Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 250 Select EX 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 250 Select EX 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sea Ray 250 Select EX 2006 measures 26,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 at 18,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 250 Select EX 2006 tips the scales at 505 lbs — 320 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 250 Select EX 2006 tops out at 425 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 250 Select EX 2006 carries 75 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 250 Select EX 2006 at 26,0 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
Model250 Select EX
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam76 in. (2.29 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches76
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (30.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (50.80 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (76.2 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.44 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches3
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (839 kg)
Weight - Detail5,050 lbs. (2,290.64 kg)
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - kg2290.64
Weight - lbs.185
Weight - lbs.505
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters8.08
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet26
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 6 in. (8.08 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters8.08
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches318
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury? 115 2-Stroke (115 hp - 86 kw)
Engine/s standard350 Magnum? MPI Bravo? I MCM - 300 hp (224 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (283.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Engine maxnot available
Engine max425 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs. (771 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Headnot available
HeadFully enclosed head with storage
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity21 gal. (79.5 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (37.8 l) (optional)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal1