Sea Ray 175 VS 185

[Den23]

Hi everyone.
I have a question. I have the opportunity to purchase a used 07 185 sport with 25 hrs on it or a 08 175 brand new leftover for approx the same price. The 185 has a 190 hp and the 175 has 130 hp. The 185 is in pretty good shape. It was left in the water 1 summer so it needs the lower unit painted. Other than that it looks great. Which would be the better buy all things equal

 

[Weave]

Nevermind....Misread first post.

 

[Den23]

No it's corroded from the water. (Sitting in it) fresh water I might add. The 175 is brand new the 185 has 25 hrs. I am leaning with the 185 also.

 

[wish2fish]

Bigger is better. Investigate the outdrive damage though!

 

[midway]

Get someone to check out the drive damage, if it gets a clean bill of health then I would say go with the 185, bigger is better as stated above.

 

[Mr Happy]

Yes, I agree with the others. Bigger is better. Our second boat was a 1995 Sea Ray 175 BR with the 130HP engine. It was a great boat and we had it for 3 years before moving up. I moved up for more room but also I wanted more horsepower. The 3.0 Ltr engine could barely pull my fat a/butt up(slalom) and I weigh 190 lbs. Though on 2 ski's it was a breeze.

Definitely have the boat checked/surveyed. It is worth the money. I had to replace the lower unit 10 days after my 30 day warranty expired. That was all Brownie's Marine (Indiana) would give me on a 1991 boat. I picked up the boat in April and used it 7 times before it blew. The cost was $1,750. Ouch.

 

[capt_jack]

Go for the 185. You will want it based on the increased power and a little bigger size. I would definately not lean towards a 175.

 

[Weave]

I agree with the others as well. I would be leery of the outdrive corrosion though. Is this through a dealer? If through a dealer have them fix the outdrive corrosion and go for the 185.
Are both trailers equal? Do you plan on going to salt?

 

[Den23]

I failed to mention, Yes it is purchasing thru a local Marina. (sea Ray Dealer). It also comes with a engine and outdrive extended warranty thru Aug of 2012. I sounds like the 185 is best. No, no salt just on our local lakes here in North Carolina.