BOAT REVIEW- 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport Bow Rider

by Boatcan on 1 Nov 2011 Sea Ray is the world`s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats producing more than 40 models from 17 to 60 feet. Founded in 1959, Sea Ray was one of the first manufacturers to use fiberglass and other high tech materials in the construction of their boats. In 1986, Sea Ray became part of the Brunswick Corporation and together with the other marine lines in Brunswick they are now the largest supplier of marine engines, parts and quality boats.

It is therefore not surprising that the 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport is as stylish as it is beautiful, while at the same time, it has all of the innovations and quality that Sea Ray can build into a bowrider model for the whole family to enjoy.

At the Ottawa Boat Show, Boatcan visited with the staff from Hurst Marina of Manotick, Ontario. The 205 was forefront in their display and it was a real eye catcher for anyone in that area of the show and beyond. The display boat had the upgraded graphics and sported the optional wakeboard tower. These features make this boat both a family day boat and a great water sports model in one package. But that is only part of the intrigue.

When you first look at the profile of the 205 Sport from Sea Ray, you are immediately struck by the smooth lines and modern stylish flow of the boat. It looks like it is traveling quickly even as it sits on the floor of the Boat Show. The walk through windshield fits the lines of the boat perfectly and the wakeboard tower is a perfect match for the boat so that it appears to flow perfectly into the overall eye appeal for this boat.

Standing at the stern of the boat and taking in the overall look from behind and you see the helm and the matching bucket seats at the helm and the companion area. The forward bow rider area is large and inviting. Combine that with the large full width rear seat and its accompanying sun mat and this boat has a wonderful feeling of a well thought out design.

Entering the boat is simple and safe from the wide built-in swim platform and the access can either be over the sun mat or simply by lifting one of the side panels... either side of the boat to walk into the cockpit. The cockpit has a diamond pattern fiberglass floor for good safe footing and it can be fitted with an optional snap-in carpet that matches the tones selected for your 205 Sport.

The review boat was done up in a black hull with white and grey and the optional graphics package. Inside the motif was white with grey or graphite accents. The optional snap-in carpet was a white / grey tweed marine grade non slip backed product.

The helm of the 205 is ergonomically appealing. All gauges are easily read and their placement is such that when switches and settings have to be adjusted they are very simple to get to. The boat has a standard power-assisted tilt steering wheel to easily allow for turning the boat. Getting into and out of the helm is very easily accomplished. The single lever shifter is well placed to the right of the captain. Trim and lock out for reverse procedures are almost as natural as the desire to make this boat go fast. On the passenger side of the boat, the console has storage and a place to keep items out of the way. This area is lockable if desired.

The Bow Rider area is comfortable and large. The space is almost circular however, this is flattened somewhat due to the point of the bow. The seats again are done up in style and are extremely comfortable with padded backrest all around the sides and on the bulkhead of the twin console pods. One can sit here or lounge in the sun as desired.

In the very rear of the cockpit and beyond is a full width seat, behind which is a full width three part sun mat. This area allows for more lounging in the sun or a place to spot for someone who might be out behind at the end of a tow rope. At the extreme back of the boat is a full width swim platform that is extra deep allowing for a place to swim from or enjoy the sun.... or when water sports are the thing, get prepared to enter the water before the pull up takes place.

The 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport Review Model had the Wakeboard package. This includes the Stainless Steel Tower with storage racks and a sun cover. This option truly adds to the overall sporty design of this boat. It is secured into the boat, outboard of the windshield, so that strength is at its maximum With storage in the tower itself and the bimini top integrated into the structure, this option has design appeal and functionality all in one.

The 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport has plenty of storage. In addition to the tower storage there is space under the floor, along the side of the gunwales and under the power assisted engine cover. For a boat this size, there a lot of extras and ample storage space.

The standard power for a 205 Sport is a 5.0L Alpha 1 Sterndrive giving 220 HP. But there is available a 4.3L MPI Alpha 1 at 220 HP, a 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 giving out 260 HP or the upgrade ECT 5.0L MPI also with 260 HP but with the environmental catalyst technology.

The 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport has an impressive list of standard features. These include, an LCD Hour Meter in the tachometer, a custom fitted trailer, a limited lifetime hull and deck warranty, integral armrests, beverage holders, soft sided carry-on cooler, soft touch dashboard, fiberglass stringers, grab handles, Sony Stereo, marine grade vinyl, automatic bilge pump, bilge blower, horn, insulated engine compartment, oil, water
temp audible alarms, backlit instrumentation, high end stainless steel hardware, removable stern light, PVC rub rail and a tempered glass curved windshield.... and this is only a partial list.

Sea Ray has extended the blood lines in this 205 Sport. It has been produced with the highest of high-performance vinylester resins and quality assured building / production techniques. The employees at Sea Ray are truly committed to the quality of each unit they build. They ensure that the fit and finish is second to none in the production of their models, and that is why a Sea Ray demands high dollars in the used boat markets.

So just as the concern for the consumer has placed Brunswick / Sea Ray at the top of their respective games, the 2010 Sea Ray 205 Sport is yet again proof positive that another Sport Boat has come to the marketplace in the fine tradition of more than 50 years of high quality from Sea Ray.

Length-21 ft.
Beam-8 ft.
Draft-2 ft. 11 in.
Dead Rise-18º
Weight-3,150 lb.
Fuel Capacity-36 gal.
Power-Mercruiser 5.0 Alpha 1
HP-220

For more boat reviews like this, go to www.boatcan.com and www.canadianyachting.ca!