Can I drop a 5.0L Merc into my 185 Sport...?

Can a 5.0L Merc fit in a 185 Sport?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Heck No!

    Votes: 1 33.3%
  • Maybe...?

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    3

Dr Mary Jane

New Member
May 18, 2023
5
Boat Info
2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport Bowrider
Engines
3.0L I/O
More in Better... Right?

Soooo, Can I drop a 5.0L Merc into my 2007 185 Sport...?
It currently a Canine 3.0L (aka-a dog!)
(Yes, I know it is optional for the 195 Sport, but I have the 185 Sport...)

Thoughts???

Signed,
Dr Mary Jane

PS: Look at the photos... She's Pretty!

upload_2023-5-18_12-14-6.png


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upload_2023-5-18_12-16-44.png
 
A 3.0 in a widdle 185 is an awesome combo. If you "think" it's a dog you have a poor setup. Optimize your prop and buy a $600 Mercury Enertia prop and you will be amazed.

A 5.0 in that little boat would be a waste.
 
My 185 had the 190hp 4.3 and that was plenty, I think a 5.0 would be too much for that boat -- and the older 185 was about 400lb heavier than your newer one. Mine would knock on 50mph @ WOT, it was just a blast to rip around in. The 3.0 while not all that fast is adequate and a rock solid motor.
I'm not even sure a 5.0 would fit - that boat also came with a 4.3, which is basically a 5.0 minus two cylinders, but a 5.0 is quite a bit bigger and heavier than a 4.3. The other thing right off I know is you would have to change your outdrive, there are different gear ratios for 4, 6 and 8cyl engines.
So could you do it, probably, it certainly would be expensive, likely more than the boat is worth. Unless you are having mechanical issues with the 3.0 that could somewhat justify swapping the motor, I would keep what you have and learn to enjoy it.
There is a saying "What's the best way to make my boat go faster? -- get another boat".
 
^^^^^ Beat me to it. I also thing the V6 would be awesome in that little boat
 
Sounds like a V8 testosterone thing to me, that 6 should be fine. No answer to your question other than "go for it" if you want.
 
^^^^^ Beat me to it. I also thing the V6 would be awesome in that little boat
My buddy had an 18 SeaRay with the 4.3. I had a 19 Stingray with the 3.0.

His was stock with the oem aluminum prop. Mine was tricked out with a custom pitched double cupped SS prop.

I could blow his doors off. Don't downplay a 3.0.
 
Play with props and a good tune up. The 3.0 are so reliable. That boat would rip with a 4.3 a little head work, roller rockers it would be great
 
My buddy had an 18 SeaRay with the 4.3. I had a 19 Stingray with the 3.0.

His was stock with the oem aluminum prop. Mine was tricked out with a custom pitched double cupped SS prop.

I could blow his doors off. Don't downplay a 3.0.
PS: I also had a 180 years ago.Tricked it out with hot pistons and lower end (amazing how many 327 parts fit in it) and Dave Crower (from Crower Cams) did some magic on the cam.He didn't have any blanks for the 4, so he heel ground my cam for some more total lift. Some custom valve train stuff, 3 angle valve job ans away she went.

That little snot of an engine would scream
 
Dave croweris cool. I used to work for chet Herbert cams
 
Yup. Knew him for decades
 
Dear Swoflaw, Lttle Ducky, Gypsm Jam, Scott 215, Bill Curtis (from NPR), and MrsRobinson...

Thank You for all your input!

I am new to Sea Rays (and boating for that matter!), and I have access to a 2000 5.0L Merc in a Bayliner with the trailer. Boat is Crap, but the motor maybe not...

I was going to have it checked out to see how viable, but if it won't fit, what's the point...
Unless someone else needs a running 5.0 merc that they want to go thru, update, and drop in their boat, it 's not worth it. (Maybe for a spare?)

If you kids have any needs for this, let me know.
Dr Mary Jane
 
The 3.0L actually works amazingly well in that boat with it's hull design. But physics still works and once the boat starts getting loaded up with people it does slow it down.

Just out of curiosity, are you looking for more top end or are you more interested in hole shot and medium-range performance?

"Could" you drop the 5.0L in... sure! Anything is doable. But I think you'd have to work on building the motor mounts for it.
 
PS - What do you kids think of the boat?

I also installed 40 blue LEDs under the rub rail so it "looks like it is floating on a blue cloud" at night...

And... A 3' Bazooka, 4 Infinity speakers, 2 Amps, a receiver, and another battery that pumps out "30 Thousand Watts"...!
No S__t!

When you're near it... You'll hear it!

I'll get some pics and vid when I can and post them...
It's Awesome!
Dr Mary Jane
 
PS - What do you kids think of the boat?

I also installed 40 blue LEDs under the rub rail so it "looks like it is floating on a blue cloud" at night...

And... A 3' Bazooka, 4 Infinity speakers, 2 Amps, a receiver, and another battery that pumps out "30 Thousand Watts"...!
No S__t!

When you're near it... You'll hear it!

I'll get some pics and vid when I can and post them...
It's Awesome!
Dr Mary Jane

All of this plus a couple bikinis sitting on that engine cover and you're going to be an instant hit with local marine patrol! :)

You may want to make sure those blue LED's don't prevent other boats from seeing your proper nav lights.

I have to ask - are you a real doctor or something more along the lines of a PhD prescribing gummies down at the local dispensary??
 
Dear Swoflaw, Lttle Ducky, Gypsm Jam, Scott 215, Bill Curtis (from NPR), and MrsRobinson...

Thank You for all your input!

I am new to Sea Rays (and boating for that matter!), and I have access to a 2000 5.0L Merc in a Bayliner with the trailer. Boat is Crap, but the motor maybe not...

I was going to have it checked out to see how viable, but if it won't fit, what's the point...
Unless someone else needs a running 5.0 merc that they want to go thru, update, and drop in their boat, it 's not worth it. (Maybe for a spare?)

If you kids have any needs for this, let me know.
Dr Mary Jane
PS - What do you kids think of the boat?

I also installed 40 blue LEDs under the rub rail so it "looks like it is floating on a blue cloud" at night...

And... A 3' Bazooka, 4 Infinity speakers, 2 Amps, a receiver, and another battery that pumps out "30 Thousand Watts"...!
No S__t!

When you're near it... You'll hear it!

I'll get some pics and vid when I can and post them...
It's Awesome!
Dr Mary Jane

"Kids" Are you trying to pull a role reversal on us right of the gate?
 
PS - What do you kids think of the boat?

I also installed 40 blue LEDs under the rub rail so it "looks like it is floating on a blue cloud" at night...

And... A 3' Bazooka, 4 Infinity speakers, 2 Amps, a receiver, and another battery that pumps out "30 Thousand Watts"...!
No S__t!

When you're near it... You'll hear it!

I'll get some pics and vid when I can and post them...
It's Awesome!
Dr Mary Jane
On second thought, drop in that 5.0. Or better yet, make it twins. That should “drown” out the music….
 
PS - What do you kids think of the boat?

I also installed 40 blue LEDs under the rub rail so it "looks like it is floating on a blue cloud" at night...

And... A 3' Bazooka, 4 Infinity speakers, 2 Amps, a receiver, and another battery that pumps out "30 Thousand Watts"...!
No S__t!

When you're near it... You'll hear it!

I'll get some pics and vid when I can and post them...
It's Awesome!
Dr Mary Jane
Please don't anchor near me...
 

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