2009 Stingray 185LX possible purchase

[govols019]

I have a few questions pertaining to a possible purchase of a 2009 185LX.

One: The driver bucket seat shown on the Stingray.com website is different than the one in the boat I am looking at. I see no option listed for different style seats on the option list. Is the photo on the website an old model picture? I assume it is because the photos are the same for the 2007 and 2008 models.

Two: Fixed trim tabs? Do they really help? I had considered Smart Tabs but the boat they have in stock already has the fixed ones on it. I know I could take them off and have the Smart Tabs installed but the idea of filling the holes where they were I find disconcerting.

Three: "Sport bimini Top w/ Filler" What is the Filler?

Four: Anyone know which exact model the Kenwood CD Player is? I want a wired remote but I want it mounted on the starboard side by the steering wheel. I need to be able to control the radio while underway. According to my wife, I'm a control freak when on my boat.

Five: It's been awhile since I seen the boat in person but if memory serves me correctly there are only two speakers located under the rear bench seat. Anyone ever added two more speakers in the bow? If so, how much trouble was it and was it worth it?

Here's the boat I am looking at it: http://www.stingrayboats.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap?user=www&script=sticker.pl&serial=4Z9G8

The dealer said bring cash and I could get it for $17,995 plus tax. Good deal or no?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: 2009 Stingray 185LX possible purchase

Mine is older and larger, but from my reading here is what I know.

Most remove the factory sport tabs and get smart tabs. People are not too happy with the sport tabs.

There are additional speakers under the dash and glove box area. This muffles their sound a little.

The upgrade seats are steep in price. Most seem to find an off brand comparable seat off ebay if they want one with a built in booster over the stock one.

The boats run great and fast.

For a price comparison, look at what portside marine in indiana has in stock.

Lastly, if you ask the questions to stringrayboats.com you will probably get more specific answers.

 

[rentalguy1]

Re: 2009 Stingray 185LX possible purchase

1: They have upgraded seats, but they are expensive, as was already stated.

2. The z-plane hull design on Stingrays sometimes cause porpoising. The larger boats seem worse, and the 185's are typically ok. Mine does not have this problem. I would wait and see how the boat performs before investing in tabs, but all of the owners on the Stingray web site prefer the Smart Tabs.

3. The sport bimini only covers the windscreen area (driver and passenger seats). The filler is a separate piece of canvas that fills the area between the top of the windscreen and the bottom of the bimini. I have only used mine once. I am 5'9" and have to duck when under the sport bimini.

4. Kenwood Model # KDC-232

5. Two speakers under the rear bench and two under the consoles. The speakers are pretty weak and it's compounded by the placement of the forward speakers. I am upgrading all speakers this spring and adding two to the bow and a sub under the rear bench all at the same time. I am having it done by a shop, though, because I want it to look professional.


Not sure what part of TN you're in, but if your in the northeast part of the state I can hook you up with a excellent dealer. As far as the price, I think that is just a tad steep for a cash price. I bought mine for that with financing last July.

 

[govols019]

Re: 2009 Stingray 185LX possible purchase

Thanks...ended up buying a Sea Ray 185 Sport. I wanted the Stingray but my wife just fell in love with the Sea Ray when she saw it so what I wanted no longer mattered.