185 vs 195 Advice
- Thread starter jo-e90
- Start date
Big Island Lifer
Active Member
- Feb 1, 2010
- 1,406
- Boat Info
- '96 330 Formula SS
For Sale '85 255 Amberjack
- Engines
- Single 5.7
What year?
Where are you going to use it?
What engines?
As usual the bigger the better- especially for wakeboarding.
Went to the boat show this weekend. Looked at new and cannot afford.
Looking at the 4.3 in all models.
Found this salt water 200 includes the tower but has the 5.0 and is pre-2006 hullhttp://www.boatingbay.com/listings/2003-Sea-Ray-200-BOW-RIDER-73363.html
Rogers Marine max has some brokerage older 190's etc.
as well as used 2006 195 and 185, which one?
Looking at the 4.3 in all models.
Found this salt water 200 includes the tower but has the 5.0 and is pre-2006 hullhttp://www.boatingbay.com/listings/2003-Sea-Ray-200-BOW-RIDER-73363.html
Rogers Marine max has some brokerage older 190's etc.
as well as used 2006 195 and 185, which one?
Big Island Lifer
Active Member
- Feb 1, 2010
- 1,406
- Boat Info
- '96 330 Formula SS
For Sale '85 255 Amberjack
- Engines
- Single 5.7
If you are using it in MN- stay away from Salt boats. THe headache is not worth it especially if you are on a budget. Look at the layout and sit in it with 4 or 5 of your friends to look at what will fir best. In general the larger the boat the bigger the wake for boarding, but the engine sze could also be an issue if you go bigger. We need some guys to chime in who have these boats to give you a better idea or performance.
Have you looked at Sea Ray's website to look at performance numbers or boattest.com?
Those could be some good places to start.
Have you looked at Sea Ray's website to look at performance numbers or boattest.com?
Those could be some good places to start.
would this 1998 make a taller wake than a 2006-2011 sea ray 185 or 195 sport?http://www.marinemaxminnesota.com/P.../view/Details/1998-Sea-Ray-190-BOW-RIDER.aspx
Or would a sea ray Select be better?
Or would a sea ray Select be better?
Big Island Lifer
Active Member
- Feb 1, 2010
- 1,406
- Boat Info
- '96 330 Formula SS
For Sale '85 255 Amberjack
- Engines
- Single 5.7
You might get a better response by posting this question in the sport boats section. There are lots of things that affect the wake size and shape. Sea ray does not make a specific wakeboard boat. That being said you can tweak the wake by adjusting the drive trim, adding weight to the boat (like a fat sac), or by adjusting the position of your weight/ ballast like moving your occupants around to shape the wake. In general go bigger and heavier, but with added weight comes more work for the motor and a bigger fuel bill. The beam of the boat at the waterline will also affect the wake the wider the better. A tower is also a good add on. I don't know if trim tabs would help with a boat that size or not. Check the sport boat thread for more ideas.
I was intruigued by the link to the 5.0 liter that had a B3 drive. I am not used to seeing that drive on a 20' boat.
Is the bite of dual props really needed for that boat, or is this just marketing (i.e. TWO Props is obviously better than one) (until you hit a log. .. .)
As for which boat: a few things;
1) Look at the models on the SeaRay.com website. Never buy a boat in this class (especially for water sports) with the BASE engine package. I have heard plenty of people complain about being underpowered. Nobody complains about being overpowered.
2) Buy the biggest boat you can afford. Put 6 people in a 185, and it gets real small real quick. (and slow if it has a 4.3 in it). You have to LIKE the layout. Heck.. .put 6 people in my 280 and it starts feeling a bit cramped. (even if does carry more. . doesn't mean you want to carry that many)
3) Remember -> SeaRays, Maxxums, Monterey, etc are building general purpose boats. The wakeboard towers are added to boost sales. Oh. . and to carry wakeboards sometimes. And a place to add the $300 speaker system that they sell for $3000. If you want specialized boats for wake boarding; look at brands like MasterCraft. One thing you will find with boats like MasterCraft (which have ballast tanks to help them make a bigger wake) is that they are less friendly when you are NOT pulling people. THEN you *really* want the SeaRay with the nice ride and cool looking tower carrying the awesome speakers.
