Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Sea Ray 185 Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Sea Ray 185 Sport 2005 vs Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 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 Sport 2005 measures 18,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 12,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 at 6,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 tips the scales at 535 lbs — 270 lbs less than the Sea Ray 185 Sport 2005 at 265 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 580 Sundancer 2013 tops out at 861 hp. Engine specs for the Sea Ray 185 Sport 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 carries 825 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Sea Ray 185 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 Sport 2005 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Sea Ray 185 Sport 2005 at 18,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Sea Ray 580 Sundancer 2013 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 Sport
Model580 Sundancer?
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
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] - Detail18 in. (45.7 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91.4 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail54 in. (137 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters1.37
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches54
Weight - Detail2,650 lbs. (1,202 kg)
Weight - Detail53,500 lbs. (24,267 kg)
Weight - kg1202.02
Weight - kg24267.17
Weight - lbs.265
Weight - lbs.535
Length - Meters5.64
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet6
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in. (5.64 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches222
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 standard3.0L Alpha I MCM Stern Drive (135 hp - 101 kw)
Engine/s standardTwin MAN® 900 CRM V8 with ETS
Fuel tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98.4 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail825 gal. (3,123 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Fuel tank capacity - Liters3122.96
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel tank capacity - Gal825
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Horsepowernot available
HorsepowerTwin 861 php (642 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs. (544.3 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people7
Maximum peoplenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity200 gal. (757 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 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