What's the best Sea Ray bowrider? (model / year)

Tommo

Member
Sep 6, 2021
54
Buffalo NY
Boat Info
1998 Sea Ray 185 Bowrider
Engines
4.3L Mercruiser 190HP w/ Alpha One Gen II Drive
I'm a '98 185BR owner but have my sights set on a 2007-ish 220 Select. It seems to have the best layout, features and luxury accommodations for my trailering habits.

Anyone have other thoughts or experiences?
 
+1 on 240 Sundeck. Neighbor had one and it was awesome. He always tied up with us and that was always very nice.
 
I have very picky tastes regarding boats. Every year we go to the boat show, perfectly willing to buy a new boat, but come away deciding that our old one is better suited to us.

Then, we saw a SPX. It meet my vast list of requirements and was better than what we had. I reached for the checkbook as fast as I could.

Obviously, YMMV and IMHO, but it suits us. BTW, we kept the old boat for 35 years and it was in pristine condition, not needing to be sold, so that should show what we thought of the new on
P6090873edited.JPG
e.
 
@Tommo +1 on the 240 Sundeck. We had a 2005 and it was awesome! Great space and storage. The 350 Mag is a must. That motor has enough torque to handle a boatload of guests and still do water sports. The only reason we moved up to our 270 was we had too many friends and family that wanted to be on the boat at the same time, and the 12 passenger limit wasn't cutting it.
 
I have very picky tastes regarding boats. Every year we go to the boat show, perfectly willing to buy a new boat, but come away deciding that our old one is better suited to us.

Then, we saw a SPX. It meet my vast list of requirements and was better than what we had. I reached for the checkbook as fast as I could.

Obviously, YMMV and IMHO, but it suits us. BTW, we kept the old boat for 35 years and it was in pristine condition, not needing to be sold, so that should show what we thought of the new onView attachment 141476 e.

Thanks Jim. Appreciate the picture, too. Interesting enough, that layout looks just like the '07 220 Select, except for the passenger seat arrangement on yours. What boat did you run prior to this one?
 
Thanks Jim. Appreciate the picture, too. Interesting enough, that layout looks just like the '07 220 Select, except for the passenger seat arrangement on yours. What boat did you run prior to this one?
We had a 1984 Stingray.
 
We are going into the third summer with our SPX210. We thoroughly enjoy it. We use it to take friends to restaurants on the water. The grandchildren love tubing or spending the day swimming off the back. It handles well. We were out one day and the water was a little choppy. We had friends on board who have a pontoon boat. He commented on how well it handled.
20201223_151445.jpg
 
My 1999 185 was a great boat. A little small for Lake Norman, but a solid little boat and really no issues in 800hrs.
 
240 Sundeck.
2007-2010
Toggle switches, no peanut pads. DTS available as an option.
no catalytic converters
But I’m a bit biased.

100% this…..I owned 4 of them….. you can’t get a better all around bow rider….. the 260 was an attempt to make the 240 better….. I bought one with the rear facing seats…… I was impressed….they made the 240 better

upload_2023-3-20_20-6-38.jpeg
 
Awesome boat.

And for sure, modern OB technology has all but made the I/O obsolete.

There, I'm ready for the naysayers.

I’m with ya this motor is quiet when you want it to be and fast 6 adults and gear it jumps up on plane effortless. At the sandbars I almost never see I/O ‘s from what I’ve heard no one wants to work on them any longer in Fla.
Forgot to mention the caverness storage on this day boat it’s ridiculous.
 
Ditto on the 240. Buddy had 1 (08')for years. Now I've had one (06') for years. 350 mag is a must. Family of five and can comfortably fit another family of 5 without being on top of each other. Plenty of power for cruising and water sports. Ample storage. Absolutely love my Sundeck. Can't wait to unwrap it and start another season.

Those SPX/SDX/SLX are some damn good looking boats. Bit pricey but what isn't these days.

With that being said if it fits your budget and serves it's purpose than that's the best bowrider for you. If you can enjoy time on the water with people you enjoy than it's a win win.
 
100% this…..I owned 4 of them….. you can’t get a better all around bow rider….. the 260 was an attempt to make the 240 better….. I bought one with the rear facing seats…… I was impressed….they made the 240 better

View attachment 141675
LOL. I had that exact color 240 Sun Deck, same graphics and all. But the canvas was dark blue.
 
100% on SD240 with a MAG 350 MPI. I have been told the 2005 SD240 is the best selling boat of all time.
 

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