It’s not often that we get to compare two of the same hulls with different deck configurations from the same manufacturer. What a bonus when they’re both high-performance outboards! Stingray Boats of Hartsville, South Carolina, recently released its 23 OSX bowrider and sistership OCX cuddy cabin.

On a sunny May afternoon on Stingray’s home lake, these two 23-footers powered by 300 hp outboards provided great fun and driving experiences, as well as a great comparison between these two styles of boats. It doesn’t hurt that they’re built well and ­loaded with cool features.

Drew Gantt is a design engineer at Stingray and was deeply involved in the OSX/OCX execution. He notes that the bottom design comes from the ­boatbuilder’s previous 225SX featuring Stingray’s famous patented “Z-Plane” design. With no flat ­running pad like other performance V-hulls, it’s easy to drive even the first time out. Modified with added length and beam, and set back to handle larger loads and today’s heavier ­outboard engines, the entire boat is CAD-designed and goes through simulated testing before a plug is ever made. It’s built from 100 percent composites, so there’s no wood to rot, and it presents a solid ride with no rattling or creaking. All backing plates for cleats, eyes and rails are composite. There’s no core in the running surfaces; it’s all ­woven roving, stitched fiberglass, and mat with stringers. The transom is a new foam core, infused with resin. Everything is bonded together, even the stringers to the hull and deck, with no bedding ­putty. Warranty is lifetime on the hull and one year on everything else.

OSX and OCX Specs

This boat is large for a single outboard: At 23 feet, 5 inches long and 8 feet, 4 inches wide, it weighs almost 3,400 pounds without a trailer. The stated maximum capacity is 10 people, but a group of five or six would be more ­comfortable and realistic.

Each of our two test hulls was powered with a 300—the OSX bowrider with a Yamaha and the OCX cuddy with a Suzuki. This is significant, because while both are 300 hp V-6 four-strokes, the two use vastly different gear ratios in the drive units. The ­Yamaha uses a 1.75-to-1 ratio, which is a common gear ratio in larger, powerful outboards. The Suzuki employs a much shorter 2.08-to-1 ratio. Theoretically, that would give the Suzuki the acceleration advantage and the ­Yamaha the top-speed edge. Of course, these differences can be mitigated with careful propeller selection. The Yamaha was fitted with a 23-inch-pitch Yamaha Pro Series stainless-steel three-blade. The Suzuki employed a (gasp!) Mercury 28-inch-pitch Bravo 1 four-blade. Why the Mercury wheel? According to Stingray techs, in testing, it outperformed the stock ­Suzuki propellers handily, but more testing is scheduled for the near future.

While both are great performers, the OSX bowrider outperformed the OCX cuddy. We recorded 68.3 mph at 6,000 rpm with two aboard and a half-tank of fuel, in 6-inch windblown lake chop. The canary­yellow OCX cuddy saw a best of 64.7 mph at 6,500 rpm with the same passenger and fuel load. From a dead in-gear idle, the OSX bowrider planed in 3.6 seconds; we hit 30 mph in 5.4 seconds. The OCX cuddy was decidedly less quick, planing in 5.4 seconds. Zero to 30 mph took 7.9 seconds. In the fuel­economy contest, the bowrider won again; best cruise was at 3,500 rpm and 37.9 mph, netting 4.9 mpg. The OCX cuddy’s best was at 3,000 rpm and 24.6 mph, a best of 4.6 mpg. So the bowrider got better mileage, and at nearly 14 mph faster. In a boat like this Stingray, the ability to cruise faster while getting good fuel mileage is a decided advantage.

Because the weights of both hulls are nearly identical, it’s clear that some propeller, engine height and setback tweaking is in order if the OCX cuddy is to be competitive with the OSX bowrider. While the OCX’s sculpted deck might look cooler, even the cost advantage goes to the OSX bowrider; similarly equipped, it’s about $5,000 less.

Read Next: Stingray 23 OSX

In these boats, the differences are all forward of the windshield. The OSX’s bowrider section features two wide lounge seats with backrests facing forward, with ample room for two to stretch out. The seating is plush and detailed, in a white-and-deep-gray-­vinyl combo that looks crisp without being drab. Folding armrests, stainless-steel grab rails, and plenty of cup holders are featured up front and also in the cockpit. At the bow between the seats, there’s a built-in insulated cooler and a very cool anchor locker with ­slide-out anchor holder.

