KAD 32P.

On the water, the boat proved to be predictable with a very nice ride.

However, due to her small dimensions and relatively light weight, she was intended for rivers and small lakes.

On a heavier chop, this little pocket cruiser offered very bumpy rides, so she was not recommended for big lakes or the ocean.

Depending on the engine package and environmental conditions, the 225 Weekender topped out in the mid-to-high 40s and cruised around 30 mph.

Fitted with the 260hp 5.7-liter EFI, you could expect a top end speed of 44-45 mph with a light load.

Just like the speed, the fuel consumption also varied depending on the engine package.

For example, the 5.0L MerCruiser burned shy of 20 gph at WOT and 8-10 gph at best cruising speed.

Hence, the fuel economy averaged between 2 and 3 mpg depending on the engine speed.

In terms of cruising range, the 50-gallon fuel capacity offered a range of around 100 miles.

Besides her easy handling and fuel economy, the 225 built her reputation on great reliability and durability.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the 2001-2008 Sea Ray 225 Weekender were as follows:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	22’ 0”
Overall Length with Extended Swim Platform	24’ 0”
Beam	8’ 6”
Draft (Stern Drive Down)	37”
Draft (Stern Drive Up)	20”
Dead Rise	19°
Dry Weight*	4,525 – 4,770 lb.
Max persons/weight	8/1400 lb.
(MWC) Max Weight Persons/Gear	1800 lb.
Fuel Capacity	50 gal.
Water Capacity	8 gal.

Available Engine Packages*

Engine	HP	Fuel
MerCruiser 5.0L A1	220hp	Gasoline
MerCruiser 5.0L MPI A1 or B3	260hp	Gasoline
MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI B3	300hp	Gasoline
MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI B3	320hp	Gasoline
MerCruiser D2.8L D-Tronic B2	150hp	Diesel
Volvo KAD 32P/DP	157hp	Diesel

*May vary by the year

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

Takeaways

Manufactured from 2001 through 2008, the 225 Weekender was a trailerable Sea Ray cabin cruiser.

Built on a 19-degree fiberglass hull, this 22-foot pocket cruiser was designed with nice lines and a practical top deck available with different seating layouts.

The versatile aft bench seat was a perfect place for sunbathing, just like the easy-to-access flat foredeck.

Small but inviting, the tiny cabin was often used for daytime relaxation and storing gear rather than for actual weekend overnighting.

Under the hood, you could find a single marine sterndrive engine, which could either be a 220-320hp gasoline or a 150-157hp diesel power mill.

Performance wise, the 225 Weekender cruised in the low 30s and topped out at 45-50mph depending on the engine package.

Just like its sister model, the 215, this cruiser was widely popular among buyers due to her reasonable price and high-quality features.

Even though production stopped in the late 2000s, many of these boats are still in good shape and seem to sell quickly on the used market.

Based on our research, the average prices of used 225 Weekenders range between $10,000 to $40,000.

Asking prices vary greatly depending on many factors, such as age, engine option, features, location, and the condition of course.

If you don’t mind stretching your budget, you may want to check the more spacious 245 Weekender.

This model has not only a significantly larger interior but also a fully enclosed head with a shower plus a more advanced galley with a sizeable sink and gas stove.