To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

[BruinSG17]

I'm looking to purchase my first boat, I don't fish so it would be for hanging out with family and friends. I just want to get on the water and will probably end up selling in 5-7 years to upgrade into something bigger as the family expands.

I got quoted really great pricing on the Stingray 195LS and 195CS.

So while I like the boat a couple things worry me:

1 - is 135hp underpowered? I think many here will say yes. Upgrading the LS to a 190hp would cost me about $4,000. The dealer does not have a better engine available for the CS. Price is also a pretty key so if it's not a necessity I'm leaning towards saving money.

2 - is the zplane hull going to make for a good ride? Boattest says the zplane improves both speed and comfort. I live on cape cod so I'll be in the ocean and ideally would like a boat to get to Marthas Vineyard for a couple days a summer. I know deep v hulls are best for the ocean but they seem to be at a price point of about $40k and seem to be geared more towards fishing opposed to just lounging with family.

Where should I be looking at for pricing. If the boat has as MSRP of $29.5k, where should I make an offer? 20k? 25k? What would be a great deal?

Would really appreciate the feedback as spending $20-25k is a huge investment for me to make.

Thank you.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

Just hanging out with family and friends the 135 will be fine. Water sports, I would want the V6. Also, the V6 will have much better re-sale.

However, if you are going to be in salt water, wait for the new 200 Stingray that is going to have an outboard on it, or look at the Hurricane options with an outboard. You will be happier long term in salt water with an outboard -- and using the outboard in salt water won't kill your re-sale as much as using the inboard in salt water will.

 

[Roebuckridge]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

Just hanging out with family and friends the 135 will be fine. Water sports, I would want the V6. Also, the V6 will have much better re-sale.

However, if you are going to be in salt water, wait for the new 200 Stingray that is going to have an outboard on it, or look at the Hurricane options with an outboard. You will be happier long term in salt water with an outboard -- and using the outboard in salt water won't kill your re-sale as much as using the inboard in salt water will.

Ditto on the above, could not have been said better. We have a 180 with the 135 and it works great for watersports but I only pull the wife and kids and none of them weigh over 115 pounds. Definitely go outboard.

 

[PSBourque]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

If my memory is right that boat has a 19 degree deadrise which is a "Deep Vee". I doubt you will find any boat in the 19' range that will be noticeably any deeper than that. I would agree with the Outboard option if available otherwise make sure you flush it well with freshwater after each use.

 

[jeanbill]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

I have a 2007 Stingray 185 not the same but it has a 130 hp volvo and that is great but the boat rides loke a bobber!

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: To Buy or Not to Buy a Stingray???

I have a 180RX with 135hp 3.0 mercruiser.

I have no beef with the 4 banger....and the gas lasts a while. I get pulled on my wakeboard with it(195lbs), while there has been 5+ people onboard none of them weighing less than 140 lbs.