The OCX cuddy looks svelte and dashing with a long, pointed deck that’s sculpted for more strength and style. Under the deck, there’s a double V-berth that’s plenty long; Gantt is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and he fits with room to spare. A center section cover conceals a portable toilet. The hull sides are fitted with upholstered, padded rails to keep small items from getting lost. There’s a sink, phone charger, a pair of stereo speakers, a mount for a small gas grill, courtesy lights, and a round access hatch in the center of the deck. A headliner is well-fitted and covers the fiberglass for a neat ­appearance. The liner is fiberglass for easy ­cleanup. There’s easy access to the backside of the dash if troubleshooting is needed. Access from the cockpit is through a custom-made acrylic and plastic doorway with ­articulated hinges.

From the windshield back, the OCX and OSX are identical. The only option on each of our test boats was the Garmin display; everything else is standard, including digital switching and a Yamaha or Suzuki digital engine monitor. Tilt hydraulic ­steering coupled with electric power assist is standard. A ­Fusion sound system with amplifier and six speakers is standard. The ­self-bailing cockpit is a huge ­advantage when boarding soaking-­wet passengers or even just forgetting to cover it when it rains. The pilot and navigator sit in deep, plush bucket seats that provide great stability and security at higher speeds. Just aft, two longitudinal lounge seats blend into and around a full-width stern bench seat.

Under the stern seat, there’s a door to quickly access the battery switch and fuel tank. Fully finished overboard-draining ­storage boxes are underneath both sternside lounger seats, which hinge up from the forward side and feature cantilever-hinge supports to keep them open for easy access. At the stern, there’s a wide watersports platform with a built-in insulated cooler on the port side and extending stainless-­steel boarding ladder ­under a hatch cover on the starboard side. The center section of the aft seat unlatches and hinges forward to access batteries, a water tank, bilge and water-tank pumps, all of which sit atop thick, gelcoated fiberglass covers that hide flotation foam underneath. The aft end is one very large storage compartment, great for life jackets, water toys and the like. The entire compartment is gelcoated smooth for easy cleanup.

Stingray’s twin hot rods provide great options for those looking at performance outboard hulls, capable of lending speedy thrills while serving admirably towing watersports enthusiasts, hosting dinner cruises, and impressing the locals at sandbar parties. With so many opting for fast pontoons these days, it’s refreshing to see fast outboard fiberglass hulls again.

Stingray 23 OSX Bowrider

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Pro Series 141/2″ x 23″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb. Price: $104,434 (as tested)

Stingray 23 OCX Cuddy Cabin

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 300 four-stroke
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Bravo I 151/4″ x 28″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb. Price: $108,923 (as tested)

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Stingray’s 253CC gives exciting performance with twin Yamaha 150 hp outboards, reaching just under 50 mph while recording the fuel economy normally associated with a smaller single-engine rig. At a healthy best cruise speed of 25.6 mph and 3,500 rpm, the Stingray sees 2.8 mpg at just 9.3 gph. With a big 128-gallon fuel tank, that computes to a range of over 317 miles, leaving 10 percent for reserve. The patented Z-Plane hull, with decades of proven performance, helps the 25-foot center-console get on plane quickly (3.5 seconds), scoot to 30 mph (7.2 seconds), and handle big water without a rough ride. For a family that wants to fish, cruise and have some watersports fun, the 253CC is a strong consideration given its versatility and efficiency. 

At just over 25 feet and 5,500 pounds rigged, it’s easily trailerable with a full-size truck or SUV. And at just under $170,000, it won’t break the bank to get the whole gang on the water.  

At the bow, the 253CC features a large anchor locker, with a step down to the bow seating area that features two lounge seats. Upholstery is a two-tone white and gray Simtex vinyl with a diamond-stitched inset pattern, giving an attractive look with easy cleanup. Underneath is plenty of storage for safety and personal gear. 

Amidships, the well-executed center console features a forward-facing double-wide seat, with a sturdy hardtop that extends forward over the double seat and aft over the cockpit for sun protection. Inside the console, it’s surprisingly roomy, with a head and sink. Plenty of convenient tackle-­storage cabinets and drawers are strategically located about the ­console. The dash features Garmin 1243 and ­Airmar B150M touchscreens with plenty of available optional configurations to customize. A ­Fusion sound system with a 1,500-watt amp provides the tunes.

The cockpit is self-bailing, providing peace of mind. Aft, a pressurized transom shower system and freshwater system combine with an insulated fish/storage box and a cooler with an overboard drain and aerated livewell.

