2008 185 Sport

[JocoJef]

Hello all. I have been lurking around the forums for the past two weeks. I have recently moved near the water and I have a dock available to me less than a tenth of a mile away. I have always wanted a boat, and have decided it is time.

I looked at the 175 sport and I liked it, but I feel the 185 will do me more justice. I have been hearing a lot about getting the upgraded engine, but I felt the 3.0 was just fine. I will be doing light recreation water sports, and do not plan to compete in any type of competition or compete for any water speed record.

I mainly will be using this boat to cruise around and hang out on the water with friends and family, with the occasional trip to a local bar (about 30) minutes away, by water, where you can dock your boat.

Now I pose a couple of questions and I apologize if they are "noobish." I have searched the forums and have seen concerns that concerns me.

With a new boat, I factor in the following: The monthly payment of the boat, boat insurance, dock fee, gas, winterization and scheduled maintenance (under paint). What else should I be planning for?

What repairs would I expect for the first five years of the boat?

Also is 18,999 a good price for a 2008 185 Sport with the bimini top?

I thank you in advance for your answers and can't wait to be a boat owner. As long as everything goes right, I should have a boat by next week.

 

[searay sport]

I think you will be fine with the 4cyl. I have had no problems. As far as repairs, I have not had to make any, so I cant help you out there. I recommend the bolster seats. Trust me, they are worth the extra money even if you only get one for the driver. They are good on gas as well. We went out last week end and only used 50.00 in gas for 2 days, but did not do any tubing or skiing. You might also want to ask how much the extra storage tubs would be inder the rear seats. We dont have much storage area on our boats. You should be able to get the bins installed for around 300.00. I dont remember what we paid for our boat, but I am sure it was around 18-20K.

 

[jhild]

“With a new boat, I factor in the following: The monthly payment of the boat, boat insurance, dock fee, gas, winterization and scheduled maintenance (under paint). What else should I be planning for?” - Unless the required safety equipment is being supplied by the dealer, you’ll also need to spend several hundred dollars on basic things like lines, fenders, flares, etc. Also, GPS? VHF radio? Toys?


“What repairs would I expect for the first five years of the boat?” – That all depends on what you break! If you keep up with suggested/required maintenance items, you shouldn’t have to repair any significant non-warranty issues over the first five years of ownership.


“Also is 18,999 a good price for a 2008 185 Sport with the bimini top?” - That all depends on where you are and what’s included for that price. Market Rate will vary quite a bit from one region to another. If you’re comfortable with writing the check, then it’s a good price.

 

[JocoJef]

“With a new boat, I factor in the following: The monthly payment of the boat, boat insurance, dock fee, gas, winterization and scheduled maintenance (under paint). What else should I be planning for?” - Unless the required safety equipment is being supplied by the dealer, you’ll also need to spend several hundred dollars on basic things like lines, fenders, flares, etc. Also, GPS? VHF radio? Toys?


“What repairs would I expect for the first five years of the boat?” – That all depends on what you break! If you keep up with suggested/required maintenance items, you shouldn’t have to repair any significant non-warranty issues over the first five years of ownership.


“Also is 18,999 a good price for a 2008 185 Sport with the bimini top?” - That all depends on where you are and what’s included for that price. Market Rate will vary quite a bit from one region to another. If you’re comfortable with writing the check, then it’s a good price.

The boat comes with the lines,fender, life vest, and the trailer. They call that the "coast guard package" here. I don't believe I need a radio, although I am considering it because I will not be going out into the ocean. I definitely am going to get a gps but I have been able to get that information from other areas of the forums. I will be getting a hand held one, and will only use it at night.

 

[billandamy]

The only thing I will add is I always say get the biggest engine you can for any model. Yea, you can do some sports off something with a smaller engine that does the job, but you are stressing he engine a bit more and asking the boat to work harder, imo.

Never heard of anyone saying they have too much hp either really.

 

[searay sport]

It is a chevy engine, we dont want to stress it too much. I ski and tube with our 3.0, and it runs like a top. Sure you might not get on plane as fast, but we dont hardly ever ski, so I guess it mostely depends on what you will be using it for. Since you said it will mostely be for cruising around, I say 3.0 IMO cheaper, and better on gas.

 

[FLAScott185Sport]

I just got a 08 with the 4.3.. and Wake package.. 31K OTR..

 

[billandamy]

I just got a 08 with the 4.3.. and Wake package.. 31K OTR..

The prices seems high...

My '08 205 sport, 5.0 mpi (260 hp), fully loaded with sat radio, upgraded stereo with sub, bimini, canvas cover, on/off switch, coast guard kit, snap in carpet, depth finder, two tone graphics, plan b seating, drop in ski tow, dual axle dual brake fold away tongue trailer was I believe $34k without paperwork in front of me.

 

[First Born]

I think these may help you, enjoy the 185 Sport, btw get the 4.3 if you have not already purchased the boat. just my humble opinion.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4039&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9041&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8366&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7897&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3371&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7177&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6822&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4448&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4250&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7348&highlight=audio

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3784&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3564&highlight=185+sport

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3626&highlight=185+sport

 

[JMA]

I just got a 08 with the 4.3.. and Wake package.. 31K OTR..

Wow 31k OTD what options did you get? 31k seems steep with the deals the are giving.

 

[searay sport]

I am buying a few of these 18K searays around here, and reselling them. I cant imagine paying 30K for a 185. That just does not make any sense to me. Why would they be that much more expensive no matter where you live?

 

[FLAScott185Sport]

 

[FLAScott185Sport]

Sorry 31OTR with 2700 down.. so it was 33K.. Above is options sheet that mine came with.. Go with the 4.3... I still want more power.. 3.0 is like a canoe..

 

[everthing's irie]

Get the bigger engine. Better resale and more fun to drive. Most likely you get the bug and trade up and it will help with the trade.:thumbsup:

 

[searay sport]

Buy the one that fits you best. Just dont pay 30K for it. They are nice boats, but I dont care what options you put on it, it is not worth 30K.

 

[First Born]

Boat prices range greatly depending on areas supply and demand. That said a general rule is to go onto the Sea Ray website and build the price to see what the MSRP is, most people feel they got a good deal if they are somewhere between 15 and 30% off MSRP. That said I will say it appears that the MSRP have gone up the last two years as well.

Wesley

 

[JMA]

You bought it from parker? I bought my boat there too. Yours must of just came in. I bought the last 185sport with the wake tower pkg on memorial weekend.

 

[capt_jack]

Sorry 31OTR with 2700 down.. so it was 33K.. Above is options sheet that mine came with.. Go with the 4.3... I still want more power.. 3.0 is like a canoe..

Well, i think we have all got hosed on our first boat and if not good for you, haha... live and learn ;-) next time definatly gotta do alot of research before the purchase.

 

[manjo]

You did not mention what size lake you are boating in, I have a 07 185 sport with booster seats, booster seats are worth the money, I got them throw in as part of my deal. It cost me less then 20K OTD. If you are boating in a large lake with large boats, expect to get beat up a little, its not a smooth ride. I have a 4.3L engine and its done pretty well in the last 35hrs. You should be able to get the dealer to throw in some dock lines and fenders. I keep mine in dry stack that costs me $190 a month.

 

[tcoop]

If it's your first boat look at some used ones....right now people are selling cheap...you might find a deal...I have a 2006 185 sport with the 3.0 and it's great on gas....but wish I had some more speed..