Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 at 18,0 ft versus Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 tips the scales at 315 lbs — 130 lbs less than the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 at 185 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 tops out at 260 hp. Engine specs for the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 carries 37 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Sea Ray 205 Sport 2006 at 21,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 at 18,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model185 Outboard Sport
Model205 Sport
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam76 in. (2.29 m)
Beam8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m)
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches76
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (30.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43.2 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (76.2 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (83.3 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches3
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (839 kg)
Weight - Detail3,150 lbs. (1,429 kg)
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - kg1428.81
Weight - lbs.185
Weight - lbs.315
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters6.4
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in. (6.4 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters6.4
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches252
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury? 115 2-Stroke (115 hp - 86 kw)
Engine/s standard4.3L Alpha I MCM Stern Drive with Turn-Key Start - 190 hp (142 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal. (140 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal37
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max260 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs. (771 kg)
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs. (544.3 kg)
Maximum people8
Maximum people8
Trailer Info
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailCustom-fitted tandem-axel trailer with swing-away tongue and brakes