Probably one of the most versatile party boats on the market is a deck boat, especially a performance designed deckboat. Stingray is well known for leading edge technology and attention to anything that will eke out even another ½ mile an hour of speed. The 220 DR deckboat delivers on style, quality, performance and room to play for up to 11 people, so your family will easily have enough space to enjoy their favorite flavor of aquatic fun.
Stingray 220DR
By Capt. Rob Smith
If you really enjoy the fun of power boating with friends and family and don’t want to be hampered by the restrictions of a typical bowrider, a deck boat is in your future. Stingray combines the awesome power of their Z-Planing hull design with the space and comfort of an open design deck boat to bring you a performance minded boat with room for up to 11 people on board.
Bow Accommodations
I was impressed with the space the bow provides yet still maintained a sleek profile underway. Like all the bow riders from Stingray, the forward half has room for two people to relax in comfort lounger style or more to sit facing each other. The difference is more width thanks to the deck boat design. Now you have space to add a table for snacks or room to play a quick game of Texas Hold-em or Solitaire and a beach boarding ladder to slip back on board after shelling on your favorite beach. Low profile rails provide safety and security when things get a bit rough and four oversize drink holders keep your beverages at the ready. For the sun-worshippers on board, you can add a filler and cushion to create a large sunpad up front.
The wrap-around windshield has a generous walk through center, but doesn’t have a lower air dam to protect the cockpit from chilly morning air. Below the center walk through is a equally generous sole locker to stow skis, wakeboards or other long toys.
From the Helm
The helm on the 220DR is designed for comfort with an executive kick. The dash itself has a low glare cover with Gray Graphite Trim, Dino Italian sport tilt wheel and power steering. White faced gauges are arranged in an arc across the upper portion of the dash with a digital depth gauge in the center just below. To the left of the wheel they have the rocker switches grouped together along with a 12volt socket for your portable gear and a remote for the stereo. Inside the helm station you have storage space for large gear. Both the helm and companion seats are custom comfortable bucket seats with slide and swivel adjustment and bolsters. Double drink holders are beside each seat and another double drink holder is just aft the helm seat in the gunwale top.
Over to the companion side is a handy changing room with port-a-potty. That will be very much in demand with a crowd on board. The stereo is remote mounted inside this compartment keeping it out of the elements. Just aft the companion seat is a wet bar with drink holder and insulated cooler.
Aft Cockpit
Continuing on to the aft cockpit, seating wraps around from just behind both bucket seats and across the stern. The table can be set up back here as well for an afternoon snack. The center cushions remove to make it easier to board from the swim platform without getting the cushions dirty after searching the shores for treasure. Engine access is generous for daily pre-launch checks.
The swim platform is quite large and will surely be a focus for play. Not only do you have room to strap on the skis, you have room for two or three to hang out with their legs dangling at anchor and enjoy the view. The swim ladder is concealed in the starboard corner making it easy to get back on board after a cool dip.
The Measurements
The Stingray 220DR measures 22’3” length overall with a beam width of 99”. This model has an average dry weight of 3811lbs and a fuel capacity of 62 gallons. Maximum capacity for this model is rated at 11 people or 2370lbs people and gear. She has about 36inches of freeboard and a maximum draft of about 34” with the drive down. The transom angle measures 15 degrees while the deadrise measures 16 degrees.
Test Results
I tested the 220DR on an inland lake near the plant in Hartsville, SC. Although it was cold, it was a beautiful day for a ride.
The 220DR was powered with a Volvo 300-hp 5.7L sterndrive with F6 prop set. She was on plane in 3.5 seconds and up to 30 mph in only 5.9 seconds, certainly pleasing for water toys. She reached a comfortable cruise speed of 23.4 mph at 2500 rpm for a cruise range of 233 miles on a full tank. Top speed measured 53.1mph at 4760 rpm.
Conclusion
This deck boat certainly blows away any misconception of being a lumbering giant. With the performance numbers she turned, she will challenge many bow riders out there to a dual and come out smoking! If you boat with a crowd, check out the Stingray 220DR and enjoy the crowd and performance!