4) Remember how to detect a lying salesman. Any time the lips are moving, they are lying to you. They will *always* push the boat they have . . .not the boat you need. Also. . be careful with the magazine articles. Many mags accept serious advertising from the boat makers and hardly ever write a negative review.
5) Salt Water boats are fine. If you take care of them. They DEFINATELY need more maintenance. For example, the exhaust system becomes a $2500 wear item (every 3-6 years) on salt water boats. No big deal as long as you spend the coin. However. . .where you live, being new to the game, perhaps passing on Salt Water boats is the way to go.
Is the bite of dual props really needed for that boat, or is this just marketing (i.e. TWO Props is obviously better than one) (until you hit a log. .. .)
As for which boat: a few things;
1) Look at the models on the SeaRay.com website. Never buy a boat in this class (especially for water sports) with the BASE engine package. I have heard plenty of people complain about being underpowered. Nobody complains about being overpowered.
2) Buy the biggest boat you can afford. Put 6 people in a 185, and it gets real small real quick. (and slow if it has a 4.3 in it). You have to LIKE the layout. Heck.. .put 6 people in my 280 and it starts feeling a bit cramped. (even if does carry more. . doesn't mean you want to carry that many)
3) Remember -> SeaRays, Maxxums, Monterey, etc are building general purpose boats. The wakeboard towers are added to boost sales. Oh. . and to carry wakeboards sometimes. And a place to add the $300 speaker system that they sell for $3000. If you want specialized boats for wake boarding; look at brands like MasterCraft. One thing you will find with boats like MasterCraft (which have ballast tanks to help them make a bigger wake) is that they are less friendly when you are NOT pulling people. THEN you *really* want the SeaRay with the nice ride and cool looking tower carrying the awesome speakers.
4) Remember how to detect a lying salesman. Any time the lips are moving, they are lying to you. They will *always* push the boat they have . . .not the boat you need. Also. . be careful with the magazine articles. Many mags accept serious advertising from the boat makers and hardly ever write a negative review.
5) Salt Water boats are fine. If you take care of them. They DEFINATELY need more maintenance. For example, the exhaust system becomes a $2500 wear item (every 3-6 years) on salt water boats. No big deal as long as you spend the coin. However. . .where you live, being new to the game, perhaps passing on Salt Water boats is the way to go.
Last edited:
SeaRay
Member
Good advice on this thread already....
I have a '99 Sea Ray 210 with a Bravo 3, 5.0L EFI and a Monster Tower (see signature).
Great all around boat, but only a good to decent wakeboard boat.
If your primary goal is wakeboarding you should look at a wakeboard board (inboard).
I have a tower, tower speakers, ballast and other wakeboarding accessories. But it still doesn't make it a wakeboard boat. This is our first boat and we wakeboard alot, more than I ever expected. If I were to do it over again, I would have picked up a late 1990 to early 2000 inboard.
If wakeboarding is not your primary goal and you are in semi rough water, the Sea Ray is a great boat. I agree, the bigger the better. Anything less than 21' gets small in a hurry.
And if you think you may ever want to wake surf, forget the I/O altogether and go inboard.
I have a '99 Sea Ray 210 with a Bravo 3, 5.0L EFI and a Monster Tower (see signature).
Great all around boat, but only a good to decent wakeboard boat.
If your primary goal is wakeboarding you should look at a wakeboard board (inboard).
I have a tower, tower speakers, ballast and other wakeboarding accessories. But it still doesn't make it a wakeboard boat. This is our first boat and we wakeboard alot, more than I ever expected. If I were to do it over again, I would have picked up a late 1990 to early 2000 inboard.
If wakeboarding is not your primary goal and you are in semi rough water, the Sea Ray is a great boat. I agree, the bigger the better. Anything less than 21' gets small in a hurry.
