2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

[Wstandis]

I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter. 135 HP motor, 4 blade prop and 5 star trailer. The boat is in near mint shape and he wants $12K.

I am worried that it will not be able to pull me out of the water on one ski as I weigh 225 lbs?


Do you think this is a good deal and will it pull me?

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

I'm sure it is a great boat, but I would hold out for one with a bigger engine.

Check out Craigslist, and you can see bowriders with 3.0's going for several thousand less than a comparable boat equipped with a 4.3 or 5.0. The 3.0's are plentiful around here, but the larger engines are snapped up quickly, even for the premium prices. Gotta be a reason.

 

[Chaparralboater]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

Hold out. I have an 18 chaparral open bow with the 3.0...It pulls me out fine (180 lbs ) but if you want the assurance then you will want the 4.3...Plus top end on a boat like mine is 35-40mph..you should be at 44-55 mph with the 4.3..

 

[Wstandis]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

yeah the seller sent the following email which makes me wonder:

I pulled my cousin skiing with 5 of my college football roommates on board the only time I took it out this summer.. My cousin is 6'8 270. 1 ski and 2 no issues at all

The 4 blade prop makes the boat plane faster. 130 is more than enough. I had the same concerns when I bought the boat. Owner of the marina talked me out of the 4.5 liter engine.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

I had a 3.0 in a 17 foot Sea Ray and I would definitely argue with him. It was "just" enough, on my boat, certainly no more. Don't get me wrong, they are great little motors but the operative word is "little" here. We did some skiing and it was ok and I'm sure it will pull you out of the water - eventually. If you plan on doing a lot of skiing - go bigger.

Certainly take it for a sea trial and see what you think. Maybe he'd even let you ski behind it.

As for the price - I'm not sure - seems high for a 3.0 but it's been a while since I've shopped for I/Os.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

I think you should keep looking. 12k is very high for that boat and motor in my opinion. Paid about that for ours which is a more expensive boat to begin with. And we got a 4.3. All in mint condition.

Keep searching. The 3.0 is a great motor but for that much money you can easily get a larger motor.

Good luck

 

[truckermatt]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

keep looking, there are so many other boats out there for that price range

 

[rwidman]

Re: 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter - Opinions???

I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 stingray 195 with a 3.0 liter. 135 HP motor, 4 blade prop and 5 star trailer. The boat is in near mint shape and he wants $12K.

I am worried that it will not be able to pull me out of the water on one ski as I weigh 225 lbs?


Do you think this is a good deal and will it pull me?

My first "real boat" was a 2002 Stingray 18' bow rider with that engine. I don't know about pulling a skier out of the water, but it was a very fast boat. It would easily do 50MPH (GPS) in calm water.

Stingray makes a light, fast boat. I'll bet it's more than 225 lb lighter than a similar sized Sea Ray or other brand.

It was a great boat, my wife just wanted one with a head.