Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2007 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 260 Sundancer 2007 measures 28,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 10,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006 at 18,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006 tips the scales at 185 lbs — 110 lbs more than the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2007 at 75 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2007 has a 240-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2007 carries 84 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006. 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 260 Sundancer 2007 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea Ray 185 Outboard Sport 2006 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
Model260 Sundancer?
Model Year2006
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail12 in. (30.5 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (55.9 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.3
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] inches12
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [max] - Detail30 in. (76.2 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99.1 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.76
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches3
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs. (839 kg)
Weight - Detail7,500 lbs. (3,402 kg)
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - kg3401.94
Weight - lbs.185
Weight - lbs.75
Length - Meters5.49
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in. (5.49 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches336
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury? 2-stroke - 115 hp (86 kW)
Engine/s standard350 Magnum? MPI Bravo? III MCM Stern Drive - 300 hp (224 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.7 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail84 gal. (317.9 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters317.97
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal84
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine max135 hp
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs. (771 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed, full fiberglass with shower and curtain
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity28 gal. (106 l)
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity6 gal. (22.7 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass