With three coolers, a sink, bow and stern washdowns, and a host of other standards, this Stingray 220DR deckboat leaves little to be desired.

Capt. Steve Says...

To me, deckboats are a good combination of space and functionality. But the line that separates a deckboat from a bowrider is getting blurred more and more with each passing model. At this point, I’m not really sure what features separate a deckboat from a robust bowrider anymore, but when I see a “deckboat” I expect to see more room in the bow area, as well as a bow that is more squared off and definitely not pointy. Perhaps the deckboat is a bit beamier, and they are not known for their top high-end speed. They are more of a “platform” and less like a conventional “speedboat.” If those are the only ingredients, then so be it. So let’s step aboard and see what the Stingray 220 DR has to offer.



With the stereo in the head compartment, you can change the tunes while answering nature’s call.

The space race...

Stingray claims that this boat will hold 11 adults, and for once, that’s a claim that I can live with. Looking at the layout view, I’d say that Stingray is even being conservative. There’s storage room for everything you’d want, up to and including the kitchen sink (make mine a BBQ grill). I like that there are pedestal mounting holes in both the bow and stern decks which means I can place a small table either place.

There are both bow and stern washdown bibs, which is something you don’t often see on this size boat and this is a good idea for washing the sand off of feet no matter which end they use to get aboard. She has a roomy head compartment, and in the cockpit sole there is storage with a hatch that is actually large enough to allow to fit a wakeboard there.



Filler cushions in the stern make a great bunny pad for sun bathing. Women will love this feature.

While I usually complain that the stereo is not at the helm, I can at least deal with the compromise of it being at the port side seat. However on the Stingray 220DR… it’s tucked into the head compartment! Yup, hard to believe, but that’s where they put it. The folks down at Stingray sure do have a good sense of humor, either that or for some reason they spend a lot of time in the head.

Stingray also stopped the beam of the 220DR at only 8’ 3”. Why not go up to the standard 8’ 6” and get that much more space in the cockpit? You can get past the table easier, you can walk past a person's knees, etc. The only advantage I can think of is that by cutting 3” off the beam the boat will be slightly lighter and will go slightly faster with equal power.



The layout is pretty conventional, but it easily accommodates the 11 passengers that Stingray rates the boat for. The swim platform is optional, which being a deck boat, the 220 DR should have.

The options list...

Stingray has a long list of standard features, so the options list is relatively short. The canvas packages are up to the whims of the individual buyer, and there’s the snap in carpet, which some people like. The depth sounder (add $351) and the trim tabs (add $934) should make the “must have” list.

In my opinion, filler cushions tend to be more trouble than they’re worth and just take up space when not in use, but if you need them they’re available (add $269). I’d be sure to put the extended swim platform on the order form (add $1,088) and if you are going to be boating in salt water, the stainless steel package is another “must” (add $340). I love that side window vents are included as standard, as well as the freshwater sink and the remote oil change system.



Deck boats typically have swim ladders at both the bow and stern. There are also washdown bibs at both locations, which is not so typical. A cooler is on the step below this lady’s knee. And what a way is that to use the American flag! I’ll give this flag a salute anytime.

Specifications and engine options...

The base price of the Stingray 220DR is $39,269 and that’s packaged with a Volvo 5.0 220 SX engine. You have several options, all of which are Volvo’s, up to a 5.7 MPI HO 320-hp dual prop that will drive the price up to $48,053.

If you live “across the pond” then Volvo diesel options are available from a D3 130SX package for $46,880, up to the D3 190DP (dual prop) for $60,190. That may sound like a steep price to people living in the U.S., but they’re not paying the high fuel prices that justify the diesel options either.



Bow filler cushions create another large sun pad forward. Be sure to bring along a book for the babes to read while they’re tanning.

The Stingray 220DR has a LOA of 22’ 3” (6.7 m), a beam of 8’ 3” (251 cm), and a draft of 34” (86cm). Her dry weight is 3,987 lbs (1,808 kg) with the 5.0L MPI engine, and her fuel capacity is 62 gallons (235 L).

We haven’t tested this model yet so we don’t have numbers to present, and the Stingray website hasn’t posted any figures for us to verify, but with the engine options available, you’ll be hard pressed to find a combination you won’t be happy with. She would definitely make my short list. Your Stingray dealer would be happy to take you for a test drive.



The optional swim platform extends beyond the stern drive lower unit which makes using the stern of the boat much safer.

Schedule a Stingray 220DR test ride here.

Visit the builder’s website here.