And if you think you may ever want to wake surf, forget the I/O altogether and go inboard.
Thanks for all the advice so far.
For starters, Some of the great wakeboarders have never ridden/started on a "wakeboard" boat. Albeit a tower may have been used.
30 mph is all I care to go. So 4.3 suits me.
Hole shot is not necessary for us to get up.
Searay says:" If I were to do it over again, I would have picked up a late 1990 to early 2000 inboard."
I ask, "Are you talking sea ray or WB boat"?
As for speakers, We do not like loud blarring music.
Factory speakers do just fine for us.
Big Island lifer says"You might get a better response by posting this question in the sport boats section. "
I am a newbie so I better stay here. Am I allowed in the sport boat section?
:lol:
I experienced alot of lying and BS at the boat shows. Most of the people there act like they can afford anything there.
Wake surfing will not be an issue.
Tried it and was overcome by CO2 emissions from a Mastercraft X1 "wakeboard boat" V8 exhaust right out the rear and in my face. Perhaps EFI or MPI would improve that.
would this 1998 190 make a taller wake than a 2006-2011 sea ray 185 or 195 sport?
http://www.marinemaxminnesota.com/Pa...BOW-RIDER.aspx
Are the post 2006 190's that much better than the pre-2006's
For starters, Some of the great wakeboarders have never ridden/started on a "wakeboard" boat. Albeit a tower may have been used.
30 mph is all I care to go. So 4.3 suits me.
Hole shot is not necessary for us to get up.
Searay says:" If I were to do it over again, I would have picked up a late 1990 to early 2000 inboard."
I ask, "Are you talking sea ray or WB boat"?
As for speakers, We do not like loud blarring music.
Factory speakers do just fine for us.
Big Island lifer says"You might get a better response by posting this question in the sport boats section. "
I am a newbie so I better stay here. Am I allowed in the sport boat section?
:lol:
I experienced alot of lying and BS at the boat shows. Most of the people there act like they can afford anything there.
Wake surfing will not be an issue.
Tried it and was overcome by CO2 emissions from a Mastercraft X1 "wakeboard boat" V8 exhaust right out the rear and in my face. Perhaps EFI or MPI would improve that.
would this 1998 190 make a taller wake than a 2006-2011 sea ray 185 or 195 sport?
http://www.marinemaxminnesota.com/Pa...BOW-RIDER.aspx
Are the post 2006 190's that much better than the pre-2006's
Last edited:
Wake size: Yes, it will. It's not a "night and day" difference, but there is a difference. I've used both, quite extensively. The 185/195 are pretty much identical - the 195 is a just a few inches bigger - nothing that you'd really notice. The 185/195 puts out a nice, flat wake (as far as sterndrives go) that is great for slalom skiing. You can trim it up and get a decent, crisp wake for boarding, but it is not big. The 190 will have a slightly bigger wake, but not as crisp.
The 185/195 will absolutely come out of the hole faster than the 190. The hull design is markedly improved and is a quicker, more agile boat. The 190 has a "plusher" ride.
The 185/195/205, are some of the fastest time-to-plane (sterndrive) boats I've ever been on. The 195 with a V-8 (especially fuel injection) engine is an absolute rocket - the 205 isn't far behind.
Note that the 190 changed in the 1999 model year and became a slightly larger, wider boat - even more so on the "plush" side.
Last edited:
SeaRay
Member
There is no doubt that you do not have to have an inboard boat to wakeboard. And yes, many people have learned behind I/O's and even outboards.
We have slowly progressed to the point where we spend about 70% of our time boating wakeboarding. And if I would have foreseen that I would have bought an inboard (Mastercraft, Moomba, Tige, etc.) and not a Sea Ray.
The only reason I still have it is that I really like it and hate to let it go! it is a really nice boat and i have already added so much to it. But I am seriously thinking about it.
You can always add ballast bags to improve the wake (within the limits of the boat). You can also switch to a smaller prop to get out of the hole better with the added weight and improve speed control at wake boarding speeds.
