Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 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 185 Outboard Sport 2005 measures 18,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 12,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 at 6,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 tips the scales at 535 lbs — 350 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 55 Sundancer 2008 tops out at 861 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 55 Sundancer 2008 carries 825 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.
The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2005 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea Ray 55 Sundancer 2008 at 6,0 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
Model55 Sundancer?
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam76 in. (2.29 m)
Beam15 ft. 11 in. (4.85 m)
Beam - Meters1.93
Beam - Meters4.85
Beam - Inches76
Beam - Inches191
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (30.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (76.2 cm)
Draft [max] - DetailInboards: 54 in. (137 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters1.37
Draft [max] - Inches3
Draft [max] - Inches54
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (839 kg)
Weight - Detail53,500 lbs. (24,267 kg)
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - kg24267.17
Weight - lbs.185
Weight - lbs.535
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters18.29
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet6
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]60 ft. (18.29 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury? 115 2-Stroke (115 hp - 86 kw)
Engine/s standardT-MAN 800 CR Diesel Inboards - 765 hp (570 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail825 gal. (3,122.6 l), Usable fuel: 743 gal. (2,813 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters3122.96
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal825
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine maxnot available
Engine max861 hp (642 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs. (771 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity200 gal. (757.1 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (264.9 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters264.98
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal7
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeSemi Displacement