The 186 CC we recently tested is another compliment to innovative design by the folks at Stingray Boats.
This narrow beam (7 feet 6 inches) 19-footer responds astonishingly well to a modest 115 hp. We tested it both with Mercury and Yamaha outboards.
That’s what we discovered when we powered up first with a Mercury OSX 115 on the transom of our test boat. At wide-open, we reached 44 mph. Then we jumped into the Yamaha-powered 186 CC and hit the throttle. It was a scant 3.4 seconds to plane and eight seconds to 30 mph. We liked the quieter Yamaha at cruising speeds but lost 1 mph.
No matter — when this boat is in the water with a full crew, it will still make planing speeds easily and maintain a satisfying top speed, so it’s ideal for big crews and watersports.
The 186 CC is built to cruise too, with comfortable beam-to-beam seating at the stern. All the cushions stow away, converting these areas into casting decks — all except for the folding jump seats at the stern. This arrangement means there is still seating for five (two astern, two at the helm and one forward) while rigged for fishing.
Rod holders in the coamings are made of durable fiberglass with a tough gelcoat finish — a yachtlike improvement over vacuum-molded components most boatbuilders use. There is a livewell on board, and it comes with the superior side-mount drain instead of a standpipe — and also like a professional-grade fisher, it was finished in calming blue with the rounded corners that keep bait lively.
The 186 CC is constructed at a level unexpected at its price point. Our test boat had a stainless-steel rub rail, a Bimini top and a stout stainless-steel grab rail around the tempered-glass windshield.
Storage beneath seating was ample, as expected. Also easy to access were pumps in the bilge and wiring in the console. Throughout the boat we found high-end touches like stainless-steel drain scuppers, easily removable in case of clogs.
There is enough space at the helm for a GPS/sonar combo — either flush-mount or on a gimbal — and even enough room for a VHF radio, if desired. And, naturally, especially at this price, there will be music from the stereo and four speakers.
High Points
* Hinges for forward storage conveniently hold the hatch lids up and out of the way for quick access.
* A nonskid deck washes easily and affords secure footing.
* Factory-installed rod holders in the gunwales make the 186 CC fish-ready.
* Rub rail is stainless steel.
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F115
Drive/Prop: Yamaha 19" 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Fuel Load: 10 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Price
$32,697 (base with Mercury 115 outboard)
Contact
Stingray Boats Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-383-4507; stingrayboats.com
