Stingray 212 sc Quality?

[Texgirl]

In the search for our first boat. Right now we are leaning towards a hurricane 218 ob.. we have a hurricane dealer near us. But, stingray and some others we are interested in are about 4 hours away.

The stingray 212 sc caught my eye because it has so many little extras.... head compartment, spray shower, sink, nice dash, rod holders at back of boat. But I read some old posts regarding hull flexing and overall quality not being up there with hurricane etc. I was wondering if anyone had any input on this?

Thanks, KIM

 

[tpenfield]

Stingray are more of an economy brand and tend to be lighter than some brands, making them more suitable for calmer waters. That does not make them a bad brand of boat, just not top shelf.

As many will tell you, if you are buying used, the actual condition of the boat will be more important than the brand name.

 

[roffey]

I have a Stingray and find the fit and finish is not great but ok. As you state, there were many extras and because it is a lighter boat it is fast, lol. Ted is correct the boat is best on a lake. It likes 1 foot swells but much more than that makes for a hard ride, but fun.

 

[briangcc]

They are a lighter boat so they go faster with less power. Because its a lighter boat it doesn't like chop...kinda pounds along the lines of an aluminum boat.

I've seen some current examples at boat shows - not bad, not great. Kinda middle of the road towards where Bayliner was about 10 - 15 years ago. Based on what I've seen at shows, I'd rank them below Bayliner in fit/finish/features and that's because Bayliner has been slowly increasing the quality of its product. I'd seriously check them out as they do offer a fish & ski model.


Your low end boats are anything you can find new/in a catalog at a big box outdoor store...you know the one with the big old bass as a logo?

 

[JimS123]

Her's my analysis of a "mid range" Stingray....

Last year we sold our Stingray after having owned her for 35 years. We boat in the Niagara River and Lakes Erie and Ontario, so a 1 foot chop is a luxury. I have been on bigger boats that ran smoother, but our Stingray was and still is the best riding boat we ever owned.

The boat's maintenance was exceptional, and even after 35 years she still looked like new. When we sold her the selling price was about half what we originally paid in 1984. How's that for depreciation?

I didn't buy a new Stingray for the simple reason that they didn't have a model that had a floor plan that suited us. The only reason to sell was to upgrade to an outboard.

 

[CaptainSteveo]

In the search for our first boat. Right now we are leaning towards a hurricane 218 ob.. we have a hurricane dealer near us. But, stingray and some others we are interested in are about 4 hours away.

The stingray 212 sc caught my eye because it has so many little extras.... head compartment, spray shower, sink, nice dash, rod holders at back of boat. But I read some old posts regarding hull flexing and overall quality not being up there with hurricane etc. I was wondering if anyone had any input on this?

Thanks, KIM

As others have said Stingray goes for lighter and more effiecent. They tend to be faster with smaller engine displacement and hull design. I looked at some and the quality was pretty typical of mid range boats. Probably depends most on how it's been maintained and if you like the style or features. I have not heard much bad about them.

 

[Texgirl]

It would be a new one.... I really like the features I see, potty, shower, sink etc. on the 22 footer.... unfortunately there is not one close to me to see.. so we are leaning hurricane at this time and will trial one on friday. How does it compare to hurricane?

 

[briangcc]

You're opening a can of worms as a lot has changed since some of these guys owned or looked at manufacturers...

Personally I'd rank Stingray below that of Hurricane - having seen examples of both at recent boat shows. This is a personal preference and others may say just the opposite...the same that say Bayliner is still a brand to avoid because they're stuck in the 80's/early 90's.


In all honesty though...its not what we think as it isn't our money being spent. You have to be happy with the purchase and the marina you're buying from.

 

[tpenfield]

Is there a Hurricane model that has a porta-pottie compartment? That might be a solution :noidea:

I agree with Brian's comments . . . the boat companies that have survived over the past 20 years have done so by upping their game. There still are manufacturers that serve the lower end of the market, yet they all have improved their product over the years.

The Hurricane line does seem to have better fit 'n finish over the Stingrays. Beauty is only skin deep . . . as far as build quality and longevity of a current-day boat brand, you really have to get into the guts of how the boats are made, which is often hard to tell when comparing boat brands. They all look shiny in the showroom

 

[roffey]

If my boat, 2014 Stingray were to blow up tomorrow I would replace it with the same boat. However, as pointed out its your money. I suspect the Stingray would be faster if that is of any importance. The Hurricane will likely have a better fit and finish but cost more. Keep in mind after a few years it will all be how well the boat has been care for.

Let us know what you buy and of coarse pictures or it never happened, lol.

Yahoo, my boat goes in the water next week and then I'll tell you how well a 6 year old Stingray runs...

 

[briangcc]

Is there a Hurricane model that has a porta-pottie compartment? That might be a solution :noidea:

SD 2000 OB has an option to add a porta potti $216 or an electric flush for $1646. This on the manufacturer's website.

 

[Texgirl]

SD 2000 OB has an option to add a porta potti $216 or an electric flush for $1646. This on the manufacturer's website.

I know! So does the 2200... the issue is there are NONE that I can find to even look at in Texas! Crazy... I think I am getting a drop down privacy tent that attaches to the bimini top and thetford to solve my issue.

 

[Texgirl]

thank you all for your input! I have looked and looked and I can't find a 2000 or 2200 or even 2400 etc. to even look at here in Texas.. I did find a pre owned 2486 but worried just too much boat for us both price and size etc. Just found a 2019 tahoe 2150 for about 40k.. has sink, no toilet but I dont think that is a very good brand.. warranty not as good as hurricane... plus its in south carolina!! Next question is suzuki 150 vs. 200 for pulling with decently full boat? The one I am test driving friday has 150 and he says thats plenty.. I have my doubts. Interested in your expertise. thanks again so much.