Entry level boat questions

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I narrowed my boat selection to a new Sea Ray 180 3L 135 HP. Here's a couple specific questions that I could not find in the research, but would appreciate your assistance to finalize my decison. Keep in mind that I will be new boat owner. <br /><br />a. Does a 135 3L have enought power to pull a 150 pound skier out of the water with a 200 lb driver and 150 lb passenger?<br />b. Does it have enough power to pull a tube or knee board with say about 700 pounds on the boat. The tuber or knee boarder will be about 150 pounds.<br />c. If we were to go fishing guys with 4 guys with a weight of 800 total pounds, about how fast can this boat go? <br /><br />I would appreciate some insights. I selected this model because Sea Ray is the only dealer in town and this boat is the only one I can fit in the garage.

 

[DJ]

Re: Entry level boat questions

The 3.0L is in allot of boats. It is an average performer.<br /><br />It will be taxed, with heavier loads. You will find more people trying to improve the performance of their 3.0 than any other engine. That should tell you something.<br /><br />If you can, go to the 4.3 V-6. The boat will be a very nice performer with that engine. Resale value and ease of sale will be much higher also.

 

[HotLava]

Re: Entry level boat questions

There was a MASSIVLY long thread on another board about the 3.0 vs 4.3. Basically it boiled down to the 3.0 is OK and is used for a good price point, but more than likely you will be somewhat disappointed with it out of the hole and with 4 guys in it.<br /><br />I just bought a 19' with the 4.3L on that theory. The savings at the gas pump (even now) won't be noticable enough for the added power and resalability IMHO.<br /><br />Have FUN

 

[KCook]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Any boat small enough to squeeze into a garage is going to be very tight for 4 guys trying to fish. Might want to save money with a used boat until you have a better idea of what fits your needs best.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[ebsworj]

Re: Entry level boat questions

I'll answer your question more directly. Yes it will pull all those people out of the water. <br /><br />How fast will it go? - around 40mph. Plenty fast but ya it will be tight fishing w/ 4 people.

 

[zoom50]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Lots of threads on entry level bowriders on this site. If you plan on fishing in bowrider, you should check out Glastron's MX 175 ($14,000 out the door). It is 6 inches shorter, but wider. <br /><br />I like the windshield (does not wrap around far so fishing off sides is easier), fiberglass floor, very little leather trim to get messy, and a bench seat that allows full-size cooler and one person (with motor in middle, cooler will have to stay on floor and gets in the way when fishing). Also, I like the Volvo power.<br /><br />Sea Ray is a good boat and looks better than Glastron, but I would take a drive and check out some others. If you want more of a fishing boat, check out Sea Pro...18' center console with bench seat for about $15,500 out the door.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[zoom50]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Got boats mixed up...Sea Ray does have a bench seat. Get the standard floor plan. The other two optional floor plans will not be as good for fishing.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Originally posted by nightvision:<br /><br />a. Does a 135 3L have enought power to pull a 150 pound skier out of the water with a 200 lb driver and 150 lb passenger?<br /><br />Hasn't been a problem for mine. <br /><br />b. Does it have enough power to pull a tube or knee board with say about 700 pounds on the boat. The tuber or knee boarder will be about 150 pounds.<br /><br />Hasn't been a problem for mine. <br /><br />c. If we were to go fishing guys with 4 guys with a weight of 800 total pounds, about how fast can this boat go? <br /><br />You fishing or racing. Whats speed got to do with it? <br /><br />I would appreciate some insights. I selected this model because Sea Ray is the only dealer in town and this boat is the only one I can fit in the garage. <br /><br />Personal Opinion Sea Ray is a great boat! If you interested in fishing and speed, check out other boats and bigger engines. I bought mine off of Boattrader for a great deal. No need to go to a dealer unless you know what you want and are willing to pay for it. GOOD LUCK!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Entry level boat questions

to answer your questions, i don't think you will have any problem with any of those scenarios. <br /><br />with 4 guys and gear, i'd guess top speed to be somewhere around 41 mph.<br /><br />here's the performance data for the same boat/engine with 2 people and minimal gear.<br /><br /> http://www.boattest.com/oem/test-results.aspx?ID=572&lp_id=32&from_gi=yes

 

[KCook]

Re: Entry level boat questions

^

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Originally posted by nightvision:<br /> a. Does a 135 3L have enought power to pull a 150 pound skier out of the water with a 200 lb driver and 150 lb passenger?

That depends on what type of skiing you’re talking about. Doubles, no problem. But a solid 150lb male on a slalom ski, forget it, even if he does manage to hang on and hold his breath long enough, you’re still gunna need WOT even than I’ll state that the boat won’t be fast enough to get the ski to perform properly. IMO if you purchase the 135 you will always be disappointed with the boats performance. I make that statement simply because you’re asking questions about that boat that are ‘performance’ based questions including "how fast will it go" Step up to the 4.3 you won't regret it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Entry level boat questions

how many time have you heard someone say "my boat is over powered" not many. "bad hole shot? won't get skiers up. trouble getting on plane" you here this a lot. imho 4.3, you'll be happier, and not have to trade boats nearly as soon. if you have kids, and a bad preforming boat, they will make you trade up.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Entry level boat questions

As a 195 lb slalom skiier who owns an 18 ft bowrider 3.0, I can say yes, it gets me out of the water on one ski with a 17 pitch prop that allows a top speed of about 36 mph and I ski at about 30. I will also say I wish I had more HP as I do drag for a bit. Less experienced slalomers of my weight have great difficulty holding their balance and tucking deep enough to allow the boat to build speed before they fall. <br /><br />For all my skiers who get up on two, it is absolutely no problem at all, and two-skiers usually like slower speeds. <br /><br />Bottom line...if two-skiing is your plan it will work fine. If you want to slalom, the boat and skiier will both be pushed to their limits.

 

[rob85546]

Re: Entry level boat questions

I have had 2 boats with the 3.0, It pulled me at 280lbs, and another skier with 2 lightwieght people aboard.... then I had two skinny skiers with me on a knee board.<br />Its a good economical engine, but some people just got to have alot of speed...

 

[rob85546]

Re: Entry level boat questions

also I pulled 2 160 lbs males on skis with the 3.0..... one guy on one ski and the other on 2 skis, and it was no problem. I think someone who is really good on one ski will jerk a smaller boat around alot.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Entry level boat questions

Originally posted by nightvision:<br /> Hi all,<br />I narrowed my boat selection to a new Sea Ray 180 3L 135 HP. Here's a couple specific questions that I could not find in the research, but would appreciate your assistance to finalize my decison. Keep in mind that I will be new boat owner. <br /><br />a. Does a 135 3L have enought power to pull a 150 pound skier out of the water with a 200 lb driver and 150 lb passenger?<br />b. Does it have enough power to pull a tube or knee board with say about 700 pounds on the boat. The tuber or knee boarder will be about 150 pounds.<br />c. If we were to go fishing guys with 4 guys with a weight of 800 total pounds, about how fast can this boat go? <br /><br />I would appreciate some insights. I selected this model because Sea Ray is the only dealer in town and this boat is the only one I can fit in the garage.

I see this boat for sale on another site. 2005 with 40 hours on it . The guy is asking $15,000. Is that a deal or is he asking too much? He wants a more fishing oriented boat. Good luck.