Stingray 182

[kevinwburke]

Considering buying a stingray 182. I was looking at the element XL but they raised the price $1,000 not sure is worth it. Do not want to buy used boat. Any comments on how the stingray line is? Or any other Alternatives you would suggest. Stingray is about $25,000

 

[JimS123]

Our Stingray is on her 33rd season (1450 engine hours) and my son's is on his 8th. I can't say a bad word about the brand. In fact I feel the 2016's are the best they ever made.

No direct experience with Bayliners, but based on friends that have them I wouldn't buy one.

However................

I surely wouldn't buy a 182. Nice boat, but deal breaker is the lack of windshield. We like to go boating early in the season as well as late. The deck boat configuration would shorten our season, and the wife wouldn't like it.

Look at a 191Dc. We saw one at this year's boat show. Same size hull and HP as the 182, similar seating, but it would be much more comfortable.

 

[kevinwburke]

Our Stingray is on her 33rd season (1450 engine hours) and my son's is on his 8th. I can't say a bad word about the brand. In fact I feel the 2016's are the best they ever made.

No direct experience with Bayliners, but based on friends that have them I wouldn't buy one.

However................

I surely wouldn't buy a 182. Nice boat, but deal breaker is the lack of windshield. We like to go boating early in the season as well as late. The deck boat configuration would shorten our season, and the wife wouldn't like it.

Look at a 191Dc. We saw one at this year's boat show. Same size hull and HP as the 182, similar seating, but it would be much more comfortable.

Thanks for the info. Mostly we'll use the boat in the warmer weather swimming in the intercoastal but
that is certainly something to think about

 

[wrvond]

At the end of the day after you have been swimming for hours, you'll want something to shield you from the wind as you are heading in.

 

[roffey]

I currently own a Stingray and purchased it new. I think the boat is great and has all the bells and whistles I was looking for. I did find the fit and finish is not what I thought I would get for a $36k boat. I can't bash Stingray too much but have found the customer service from Stingray is lacking and they do seem to fluff off issues with the boat as the other suppliers problem.

The question is would I purchase another Stingray boat and the answer is mostly likely yes.

 

[JimS123]

I currently own a Stingray and purchased it new. I think the boat is great and has all the bells and whistles I was looking for. I did find the fit and finish is not what I thought I would get for a $36k boat. I can't bash Stingray too much but have found the customer service from Stingray is lacking and they do seem to fluff off issues with the boat as the other suppliers problem.

The question is would I purchase another Stingray boat and the answer is mostly likely yes.

My son had the stitching in one of the seats come apart. It was the particular seat that you stepped on when boarding. The boat was already 2 years OUT of warranty when it happened. Stingray sent a new seat cushion free of charge and postage paid. A year later another seat showed a similar defect and once again they stepped up with no questions asked. To me, THAT is customer service.

I admit that both our Stingrays had minor fit & finish defects like loose screws and a misaligned windshield. They were all things that we could fix ourselves with no expense. True, these should not have happened, but with an hour's work they are now perfect fit & finish.

I would like to buy another Stingray, but the one we have is just too good to let go...

 

[roffey]

I would like to buy another Stingray, but the one we have is just too good to let go...

Honestly I am glad to hear your experience was a good one. The problem I had was my motor quit out on the lake. My boat is two years old and I took it to an authorized Merc repair marina. The tech told me it was a factory defect with the wiring to the starter motor and was shorting the fuel pump and the starter motor. Keep in mind the place I went to was not a Stingray dealer and that was likely my mistake. When I contacted Stingray they said it was a Merc problem and to go after them and Merc said it was a Stingray problem. I have a few other stories I could tell but will keep them to my self for now. Me saying I would likely purchase another Stingray boat is a statement to the boat it self.

Just as a side note, if you like speed these are the boat for you. I can outrun most of the PWCs on the lake and do so on a regular bases with a huge smile on my face.

 

[kevinwburke]

Not real concerned with speed...but it is nice when you are trying to outrun a pop up thunderstorm in Florida. We typically cruise to a nearby sand bar for swimming and relaxing but with a newer boat would surely do a lot more travel.

Still not sure of the windshield. I prefer the layout to the boat without the windshield (as well as the lower price), but dont want to regret the decision either. Being in Florida, so far our boating is done in pretty warm weather but a new boat would extend the season for us after the water cools down too much for swimming (late October).

Maybe another trip to the dealer to compare models is needed.

 

[jkust]

I'm going to say we need more feedback from more owners. (I'm still awaiting a boat that can outrun my FX SHO pwc. A Ranger came close this summer but I still walked past him.) I boat with a handful of Stingray owners as I live on a lake in the summer. They don't do as well on the windy days, the fit and finish is what you get with an entry level brand as you pay for what you get but they do get up and go. Since you are looking for suggestions, I will suggest another of the entry level brands being Tahoe. They have a fishing heritage but you do tend to get a surprising amount of amenities.
I would be derelict if I didn't ask you why you are not in a position to consider a used boat? There can be real value in used boats whereby you get more than you pay for. Keep in mind that my paradigm is that of a person who spends time on a lake not the ocean.

 

[roffey]

I'm going to say we need more feedback from more owners. (I'm still awaiting a boat that can outrun my FX SHO pwc. A Ranger came close this summer but I still walked past him.) I boat with a handful of Stingray owners as I live on a lake in the summer. They don't do as well on the windy days, the fit and finish is what you get with an entry level brand as you pay for what you get but they do get up and go.

I agree with your statement they are not big water boats and are best suited for inland lakes. I checked the stats and your PWC will run at 66 mph... faster than my 54 mph boat and yes you would walk by me... but its always fun to try, lol.

