2009 Crownline 185 SS

By: Mike Milne

Like a prospective game show contestant, any new 18-foot bowrider has to do something to stand out from the crowd. It has to have something that shouts, “Pick me!” That even applies to boats from Crownline – a company already known for well-designed and well-built runabouts.

At first glance, Crownline’s 185 SS gets your attention with its sleek lines and sporty gel coat and graphics. To see the significant differences you have to look a little closer.

Layout-wise, it doesn’t differ much from competitors. It’s hard to deviate from the basic bowrider template so the 185 SS has a bow seating area, swivelling helm and companion seats, an aft bench seat in the cockpit, a sun lounge doubling as an engine hatch, and a swim platform aft.

The 185 SS sets itself apart with a small design and engineering change that improves performance and several value-added additions that offer tangible improvements to the sport-boat lifestyle.

Weight placement is a constant challenge with sterndrive-powered boats – having the engine right aft preserves cockpit space, but inhibits planing. Crownline leaves the engine aft in the 185 SS, but moves the fuel tank forward for improved weight distribution. Boaters lose the cockpit floor locker, but skis, wakeboards and other gear fit neatly into a full-width locker under the aft seat.

Performance-wise, the move helps. Powered by a V6 4.3-litre MPI MerCruiser, the test boat hits 30 mph in under eight seconds. The boat is comfortable in choppy water and turns without hesitation or much loss of speed. A better balanced boat always offers improved handling and performance. Top speed is 45.6 mph and cruising speeds are in the 30 to 40 mph range.

The other design elements are more visible. In the bow compartment, elimination of an anchor locker forward creates more space. The forward seating space is more rounded and legroom upfront is noticeably improved. In the cockpit, the super sport seating includes helm and companion seats with open backs and flip-up bottom bolsters. Heading aft, there’s a dedicated walkway to the swim platform, with a removable sunpad cushion.

Recognized as a gathering place, the swim platform on the test boat is equipped with stereo option including speakers and a remote control on the transom.When the party moves aft, the music goes too.

The Crownline 185SS is sure to shout, “Fun starts here!” to prospective bowrider buyers.

TEST BOAT ENGINE

MerCruiser 4.3MPI, 262 ci / 4.3 L V6 sterndrivewithmulti-point electronic fuel injection producing 220 hp, through an AlphaOne sterndrive pushing a 21-inch pitch aluminumprop.

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 7.85 ; 0-30 / 8.25 ; 0-40 / 12.3

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
4800 / 45.6

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3000 / 27.8 ; 3500 / 31.9 ; 4000 / 39.6

SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)
Helm– 81 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 85 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm– 88 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 89 dbA