They do have an after market accessory called Fresh Air Exhaust which directs the exhaust under the water on inboard boats providing fresh air behind the boat for wake surfing as well as a quieter ride all the time.
We have slowly progressed to the point where we spend about 70% of our time boating wakeboarding. And if I would have foreseen that I would have bought an inboard (Mastercraft, Moomba, Tige, etc.) and not a Sea Ray.
The only reason I still have it is that I really like it and hate to let it go! it is a really nice boat and i have already added so much to it. But I am seriously thinking about it.
You can always add ballast bags to improve the wake (within the limits of the boat). You can also switch to a smaller prop to get out of the hole better with the added weight and improve speed control at wake boarding speeds.
They do have an after market accessory called Fresh Air Exhaust which directs the exhaust under the water on inboard boats providing fresh air behind the boat for wake surfing as well as a quieter ride all the time.
March813
New Member
I feel qualified to answer this. Went from an 87 Chaparral 178 3.0 Merc to a 1991 Nautique Inboard w/ 5.0 PCM to my current 2004 200 Select.
I honestly think the 200 Select is a better wakeboard boat than the Nautique was. the V-hull makes a nicer wake than the "flatter-bottomed" ski boat. (And much nicer ride) Granted the Nautique was built as more of a "ski" boat but it seems like jo-e90 isn't in the market for a "true" wakeboard boat with all the bells and whistles.
To answer jo-e90's question - my opinion, if you are going out on the lake for the whole day and want to do some wakeboarding along with cruising and plan to have a few people out there with you, get the bigger boat with the bigger motor. The difference to a novice-mid wakeboarder isn't going to be noticeable and having more room for gear, etc., makes a difference. If you are going to tie this boat to your dock, take it out to wakeboard, then come back to the dock and hang out on land - save some $$, get the smaller boat with the 4.3.
My 5.0 EFI in the Select is more powerful and faster than the Nautique's 5.0 PCM. Hole shot w/the Nautique was slightly better but that doesn't matter wakeboarding. That being said, the B3 has a great hole shot and is an all-around great performer. The Select is a "solid", heavy boat and that 5.0 makes it scream. I can easily get over 50 if needed.
Just my experience. Let me know if I can offer any more insight and good luck.
Either way, make sure you get something!
I honestly think the 200 Select is a better wakeboard boat than the Nautique was. the V-hull makes a nicer wake than the "flatter-bottomed" ski boat. (And much nicer ride) Granted the Nautique was built as more of a "ski" boat but it seems like jo-e90 isn't in the market for a "true" wakeboard boat with all the bells and whistles.
To answer jo-e90's question - my opinion, if you are going out on the lake for the whole day and want to do some wakeboarding along with cruising and plan to have a few people out there with you, get the bigger boat with the bigger motor. The difference to a novice-mid wakeboarder isn't going to be noticeable and having more room for gear, etc., makes a difference. If you are going to tie this boat to your dock, take it out to wakeboard, then come back to the dock and hang out on land - save some $$, get the smaller boat with the 4.3.
My 5.0 EFI in the Select is more powerful and faster than the Nautique's 5.0 PCM. Hole shot w/the Nautique was slightly better but that doesn't matter wakeboarding. That being said, the B3 has a great hole shot and is an all-around great performer. The Select is a "solid", heavy boat and that 5.0 makes it scream. I can easily get over 50 if needed.
Just my experience. Let me know if I can offer any more insight and good luck.
Either way, make sure you get something!
Would this 200 select do the job with no balasts or fat sacs?
What should I offer for this price range?
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2006/Sea-Ray-200-Select-2195034/Wilmington/NC/United-States
Or will this 4.3 save on fuel if I dont want speed or hole shot?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005-SEA-RAY-200-SELECT-97961362
What should I offer for this price range?
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2006/Sea-Ray-200-Select-2195034/Wilmington/NC/United-States
Or will this 4.3 save on fuel if I dont want speed or hole shot?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005-SEA-RAY-200-SELECT-97961362
Last edited:
Generally, the bigger and heavier the boat, the bigger the wake will be. The 200 with a V-8 and a B3 will be pretty quick out of the hole. Not as fast as the 205 with a V-8 and an Alpha, but close. The 200 is the newer (and larger) version of the 190.
