176 srx/3.0 performance?
- Thread starter BobH
- Start date
Mr Happy
New Member
- Jan 12, 2007
- 117
- Boat Info
- 1991 Sea Ray 225 BR
Suburban
- Engines
- 5.7L
Our first Sea Ray we bought was a 1995 175BR. Basically the same boat. It came with the 3.0L
Very good boat. I believe the boat hit the mid 40's. When I went to sell it(more room) the dealer frowned at the 3.0.
The boat was good on our lake but on busy days we got hammered around, too small. As far as the engine it was great on gas and good for tubing. It did get me up on 2 skis but it was a struggle to get my phat butt up on 1 ski. I did get up but it was a struggle. As far as tubing it is a great boat for kids and adults.
We take out more than our family(3) so we wanted more room and I wanted more power for skiing.
If you go out with more than 4 adults I would go with a bigger boat. If it is just you, Mom and a few kids the boat will do fine. Especially at the gas pump.
We went from filling up a very small gas tank to 72 gallons. A few years back when gas was at its high imagine fill up at our marina when it was $5 a gallon.
Very good boat. I believe the boat hit the mid 40's. When I went to sell it(more room) the dealer frowned at the 3.0.
The boat was good on our lake but on busy days we got hammered around, too small. As far as the engine it was great on gas and good for tubing. It did get me up on 2 skis but it was a struggle to get my phat butt up on 1 ski. I did get up but it was a struggle. As far as tubing it is a great boat for kids and adults.
We take out more than our family(3) so we wanted more room and I wanted more power for skiing.
If you go out with more than 4 adults I would go with a bigger boat. If it is just you, Mom and a few kids the boat will do fine. Especially at the gas pump.
We went from filling up a very small gas tank to 72 gallons. A few years back when gas was at its high imagine fill up at our marina when it was $5 a gallon.
bctile601
New Member
My first post !
I have the 3.0 and works great, but like as mentioned, it's only been me and wifey on board. Flat out we hit low 40mph's, I usually cruise around 33.
I would suggest a biger boat if you would routinely have more than 3 aboard.
:smt024
I have the 3.0 and works great, but like as mentioned, it's only been me and wifey on board. Flat out we hit low 40mph's, I usually cruise around 33.
I would suggest a biger boat if you would routinely have more than 3 aboard.
:smt024
Thanks for the replys. I'm not sure after looking around that SeaRay offered the 4.3 in the 176. The 185s yes, i think it was an option but the boats really jump in price when stepping up to that platform.
Still Looking:smt101
BobH
Still Looking:smt101
BobH
- Oct 3, 2006
- 1,985
- Boat Info
- 2004 - 220 Sundeck
- Engines
- 5.0L w/Bravo 3 Drive
+1
Our first was a BR176 2002 with the 3.0 and alpha drive. For for adults just to ride and tour around in it was pretty capable and in expensive to operate. But if you had anymore weight persons or gear then the boat really needed a bigger motor and for that size boat it don't fit. Its a great starter boat for a couple and some youngsters for tubing, sking and knee boarding.
And like others have said, wife wanted more room, wanted bring more friends and have more elbow room....we found it a good home and moved up.
Best regards
Our first was a BR176 2002 with the 3.0 and alpha drive. For for adults just to ride and tour around in it was pretty capable and in expensive to operate. But if you had anymore weight persons or gear then the boat really needed a bigger motor and for that size boat it don't fit. Its a great starter boat for a couple and some youngsters for tubing, sking and knee boarding.
And like others have said, wife wanted more room, wanted bring more friends and have more elbow room....we found it a good home and moved up.
Best regards
quailrunner
New Member
Just to underscore previous posts - we had a 1987 sea ray seville (17.5) w. 135 hp OMC. Owned it one year and sold it to get a 185; wife refused to even consider the lower power engine and only identified posts w. the 190, so that we could run w. more people and pull kids/adults w.o. problems. Everything everyone has said is correct; the 176 will be fine w. 2-3 people, but will not tow well w. more. I could not get a skier up w. the old seville (w. just me and a spotter in the boat) but it was 22 years old. I was riding in a 176 this weekend (2002) and its a zippy little boat, but it is small.
Since this is the smallest boat SR builds, figured I better put in my 2 bits, since there aren't too many of us.
Last fall I purchased a 175 sport with the 3.0 and I'm very happy with the overall package. We usually have 4 people in the boat. Finally have 20 hours on her and now starting to do some heavier pulls. Pulls 2 tubes with ease. Just the other day, pulled me (190#) up on 2 skis without a problem ( i was too lazy to go slalom). Top speed is in the low 40's. It handles and rides excellent.
Comparing to a 95ish, 17ft with a 3.0, our new SR kicks butt. Our other friends have a 19' with a 5.0L and speed wise it's not much different. He can just outpull us regardless on how many people he has on board. Oh, and his gas bill at the end of the day is twice as much.