High Points

• Walk-through transom door provides easy access to the aft platforms to fish, dive or just check the drives.
• Folding transom seat provides roomy and comfortable aft seating yet folds up and out of the way when it’s time to go fishing.
• Exclusive Z-Plane hull provides excellent efficiency and a fast hole shot from idle.
• Simtex vinyl holds up well to the elements, resists pinking and is easy to clean.
• Standard Garmin 1243 and Airmar B150M touchscreens at the helm in full view of the captain.

Pricing and Specs

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Overview

It’s no longer common for boatbuilders to offer a fast single-engine outboard sportboat, let alone one available as both a bowrider and a ­cuddy cabin. Kudos to Stingray and its 23 OSX/OSC models,  which deliver a rippin’ fun ride up to a two-way average tested top speed of 68 mph. 

Engine

I went out solo and saw 71 on the GPS. I believe that some propeller and jack-plate tweaking might net 75. The  5.4 seconds time to 30 mph is on par with most ­­high-performance hulls. With a ­­­56-gallon fuel tank and 5 mpg at 38 mph, you can run all ­weekend.

Stingray’s patented “Z-Plane” hull adds speed and stability, and is easy to drive. According to design engineer Drew Gantt, the design is optimized for today’s heavier outboard engines. The entire boat is CAD-designed. A composite hull and deck means there’s no wood to rot. The transom is foam-cored and ­infused with resin. Everything is bonded, not just bedded. Warranty is lifetime on the hull and one year on all else. 

Interior and Accessories

In the bow, two wide lounges face forward. The seating is plush and detailed, in a white-and-deep-gray ­vinyl combo that looks crisp. Folding armrests, stainless-­steel grab rails, and cup holders are plentiful. Between the bow seats, I noted a built-in cooler and a very cool anchor locker with a convenient slide-out anchor holder.

At the helm, everything but the Garmin 743 display is standard, including digital switching and Yamaha ­digital engine monitor, Yamaha ­electric power-assist steering, and a Fusion sound system with six speakers. The cockpit is self-bailing—a huge safety and convenience advantage. The deep, plush bucket seats provided stability and ­security at higher speeds. Just ­behind, two longitudinal lounge seats blend into and around a ­full-width stern bench seat.

Read Next: Stingray 253 CC

Under the stern seat, there’s quick access to the battery switch, dual batteries and bilge.  Finished overboard-draining storage lives underneath both stern seats, and a huge, gelcoated compartment stows bulk items such as safety gear and water toys. A wide swim platform offers a built-in cooler and a boarding ladder under a hatch. 

It’s so refreshing to see “fast ’glass” again.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Pro Series 14 1/2″ x 23″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• A super-innovative roto-molded anchor-storage rack slides out and ­captures the anchor so that it doesn’t scratch up the locker and make a mess.
• Hinged seat cushions stay in the up position, giving you storage access with no need to hold the seat up.
• Z-Plane hull design never fails to impress.

Low Points

• The only charge ports are at the helm.
• Some might wish for an amp to power the speakers. Stingray leaves that to the buyer, theorizing that those wanting an upgraded sound system usually want their own choices.

Toughest Competitor

True high-performance outboard ­bowriders are few and far between. Checkmate’s 2400 BRX ($135,000 with a Mercury Racing R300) compares closely to Stingray’s 23 OSX. The Checkmate measures 24 feet by 8 feet, 3 inches, weighs 2,200 pounds (boat only), holds 60 gallons of fuel, and sports 22 degrees of transom deadrise. During my recent test, it hit 67 mph.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Stingray is known for bringing ­reliable, durable, great-performing and easy-to-operate runabouts to boaters at an economical price. The 253 CC is the brand’s third entry into the center-console arena, not counting fishy deck boats.

The 253 CC fishes hard, with four shotgun rod holders, three more in each gunwale, and six rocket launchers in the hardtop to keep trolling gear in action. The leaning-post rigging station has rod holders doubling as cup holders. Kingfish rod holders widen the spread if you don’t opt for outriggers. A three-tray tackle box also stows lures and tackle for easy access. A 20-gallon livewell on the transom has an acrylic lid, and a powerful pump keeps it filled to the top and aerated. Forward seating includes two forward-facing lounges with stowaway cushions and seatbacks, plus a double seat at the front of the console. Under the console is a roomy head compartment with a wide entry door and easy steps to the sole. 

The helm station is set up beautifully to control dual 200 hp Yamaha, Mercury or Suzuki outboards. Smooth controls, electric steering and automatic trim tabs ease maneuvering. Seating is properly spaced for comfortable driving.

