Stingray 204LR
Beam: 8’3″
Draft (max): 2’10”
Displacement (approx.): 2,490 lb. Stingray Boats
Stingray 204LR
Stingray 204LR
Stingray 204LR
Stingray 204LR
Stingray 204LR
Stingray 204LR
We Say: Powered by a Yamaha 115, the 204LR retains Stingray’s famously speedy and agile Z-plane hull. The combo planed in 4.4 seconds, reached 30 mph in eight seconds and topped out at 44.2 mph. The optional 150 reportedly boosts speed to 54 mph. Cranking the wheel hard over, the 204LR rewarded me with the same sure handling that I’ve experienced testing sterndrive-powered Stingrays.
The 204LR offers a sizable sun pad, a rarity on an outboard. It also turns much of what was the engine compartment in a sterndrive model into one vast stowage locker. The swim platform gets cut in two. An angled swim ladder keeps boarders away from the prop.
A wide, flat area at the bow facilitates boarding, followed by a step into the cockpit. Both are covered with nonskid. Below the first step is a two-rung ladder and anchor stowage; an insulated cooler with an overboard drain lives beneath the second. The big windshield protects the captain, co-pilot and aft cockpit. Open the standard side-vent windows to increase airflow. Twin bucket seats rest behind the consoles. A three-quarter-width aft bench wraps behind the passenger seat, allowing someone to kick up his or her feet, and allowing room for a starboard walk-through to facilitate boarding.
Who’d Want One: Boaters seeking outboard power and spirited handling, while retaining some sterndrive layout elements.
Another Choice: NauticStar’s 203 SC ($27,450 with a Yamaha 115 XA).
Bottom Line: $33,857; stingrayboats.com
