Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Stingray Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Stingray Boat Models (Ranked)
Stingray Boats, built in Hartsville, South Carolina, has spent four decades earning a reputation for fuel-efficient hulls, value pricing, and a patented Z-plane running surface that helps these fiberglass runabouts plane fast and ride dry. This ranking covers the brand's strongest bowriders, deck boats, and sport boats for families who want a trailerable day boat without a six-figure sticker.
We judged the field on real-world ride quality, resale strength, engine options, build quality, and dollar-per-foot value. Whether you tow to a lake on weekends or cruise a coastal bay, these ten Stingray models represent the most rewarding picks for buyers shopping new or used in 2027.
Direct Answer
The best overall Stingray is the 2024 Stingray 239DR Deck Boat at roughly $62,000, which blends a wide, family-friendly deck layout with the brand's signature efficient hull. The smartest value is the 2022 Stingray 191DC bowrider at about $38,000, a compact, easy-to-tow runabout that punches well above its price.
Prices swing widely with engine choice and trailer inclusion, so always confirm engine hours and request a survey on any used hull.
How We Ranked
- Ride and handling — Stingray's Z-plane hull is the brand's calling card; models that exploit it best ranked higher.
- Value per foot — Stingray competes on price, so we weighted dollar-for-dollar content heavily.
- Versatility — boats that handle tubing, swimming, and casual cruising scored above single-purpose hulls.
- Engine options — sterndrive and outboard availability, plus fuel economy, mattered for long-term cost.
- Resale and reliability — models with strong used-market demand and few chronic complaints rose to the top.
1. 2024 Stingray 239DR Deck Boat 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 239DR is the most complete boat Stingray builds for families. At 23 feet 9 inches with a beam near 8 feet 6 inches, it offers a broad walk-through deck, wraparound bow seating, and a capacity around 12 people. The deck-boat layout delivers far more usable space than a same-length bowrider, while the efficient hull keeps fuel burn reasonable behind a single sterndrive.
Power runs from a MerCruiser 4.5L (250 hp) up to a 6.2L (350 hp), with cruise speeds in the high-30s and a top end past 50 mph on the larger engine. Standard features include a swim platform, bimini, and stereo. It is the rare Stingray that satisfies tubers, anglers, and sunbathers in one hull.
- Price: ~$62,000
- Pros: Huge usable deck, strong capacity, efficient ride, family versatility.
- Cons: Needs more horsepower to feel quick; pricier than the bowriders.
Verdict: The do-everything Stingray and the easiest one to recommend.
2. 2022 Stingray 191DC Bowrider 💎 BEST VALUE
The 191DC is the value champion of the lineup. At about 19 feet 3 inches with a beam near 7 feet 6 inches, it tows behind a midsize SUV, fits most garages, and still seats eight. The deep-cockpit ("DC") layout adds freeboard and a more secure feel than the entry shallow-cockpit hull.
A MerCruiser 3.0L (135 hp) keeps the price low, while a 4.5L (250 hp) turns it into a genuinely quick runabout topping 45 mph. Fuel economy is excellent thanks to the light hull and Z-plane bottom. For a first family boat under $40,000, nothing in the Stingray range stretches a dollar further.
- Price: ~$38,000
- Pros: Light, efficient, easy to tow and store, strong resale.
- Cons: Smaller cockpit; base 3.0L engine is modest.
Verdict: The smartest entry point into the brand.
3. 2023 Stingray 208LR Bowrider
The 208LR sits in the sweet spot of size and price. At roughly 20 feet 8 inches, it carries eight to nine passengers and rides dry in moderate chop thanks to a sharper entry than the smaller hulls. The "LR" (luxury runabout) trim adds upgraded upholstery, a filler cushion, and a cleaner helm.
A 4.5L (250 hp) MerCruiser is the popular choice, delivering low-40s cruise and a top end near 50 mph. It is the model most owners settle on when the 191 feels tight but the 23-footers feel like too much boat and budget.
- Price: ~$48,000
- Pros: Balanced size, dry ride, good resale, comfortable seating.
- Cons: Mid-pack on standard features; options add up.
Verdict: The Goldilocks bowrider in the Stingray range.
4. 2024 Stingray 231DC Bowrider
The 231DC is Stingray's flagship bowrider. At about 23 feet 1 inch with a beam near 8 feet 6 inches, it offers a deep, secure cockpit, a lounge-style bow, and a capacity around 11. This is the model to buy if you want a big-water bowrider that still trailers without a permit in most states.
Power tops out at a 6.2L (350 hp) sterndrive, pushing top speeds past 55 mph, while a 4.5L (250 hp) handles family duty comfortably. Optional wet bar, extended swim platform, and premium audio make it feel like a more expensive boat.
- Price: ~$58,000
- Pros: Big cockpit, strong performance, premium options, dry ride.
- Cons: Heavier tow; fuel use climbs with the 6.2L.
Verdict: The bowrider to buy when you want maximum space without going deck boat.
5. 2021 Stingray 182SC Bowrider
The 182SC is the lightweight efficiency leader. At about 18 feet 2 inches and well under 2,500 pounds rigged, it is one of the easiest boats here to launch solo and tow with a small vehicle. The shallow-cockpit layout keeps weight and cost down.
A 3.0L (135 hp) sips fuel and still planes briskly, while a 4.3L option adds punch for tubing. It is a superb lake boat and a frequent first purchase, with used examples among the most affordable on the market near $28,000.
- Price: ~$30,000
- Pros: Featherweight tow, excellent economy, low entry cost.
- Cons: Limited freeboard; small for rough water.
Verdict: The budget-minded lake runabout that started many Stingray owners.