The Z-Plane hull has inverse chines grooved into the hull surface, adding stability but not drag. The effect is a hull that planes and accelerates quickly, and brings thrilling handling and crisp maneuverability at top speed. We liked the black dash panel for adding a stylish look to the flush-mounted Simrad displays and an induction-charging phone holder at the center. The dual helm seats are thick and firmly padded, with sturdy stain-resistant vinyl that is supple to the touch but tough enough to resist abrasions. Stingray’s upholstery is made in the factory, and seamsters are skilled at employing multiple vinyl colors with texture and ribbing. 

Stingray has a long history of bringing quality boats to the market at prices families can afford. The boats are powered to run like race boats but designed so anybody’s grandma could confidently take the helm.

High Points

• Stingray’s exclusive Z-Plane hull optimizes speed, acceleration, stability and seakeeping capabilities.
• Stain-resistant vinyl resists “pinking” and mildew for years.
• Enclosed head in a 25-footer is a nice bonus.
• Black instrument panel cuts perceived glare and reduces eye fatigue while navigating.
• Freshwater system includes a transom shower and deck wash.

Pricing and Specs

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The 211DC is a sleek, versatile and top-performing dual console dayboat that has magnificent comfort matched by truly exceptional performance. The model uses a Z-plane hull, a reverse chine design which maximizes performance on moderate horsepower. The wide, sport deck design creates plenty of interior space, with a large bow and aft seating with filler options, a freshwater sink in the head compartment and a cockpit table with side mounts to make a day on the water with your crew a breeze. The 211DC combines all these features to make for an unforgettable day on the water. Boating Magazine went aboard the dayboat to capture key stats like top speed, time to plane and feature highlights. See all that and more in our certified boat test review!

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Stingray has a decades long reputation for always being able to bring a great performing well-built boat at a moderate price to the marketplace. The 273CC is no exception to the legacy and is designed to maximize your time on the water. This model comes in just over 27ft and is packed with fishing features and creature comforts for your entire crew. Stingray’s iconic Z-Plane hull design and vacuum infusion system guarantees a safe, solid ride too. Other notable features include a sizable, aerated livewell, insulated fish boxes in the cockpit, shotgun rod holders, a dedicated anchor locker, a sink with a freshwater faucet, a Fusion audio system and a cooler with an overboard drain. Whether you’re fishing for big game or out on the water with family, the Stingray 273CC is a well-equipped boat with above average performance.

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Stingray makes sleek, versatile and top-performing sportboats for all types of families. Every one we’ve tested proved to be quick, agile, smooth-riding, and packed with amenities for family boating or fishing fun. The 211DC combines all these features.

The dual-console design is growing in favor, and Stingray’s dual-console with an almost-deck-boat look is a departure from some of the boxy high-bowed competitors. This one is sleek but retains a bow seating depth of nearly 3 feet. The maximum cockpit depth is 58 inches at the windshield, and the aft cockpit is 34 inches. Families will feel safe, secure and still part of the surrounding seas.

Stingray uses a Z-plane hull, a reverse chine design we’ve found maximizes performance on moderate horsepower. Max horsepower on this model is 225, but knowing Stingray’s skill at making strong boats light, we think a 200 would make a nice package. Fuel capacity is 42 gallons, a generous amount, giving an excellent range for a boat in this class. We’ve found Stingray helms comfortable, and this one is enhanced with an integrated touchscreen digital-switching system, the kind normally found on larger and far more expensive boats.

The 211DC’s vinyl seats are tough and stain-resistant. Stingray’s upholstery shop is its own, and the work has a custom look. Aft cockpit seating is thickly cushioned and generous for a big crew. Forward seating is just as comfortable with a better view. The deck plan is ideal for cruising but doesn’t leave serious anglers out in the cold.

Rod holders on the transom and gunwales accommodate trolling, rigging and bottomfishing. The fishing package includes rod holders, a casting chair and an 11-gallon livewell. A transom shower, head, sink and 13-gallon freshwater tank are included in an optional package. And for summertime clamming and scalloping, there’s a stainless-steel boarding ladder on the generous swim platform.

Stingrays come with a limited lifetime structural warranty and a three-year hull blister protection plan, and are NMMA-certified to be built to best practices of the ABYC and USCG specifications.

High Points

• Stingray’s Z-plane hull optimizes power and stability.
• Self-bailing cockpit for convenience and safety.
• Integrated LED docking lights.
• Igloo 25-quart carry-on cooler with dedicated storage.
• Sporty dash includes touchscreen and Italian wheel.
• Bow seating area is spacious and deep for kids.
• Bimini top is standard.
• Dual bucket seats for the skipper and passenger are comfy.