OK, that said, we did look at bigger boats and the 185 shouldn't even be offered with the 3.0. You definitely want the V6 if you opt for a 185.
So really it all depends on what and where you plan on boating. The 175 is a little smaller, but we don't go out with ten people or out on the Great Lakes, so we don't care. It's a perfect combo.:thumbsup:
Last fall I purchased a 175 sport with the 3.0 and I'm very happy with the overall package. We usually have 4 people in the boat. Finally have 20 hours on her and now starting to do some heavier pulls. Pulls 2 tubes with ease. Just the other day, pulled me (190#) up on 2 skis without a problem ( i was too lazy to go slalom). Top speed is in the low 40's. It handles and rides excellent.
Comparing to a 95ish, 17ft with a 3.0, our new SR kicks butt. Our other friends have a 19' with a 5.0L and speed wise it's not much different. He can just outpull us regardless on how many people he has on board. Oh, and his gas bill at the end of the day is twice as much.
OK, that said, we did look at bigger boats and the 185 shouldn't even be offered with the 3.0. You definitely want the V6 if you opt for a 185.
So really it all depends on what and where you plan on boating. The 175 is a little smaller, but we don't go out with ten people or out on the Great Lakes, so we don't care. It's a perfect combo.:thumbsup:
mikebrown123
New Member
I bought a 2005 180 Sport (actually measures 17.5 feet though). It has the 3.0 motor and so far I have had no issues. Pulls the kids on the tubes without issue even with 3 adults and 2 kids in the boat. When cruising I have had 4 adults and 4 kids (I know 1 more than rating) and managed to get to 39mph while playing with the trim. Alone int he boat I can get to about 43mph (all speeds are from the speedometer).
We went out on the Niagara River on on Sunday and I realized that I am undersized for the traffic on the river, but it was REALLY busy with bigger boats and I think I was smallest out there. Still handled like a dream!
We went out on the Niagara River on on Sunday and I realized that I am undersized for the traffic on the river, but it was REALLY busy with bigger boats and I think I was smallest out there. Still handled like a dream!
After all the great feedback. Settled on a 2003 176 srx in excellent shape, talked to the owner came to price. :grin: Told him as long as it was what the ad stated great. Meet this morning for a test run and look over only to discover it didn't have the bench seat option,:wow: which was my fault because I thought I saw it in the pic!! I definately want the extra seating
Still Searching
BobH
Still Searching
BobH
- Oct 3, 2006
- 1,985
- Boat Info
- 2004 - 220 Sundeck
- Engines
- 5.0L w/Bravo 3 Drive
Bench seating? Are you talking where the seat is moved up even to the engine cover so that you have a bench across the motor cover? This is a old picture of mine, and the motor cover was molded with jump seats on both sides of it. There was no way to have a bench run across the back at that time.
Last edited:
fvtenfanatic
New Member
Last August I bought a 2002 176SRX with the 3.0l. SO far we love it and have been having a blast. We really only ever have 2 adults and 2 small dogs. But when I took my 2 teenage daughters and my Mother it did awesome towing my 14 year old on a knee board.
I dont think I have ever seen an older 176 with that bench seat across the back. For me that was a big deterant when i was looking at new at the dealer. I like all the floor space the jump seats provide. You need that on such a small boat. IMO.
I dont think I have ever seen an older 176 with that bench seat across the back. For me that was a big deterant when i was looking at new at the dealer. I like all the floor space the jump seats provide. You need that on such a small boat. IMO.
I only have access to the 2010 specs and used those for interior configurations. They show 3 types of seating, standard with 2 capt chairs and a seat each side of engine cover.
Then same as above except an additional seat behind the pass seat ( back to back)
The 3rd, 2 capt chairs and a bench across the back with a sun deck (small/narrow engine cover)
Maybe it wasn't option in the earlier models?? Anyone have data on the seating??
Still Hunting
BobH
Then same as above except an additional seat behind the pass seat ( back to back)
The 3rd, 2 capt chairs and a bench across the back with a sun deck (small/narrow engine cover)
Maybe it wasn't option in the earlier models?? Anyone have data on the seating??
Still Hunting
BobH
fvtenfanatic
New Member
from remembering the paperwork that came with mine the only options were the double back seat on the captains side.
Not sure on the older versions but mine had the 3 seating options that you are referring to. I know everyone has their own preference, but before you say that you must have the bench across the back, I suggest you take a look at a 175 with the bench. When we shopped for ours we looked at both seating arrangements. IMO, the bench seat takes up way too much space and it's cramped when setup in a 175. We opted for the jump seats cause I wanted more floor space, and actually they're quite comfy to sit in. The bench is nice, but i felt it was more suited to a bigger 185 and up.
Of course this is just my opinion.
Of course this is just my opinion.