6. 2023 Stingray 215LR Bowrider
The 215LR scales the popular LR formula up to 21 feet 5 inches, adding more bow length and a beam near 8 feet 2 inches. Capacity sits around nine to ten, and the larger hull handles bigger lakes and protected coastal water with confidence.
Most are rigged with a 4.5L (250 hp) or 6.2L (350 hp) sterndrive. The 215 offers a noticeably more substantial ride than the 208 without the price jump of the 231, making it a logical step up for growing families.
- Price: ~$52,000
- Pros: Roomy bow, capable hull, premium LR trim, good resale.
- Cons: Heavier than the 208; trailer weight worth checking.
Verdict: A confident mid-size bowrider for buyers stepping up in size.
7. 2024 Stingray 253CR Cuddy Cruiser
The 253CR is the brand's overnighter. At about 25 feet 3 inches, it adds an enclosed cuddy cabin with a V-berth, portable head, and small galley area, turning a Stingray into a weekend cruiser. The cockpit still seats a crowd for daytime fun.
A 6.2L (350 hp) sterndrive is standard-spec, delivering relaxed cruising in the low-30s and a top end near 50 mph. It is the choice for buyers who want occasional overnighting without stepping into a far more expensive cruiser brand.
- Price: ~$78,000
- Pros: Enclosed cabin, overnight capability, big cockpit.
- Cons: Heaviest to tow; highest price in the range.
Verdict: The Stingray for buyers who want a night aboard.
8. 2022 Stingray 198LX Sport Deck
The 198LX brings deck-boat space to a compact, trailerable footprint near 19 feet 8 inches. The forward seating opens up dramatically compared with a bowrider, giving families a roomy platform that still tows easily and stores in a standard slip.
A 4.5L (250 hp) sterndrive provides plenty of grunt for tubing and skiing. It is the value pick for buyers who want the open deck-boat feel of the 239DR but in a smaller, more affordable, easier-to-handle package.
- Price: ~$44,000
- Pros: Deck-boat space at compact size, easy tow, versatile.
- Cons: Less freeboard than larger deck boats; smaller cockpit.
Verdict: A clever small deck boat for space-hungry families on a budget.
9. 2020 Stingray 225SX Bowrider
The 225SX is a strong used-market hunt. At about 22 feet 6 inches, this earlier sport bowrider offers a large cockpit, deep bow, and capacity near ten. Depreciation has settled, so clean examples deliver a lot of boat for the money.
Most carry a 5.0L (260 hp) or larger sterndrive, with cruise in the upper-30s. Common checklist items on used hulls include sterndrive bellows, gimbal bearing, and upholstery condition. Survey accordingly and the 225SX rewards patient shoppers.
- Price: ~$36,000
- Pros: Large cockpit, settled depreciation, strong content for price.
- Cons: Older electronics; check sterndrive service history.
Verdict: A used-market bargain for buyers willing to inspect carefully.
10. 2024 Stingray 173CL Bowrider
The 173CL is the smallest and most affordable new Stingray. At about 17 feet 3 inches, it is the lightest tow in the lineup, ideal for small ponds, tight ramps, and first-time owners who want a brand-new boat under $30,000.
A 3.0L (135 hp) or 4.3L sterndrive keeps it simple and economical. It seats around six and is genuinely fun to drive thanks to its light weight and quick planing. For a brand-new entry boat with a factory warranty, it is hard to beat on price.
- Price: ~$28,000
- Pros: Lowest new price, featherweight tow, simple and economical.
- Cons: Smallest cockpit; best on calm water.
Verdict: The most affordable way into a brand-new Stingray.
How to Choose
What to Look For
When shopping a used Stingray, focus on the sterndrive first: inspect the bellows, gimbal bearing, and drive oil for milky contamination that signals water intrusion. Confirm engine hours and ask for service records; under 50 hours per year is healthy. Check the hull for stress cracks around the transom and any soft spots in the floor that hint at core moisture.
Inspect the trailer bearings, tires, and lights, since a trailer is often included and easy to overlook. Finally, budget for a professional marine survey on any boat over $25,000; it is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
FAQ
Are Stingray boats good quality? Yes. Stingray builds value-oriented fiberglass runabouts with a reputation for efficient, dry-riding hulls and solid fit and finish for the price. They are not luxury cruisers, but they consistently rank well for dollar-per-foot value and resale.
What makes the Stingray Z-plane hull special? The patented Z-plane running surface uses stepped pad shapes that help the boat plane quickly, run efficiently, and stay dry. The result is strong fuel economy and lively performance even with smaller engines.
Which Stingray is best for a family of four to six? The 208LR bowrider or 239DR deck boat are ideal. The 208 is the balanced all-rounder, while the 239DR adds a wide-open deck for tubing, swimming, and lounging.
Do Stingray boats hold their value? Stingray models generally hold value well because they sell new at competitive prices and have a loyal used-buyer following. Well-maintained sterndrive examples with documented service history command the strongest resale.
Bottom Line
For the best blend of space, versatility, and the brand's efficient ride, the 2024 Stingray 239DR Deck Boat at roughly $62,000 is the standout overall pick. Budget-focused buyers should target the 2022 Stingray 191DC bowrider near $38,000, the value leader of the lineup.
Match the hull to your water and budget, survey any used boat, and a Stingray rewards owners with low running costs and lasting fun.
Sources
- Stingray Boats official model specifications and dealer pricing guides
- Boat Trader new and used Stingray listings
- Discover Boating buyer education resources
- NADA Guides marine valuation data
- Boating Magazine runabout and deck boat reviews
- MerCruiser sterndrive engine specifications
- BoatUS used-boat survey and inspection guidance
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