 

[jkust]

I agree with your statement they are not big water boats and are best suited for inland lakes. I checked the stats and your PWC will run at 66 mph... faster than my 54 mph boat and yes you would walk by me... but its always fun to try, lol.

They are speed limited by the Coast Guard to 70mph. The Speedo say 70 and the limiter(s) won't let it get to its potential so 66gps is usually it but I'll tick 67 for a second and that's it. It's really not a fair comparison to compare a lake boat to a rocket but still fun.

 

[Bass Buster One]

My brother bought a 1998 190 StingRay Bow Rider in 2008 and absolutely loves it to this day. Runs on Watts Bar Lake in TN all summer long. He does take care of it , now, so there is certainly something to be said there. I'm down here on Lake Lanier in Georgia and I see Sting Rays out there all the time and hear nothing but good things about them.

 

[eavega]

I own an old (1988) Stingray 176 SBV. I've owned it for the last 3 years and have been very happy with it. Despite its age, its very mechanically sound. All gauges still work, motor (3.0L Mercruiser) has required nothing but PM since I purchased it. I did convert it to electronic ignition (Pertronix). I've never had to clean the carburetors, but I have replaced all the filters and added a fuel-water separator. Propped for speed, she'll run about 45 MPH. Currently I have it propped for water sports so its a little slower. She tracks well and planes fairly quickly. I have had to slowly replace all the seat wood, as the drainage (especially around the bow seats) is not the best and does tend to pool. If you work on your own engine, there is really good access to the entire engine space. It is a bit small, with just enough space for me, my wife, and two kids to be able to spend a day on the lake. We can carry a couple more people, but then it gets tight in terms of space. All in all, I would not hesitate to get another Stingray in the future. I also boat on Lake Lanier, and will admit that on busy summer days, its best to avoid busy areas as there doesn't feel like there is a ton of freeboard, and I have taken a wave or two over the bow on occasion.

-E

 

[jkust]

I wouldn't be very concerned with old boats as compared to the brand new ones you are looking at. Boats even from the 1990's used substantiallyl different construction materials to those in some cases in the early 2000's and certainly not comparable to brand new. The 80's are even further afield. I've got a 1984 Bayliner that my dad bought brand new from the boat show. It is in the most pristine original shape as is humanly possible...literally a perfect boat with zero wear and tear to the interior. Even the low quality, glued down carpet is barely worn. That said, it is a complete and utter mess of poor construction and isn't even in the same stratosphere as a new Bayliner in any respect. The old bayliner is only in such remarkable condition because my dad took pride in it and took care of it even though it was essentially a disposable boat. Any freshwater boat can stay like new with the proper care. Of course the posters on this site many times represent enthusiasts and not the majority of boat owners who don't get it. It isn't surprising to hear of 30 year old boats that are in excellent original shape but that doesn't match what I see on the lake where old boats are concerned.

Further, as another example, my sig boat construction has almost no overlap to a 1999 boat of the same brand. The construction took a monumental leap forward in the early 2000's to the point where they are similar nearly in name only. The 90's construction is almost shameful on Chaparrals compared to the 2000's and other boats when you dig into the differences but is how the industry was back then. Technology and advancements. Point is an old boat and a new boat is an apple and an orange.

 

[JimS123]

I wouldn't be very concerned with old boats as compared to the brand new ones you are looking at. Boats even from the 1990's used substantiallyl different construction materials to those in some cases in the early 2000's and certainly not comparable to brand new. The 80's are even further afield. I've got a 1984 Bayliner that my dad bought brand new from the boat show. It is in the most pristine original shape as is humanly possible...literally a perfect boat with zero wear and tear to the interior. Even the low quality, glued down carpet is barely worn. That said, it is a complete and utter mess of poor construction and isn't even in the same stratosphere as a new Bayliner in any respect. The old bayliner is only in such remarkable condition because my dad took pride in it and took care of it even though it was essentially a disposable boat. Any freshwater boat can stay like new with the proper care. Of course the posters on this site many times represent enthusiasts and not the majority of boat owners who don't get it. It isn't surprising to hear of 30 year old boats that are in excellent original shape but that doesn't match what I see on the lake where old boats are concerned.

Further, as another example, my sig boat construction has almost no overlap to a 1999 boat of the same brand. The construction took a monumental leap forward in the early 2000's to the point where they are similar nearly in name only. The 90's construction is almost shameful on Chaparrals compared to the 2000's and other boats when you dig into the differences but is how the industry was back then. Technology and advancements. Point is an old boat and a new boat is an apple and an orange.

Lots of good points here. The bottom line is that the dealer is the one that makes or breaks the purchase. In our case, our local dealer has come to bat many times, above and beyond the call. Also, though Stingray's design and construction may have improved, their philosopies have remained.

We toured the factory a few years ago, and took demo rides in every model they made - all at factory expense. That sold us for life.

 

[kevinwburke]

Excellent point.....did you do do demo rides at the factory? SO far the dealer has been very responsive but I have no experience after the sale.

 

[JimS123]

Excellent point.....did you do do demo rides at the factory? SO far the dealer has been very responsive but I have no experience after the sale.

Stingray has a test lake a few miles from the factory. They own property there, with many docks and a clubhouse. Our tour included free hotel accomodations for 1 night, plus free meals for 2 days. On the second day they had the complete fleet in the water at their docks and everybody was even allowed to drive them (with a factory rep in the boat of course). The first day was a tour of the factory. Interesting watching how the boats are manujfactured.

I don't believe they have had more tours in recent years, but that one was enough to make us buy the second boat...