On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 12:56:20 -0600, "Nute" wrote:

I'm starting to shop for an 18-19 foot I/O and the Stingray 185LX is looking
interesting. I don't think it's in the upper half of the range
quality-wise, but then again can't find a lot of talk about it.

Anyone have experience with Stingrays? Even opinions.

Thanks
Nute


I have owned a Stingray 2002 240CS for about 3 seasons now and it has
been just fine. As you noticed, it's not on the top end of the quality
line, more like lower end, but it is a very nice appearing boat,
handles really well, very seaworthy ( Atlantic off New England,) and
suites my needs just fine.

http://www.stingrayboats.com/product...hp?model=240cs

It's the little crap with this boat where the quality problems come
through...nothing structually major, just loose screws, screws that
are too long, some hardware thats a bit cheap. Little quality problems
that are fixable like some rain leaking in around windows and cheap
window screens. I had one seat come apart due to shoddy workmanship
but that was a pretty easy fix. All in all, I've had no major problems
and I really like the boat. For what I paid new ( about 36k for a new
24 foot boat 5L Mercuiser with galvanized tandem trailer and some good
options like full camper canvas ) it's hard to match another new boat
in that price range. Also look at the Rinker boats too. They are in
the same category. I think Stingrays are far better on quality and
design than Bayliners, but also well below Maxums.

My Stingray is sort of a Barbie boat since it has all the vinyl seats,
but it is nice on a sunny summer day to have those reclining cushy
seats. ( The ladies like that. ) and then I switch out the back seat
to a plywood seat with a tank rack to make it into a very adequate
scuba diving boat. The carpets snap in and out too ( nice option.)

If I was looking for more a a fishing boat I wouldn't want the vinyl
seats and a boat like a Parker or a Grady White would be a good way to
go. It's all good, you just have to decide what you want in a boat.

John C.