Forget about fuel economy. The difference will be negligible, if that.
Forget about fuel economy. The difference will be negligible, if that.
March813
New Member
My Personal preference and I think most people would agree that you go with the bigger motor(s) whenever you get the chance. Agree with Lazy Daze that the gas mileage would be pretty negligible and I've never burned a full tank (37 gallons) in a day - or even weekend.
Just as an FYI, The 5.0 with BIII is the standard setup on that Select. No complaints here with that setup's performance. Not sure what dropping to the 4.3 V6 does though.
With the tower that will be a great wakeboard boat. Just for reference, my nautique was a 2600lb boat (though it was designed as a ski boat) and the Select is a 3600 lb boat. After you add gear and people ~4200 lbs should get you plenty of wake. If you end up thinking you need fat sacs or ballasts, invite more people.
Just my experience.
Just as an FYI, The 5.0 with BIII is the standard setup on that Select. No complaints here with that setup's performance. Not sure what dropping to the 4.3 V6 does though.
With the tower that will be a great wakeboard boat. Just for reference, my nautique was a 2600lb boat (though it was designed as a ski boat) and the Select is a 3600 lb boat. After you add gear and people ~4200 lbs should get you plenty of wake. If you end up thinking you need fat sacs or ballasts, invite more people.
Just my experience.
The '98 190 or 195 Sport is all that I can barely afford.
Funny is it not, how many here worry about going from 40' to 45' when my whole life would be changed by having a $10K boat but cannot afford it yet.
If I wait too long at my age I will not even be able to wakeboard any more.:smt021
Funny is it not, how many here worry about going from 40' to 45' when my whole life would be changed by having a $10K boat but cannot afford it yet.
If I wait too long at my age I will not even be able to wakeboard any more.:smt021
Big Island Lifer
Active Member
- Feb 1, 2010
- 1,406
- Boat Info
- '96 330 Formula SS
For Sale '85 255 Amberjack
- Engines
- Single 5.7
Boating is boating. Getting out there is all that is important. You didn't mention your age but I have seen AARP members on a wakeboard. I bet you have time. Regarding boat shopping- this is a great time to buy a boat. Don't be afraid to submit an offer that is 10-20% below asking value. You are in MN- have you been looking at craigslist? To some it seems risky going that route but bargains can be had.
The moral of the story is to buy as much boat as you can afford. Two footitis sets in pretty quick.
Good luck on your search!
March813
New Member
Big Island is right on. Sounds like you just need to get something.
Like he said, "Boating is boating."
You'll notice that boaters wave to you no matter what kind or size boat you have. (unless it is a PWC and then we have a different wave for you - with less fingers) - ha
Do what will fit your needs but fits your wallet first. Wakeboards, skis and tubes aren't picky on the kind of boat tows them. My first boat was an old 4-cylinder 130hp Chaparral that worked great for skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, air chair, etc.
Look on craigslist and see what is out there.
Good luck!
Like he said, "Boating is boating."
You'll notice that boaters wave to you no matter what kind or size boat you have. (unless it is a PWC and then we have a different wave for you - with less fingers) - ha
Do what will fit your needs but fits your wallet first. Wakeboards, skis and tubes aren't picky on the kind of boat tows them. My first boat was an old 4-cylinder 130hp Chaparral that worked great for skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, air chair, etc.
Look on craigslist and see what is out there.
Good luck!
Last edited:
jmlloyd526
New Member
+1 for the 195. It is just a little bigger than the 185, however, it is the smallest to be offered with the V8. I am not saying that you have to have the V8, but with 6 adults and gear in the boat, it will definitely not have to work as hard. As far as the wakeboarding...We do a ton of it and you will be fine with any of these boats. There are lots of aftermarket add-ons that you play around with if you decide. Good luck!!!
