Take a 19-foot hull and a 223 hp petrol engine with Z-drive, plus a cosy cockpit and a clearly laid out driving position, then leave the bow open for two benches, and the sporty bowrider is ready ...
After all, Sea Ray has decades of experience with hulls and deck superstructures. After incorporating customer wishes and the latest technology and equipment into the concept, the designers developed our test boat, the Sea Ray 190 Sport, the successor to the 185 Sport. Sea Ray's entry-level model is intended for coastal areas, including inland waters.
Bathing enthusiasts, sun-seekers, wakeboarders, water skiers and children (even big ones ...) who can be pulled along on a bob or tube have a lot of fun. A so-called tower is on the accessories list for cool wakeboard storage and line guidance. For "normal" waterskiing, Sea Ray provides a hook above the bathing platform. Another important feature is the spurt, i.e. the transition from displacement to planing speed must be quick.
The installed V-6 petrol engine from Mercury with 223 hp provides the best conditions for this. With just a short lift of the bow, the Sea Ray starts planing between 1500 rpm and 2300 rpm in no time at all, which, together with the moderately flat stern wave, is a good prerequisite for water skiing and tubing. Fuel consumption in this situation: As at full throttle, the repeated acceleration and "heavy-duty driving" will result in over 50 litres per hour. Exactly 60.5 litres per hour at full throttle (4700 rpm) on the Main, which we then pass at a rapid 47.7 knots (which corresponds to almost 90 km/h).
Converted, this results in 1.27 l/sm, which with the (almost) 100-litre tank enables a respectable range of 66 nm plus 15% reserve. If you want to glide economically from the harbour to the anchorage or to the water ski course, you can rev the engine around 3000 rpm (28 knots) and the tank load is sufficient for a respectable 91 nm. If you encounter sharp waves from commercial vessels and cruise ships, the speed has to be reduced to a small planing speed (a good 20 knots) and the 190 Sport hull starts off soft and dry.
In fast turns, the power trim should be set all the way down to prevent the propeller from snatching air (and then having to restart). Then the motto is "hold on tight", not because the hull is bucking, but because it is sweeping around so tightly that powerful centrifugal forces occur. Not surprising at over 40 knots. Despite this speed and sailing trim (about ¼), the skipper has the boat well under control when steering and on slalom courses. If you push the trim and speed to the limit, you will feel that the hull has little contact with the water and that a sensitive steering hand is required.
Speaking of the steering wheel: it is easy to turn during all manoeuvres. Of course, this also applies to slow manoeuvres in the harbour, where turning circles of no more than 1 ½ boat lengths are convincing. When manoeuvring in reverse, it is best to first intercept the turning movement briefly with "ahead".
On slow courses, it is important to remain patient, simply let the yawing hull oscillate and make only minor corrections when travelling straight ahead. The driver does this using a high-quality sports steering wheel, which is just as easy to operate as the single-lever gearstick. The rider sits on a well-padded sports seat (adjustment: turn, forwards and backwards) with a fold-up seat surface for riding in a standing position or half-sitting and resting their bum on the top.
In this position, the rider also has the best view, as he (1.80 m tall) can see the top of the sturdy windscreen frame from a seated position. The chrome instrument rings are reflected in the slightly tinted windscreen, and there is no windscreen wiper for driving in the rain. The engine instruments and speed display are easy to read, apart from a few reflections. Electrical consumers can be easily switched via toggle switches with indicator lamps, symbols and English labelling.
The associated fuses are well positioned under the driver's cab. Main switch? Just lift the sunbed cushion on the port side and you will see it in front of you. If the technician also raises the centre cushion, the entire engine compartment is accessible. For major servicing work, it is advisable to unscrew the side panels. The engine compartment is characterised by careful installation and a fire extinguishing system. "American" features include the spring valve in the petrol intake line, sometimes just a screw clamp on the fuel hose connections, the filter cartridge directly on the engine and the plastic tank.
There are anti-slip structures on all treads. To climb back on board safely after a swim, there is a 3-step ladder as standard, which can also be easily pulled out from the water. A hand bilge pump, tarpaulin, German-approved navigation lights and compass cost extra.
Conclusion: The Sea Ray 190 is a sporty trailer boat for the whole family. If you don't want it to be so nippy and want to save money, choose the 137 hp version, which is around 5400 euros cheaper.
Data sheet: Sea Ray 190 Sport
Shipyard: Sea Ray
Type designation: Sea Ray 190 Sport
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 5,99 m
Width: 2,21 m
Displacement: 1,18 t
Price: 31.700,00 €
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