Pricing and Specs

Stingray Boats – Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-383-4507; stingrayboats.com

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Stingray Boats has been building exciting family boats in Hartsville, South Carolina, for more than four decades. As boaters increasingly moved toward coastal waterways, Stingray enhanced its boats to bring the company’s brand of family fun to salt water. So, it was a natural evolution to morph runabouts and deck boats with rod holders and livewells into serious fishing boats thanks to Stingray’s strong ethic of quality vessels on a family budget.

The 173CC is Stingray’s latest nod to that ethic. It’s too new to test but is planned for availability in early 2022. When equipped with a 90 hp outboard—choose your brand—it’s Stingray-exclusive and patented Z-Plane hull will give crisp tracking, a soft ride in bay chop, and good stability for battling fish at anchor or under electric trolling power. We’d definitely add a trolling-motor mount to the bow for easy boat handling. Another good option is the raw-water washdown to keep the deck clear after catching fish or bait.

Stingray’s construction is top-notch, employing high-quality materials. The 173CC is built with NMMA-certified ABYC methods for reliability and safety.

A standard livewell aerated with a sturdy 800 gph pump keeps bait fresh. Stainless-steel gunwale rod holders keep rods handy. In fact, Stingray’s stainless-steel package is standard on this boat, so virtually all deck hardware (hinges, cup holders, pull-up cleats, and bow and stern lifting rings) are all stainless steel. 

A flop-back seat converts the leaning post from forward-facing for driving to aft-facing for fishing over the transom. The helm station has a plexiglass windscreen, which provides protection in weather and removes easily for stowage. A bow seating package is optionally available, and we’d definitely choose it for family comfort. Stingray uses what it calls Nano-Block stain-resistant vinyl to keep your boat looking good for years.

With 40 years of boatbuilding and 40 years of listening to its customers through the Stingray Boats forum, the company knows what fishermen want, and Stingray’s experience proves it knows how to deliver it. 

High Points

• Stingray’s patented Z-Plane hull tracks well, cleaves waves easily and optimizes performance.
• The 173CC is easily towable and stowable in most garages.
• Optional tow pylon makes it naturally fun for board sports.
• Stainless-steel boarding ladder is handy and adds safety for reboarding.
• Color-matched safety rails add security to good looks.
• Optional leaning-post seat is sturdy, comfortable and good- looking.

Pricing and Specs

Stingray Boats – Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-897-5405; stingrayboats.com

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Overview

Stingray’s 2021 269DC represents a new tack for the popular boatbuilder. It’s the company’s first crossover fishing boat aimed at the premium boat market—and it’s still comfortably priced, keeping within Stingray’s outstanding reputation for delivering quality and fun in family boats with an eye on value.

Engines

Twin Yamaha F200 outboard engines powered our test boat. These are inline-4, 2.8 liter, outboards rated to maximum rpm of 6000. With these outboards, our boat planed out in just 3.7 seconds and made an average top speed of 49.9 mph, with several 50-plus mph trials. Power steering, a three-spoke stainless steering wheel, and a heavy-duty stainless hardware package are included. You can equip the 269DC with Optimus joystick steering with autopilot ($16,152), and anglers who venture far offshore for pelagics or bottom fishing should strongly consider it. This joystick autopilot system is among the easiest to learn and most convenient to use.

Interior and Accessories

Its fishy nature is a departure from the sporty bowriders and deck boats, sure, but all the accoutrements of a fun rec boat are aboard the 269DC. The dual-console style, a fast-growing category in coastal boats, is a saltwater-hardened bowrider that gives the comfort of forward seats, posh interior cockpit seating and a walk-through windshield. Dual consoles’ versatility is the primary asset that has driven the category’s growth over the past decade, and we are glad to see Stingray in it.

Taking a cue from popular performance boats, the seating throughout is firm, with multidensity foam that ensures comfort in the roughest waters. Durable rot-proof stitching, supple vinyl, and sewn-in accents add to the luxurious look and feel. Vinyl colors are rich, available in shades like charcoal gray and deerskin brown. At the bow, seating is deep and plush. Our 269DC test boat came upholstered in brown, with diamond pleat accents and contrasting black piping. Thick bolsters surround the area, making it comfortable to sit facing any direction while leaning against the deeply padded bolster. Storage under the port and starboard seats keeps the deck organized. The bow seat’s center cushion lifts up to reveal a step to the anchor locker. Beneath it, an insulated cooler drains overboard.

