New European styling in the Stingray 235CR is seldom seen and only recently appreciated in the States. Europeans moor bow to shore to protect the prop from rocky glacial bottoms. And, as the Europeans do, Stingray divided the bow rail at the center, then tucked a bow boarding ladder into the ample anchor locker to ease boarding near shore. Cast in a smart twist, the curved stainless-steel rail forms “handles” to ease passengers’ climb aboard. Clever.
Clever too is the 2-inch fuel line that takes fuel as fast as a truckstop fuel pump can pour it out. The gearshift and throttle action is super slick, thanks to Teleflex Xtreme throttle and shift cables that can be tied in a six-inch knot without binding.
Yet, what most clearly remains in our minds after our test drive is not what the 235CR does at anchor. It’s what the boat does for the boating experience when you press the throttle forward. Stingray’s patented Z-plane hull maximizes lift and minimizes drag. We could feel it step up on top almost like a bass boat’s does. In turns, the Z-plane hull hooks up tightly and carries its weight with power.
Enter the cuddy to the port. The wide entry allows Stingray to mold steps to the bow at the center. We found a double berth long enough to lie on beam to beam. Under it is a pump-out head, and to port, a storage cabinet complete with a top tray and removable lid. Another clever use of space.
A fiberglass cockpit sole is easy to clean and care for, and a walk-through transom gives easy access from the large swim platform. Clever, quick and comfortable — that’s what our test drive revealed this boat to be.
Extra Points
• Kohler-like sink built into coaming offers elegant convenience.
• Rubber bushings on bilge fan isolate vibration and reduce noise for quiet idling.
• Specially shaped edges under the windshield ensure moisture drains outside.
• Aft swim platform has an ideal radius for making it less likely you’ll hit it on the dock as you circle away.
• Windshield vents scoop cooling air into the cockpit.
Test Drive * Test Engine: Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI * Test Prop: F6 Duoprop * Test Load: People (235 LB.) Fuel (29 GAL.) * Top Speed: 54.1 MPH @ 5,000 RPM * Time to Plane: 4 sec. * Time to 30 mph: 7 sec. * Most Economical Cruise Speed: 23.4 MPH @ 2,500 RPM, 5.3 GPH Vital Stats * Length Overall: 23’11” * Beam: 8’5″ * Dry Weight: 4,175 LB. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/2,535 LB. * Fuel Capacity: 57 GAL. * Max HP: 300 * MSRP: $49,596 * NMMA Certified: Yes