In the cockpit, portside seating is back-to-back, but the cooler module slides open to stretch the lounge aft to the transom to provide comfortable bench seating, with a bolstered coaming serving as a backrest to accommodate big crews in this Yacht Certified vessel.

Stingray prioritizes comfort over fishing, as typified by the transom seating, which is fixed in place and does not fold away. Most fishing boatbuilders use foldaway benches in the cockpit, which is often less comfortable but frees up the deck for fish-fighting action. In a further nod to comfort and relaxation, Stingray built an aft-facing couch on the transom, keeping those who choose to remain in the boat comfortable when at anchor while others swim or go beach combing.

In addition to comfort, there is an added bonus to the fixed transom seat: It hinges upward, supported on durable hardware and gas shocks to reveal the plumbing and standard four-bank battery system belowdecks. The work area is spacious and convenient to access, reducing maintenance efforts in long-term ownership.

The captain’s chair is extra-wide and comfortably positioned for a clear view forward when in command. On our tester, we had the optional hardtop ($11,768), and the underside was color-matched to the hull sides ($691). There are additional rod holders in the hardtop, and the entire structure is powder-coated for a cool accent in an off-white tone. The convenience package, included as standard, provided many features normally optional on competitors’ boats, such as a Fusion stereo. The most desirable option would be the windlass.

For fishermen, there are a pair of rod holders in the gunwales, a pair of under-gunwale rod holders, and four shotgun rod holders in the transom. Also, in the transom is a handy 25-gallon baitwell. Tackle storage below the cockpit seats keeps gear handy.

The 269DC is certainly a departure in hull style for Stingray, but it keeps the boatbuilder squarely in the middle of its lane in providing quality boating fun for adventurous families.

Construction and Design

Stingray built the 269DC on its proven Z-Plane hull. The design features a hull bottom with three planing surfaces., of varying deadrise: steepest along the keel, less shallow mid-body and flattest near the chines. A sharp stem cleaves wakes and transitions to a 21-degree deadrise at the transom.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 200 hp Yamaha F200s
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Reliance 14 1/4″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 70 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

High Points

• Fusion audio system rocks the boat, and can be controlled via the head unit or multifunction display.
• Convenience package is standard and offers important features, like an audio system.

Low Points

• Fixed transom lounge encroaches on fishing space, but is more comfortable than folding seats while offering easy access to the bilge, batteries and pumps.

Toughest Competitor

Sailfish offers a 276DC of comparable size ($194,426 with twin 200 hp Yamahas and hardtop), but takes a hardcore angler’s approach to its design. Foldaway seating opens the transom, and a 22-degree deadrise at the transom is better suited to heavy seas but more tender at rest when the crew is moving about the boat.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Stingray Boats – Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-383-4507; stingrayboats.com

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Take a virtual walk through of the all-new 269DC dual console flagship model by Stingray Boats and see all the amazing things this boat has to offer you and your family. This magnificent dual console is completely versatile and can be utilized for any activities out on the water.

The optional hardtop provides immense shade and protection from the elements and is available with six different underside color options. As you walk through the safety glass windshield from the helm, extremely comfortable seating awaits you in the bow. You can upgrade with the optional bow filler cushion for complete lounging. Available seating in the cockpit is ample, as is the room to fight the fish should you choose to take the crew out for the prize catch. And you can keep those prize catches in the insulated fish/storage box located aft. The enclosed, lighted head offers a Porta-Potti, or can be upgraded with dockside pump out or even a porcelain head with holding tank and pump out. This beauty is built for fun, performance and for making memories with you and your family.

Stingray Boats began over 40 years ago with two molds, a few skilled craftsmen, and a passion to build great performing boats. That passion has endured and continues today. Boatbuilding is not just a business at Stingray – it’s a part of who we are. Building lifelong memories one boat at a time.

Stingray is a privately owned, family-run company that focuses on building quality, not quantity. We also provide our customers with the assurance that they are getting the most boat for the best price. This has been the driving force of Stingray for over four decades and has provided us with the honor of having two-time, three-time, and even four-time Stingray boat owners. It is this loyal following of families who love boating that will continue to drive our passion to keep building great boats for many years to come.

At Stingray, we know that our customers lead busy lives and want to make the most of their free time and money on the water. With that in mind, we take advantage of our performance history and the current market trends and combine that with our passion for building great boats. Stingray’s motto is performance, quality, and value at a price more people can afford.

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