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2020 Stingray 225SE

The 225SE blends family flexibility with sportboat performance and looks.
Stingray 225SE running shot
Performance, looks and a plush interior are all combined in this sporty package. Courtesy Stingray Boats

Stingray’s 225SE serves as a 40th-anniversary special model that combines family flexibility with a sassy dose of sportboat performance and looks. It impressed our test team on a number of levels. Read on to learn more.

Power comes from a 300 hp V-8 -Volvo Penta DuoProp sterndrive. With this -combination, the sleek 225SE accelerated to plane in just 3 seconds; 30 mph came up in a rushed 5 seconds flat. Top speed was nearly 59 mph at 5,650 rpm, with the bow carrying at a near-perfect 3- to 4-degree angle and a long, low -rooster tail from behind. With -sportboatlike -acceleration and speed, it was a pleasant surprise to record a best cruise rate at a sedate 21 mph and 2,500 rpm, where the rumbling Volvo V-8 sipped fuel at 4.4 gallons per hour, reaching nearly 5 miles per gallon. The 20-degree deadrise Z-plane hull carves turns sharply and cuts through the lake chop well with no pounding. Handling is nimble, well befitting a boat meant for those who want exhilaration.

Stingray 225SE helm
The helm features a sporty black-and-chrome steering wheel, accented by a dash panel with full instrumentation set in racy chrome bezels. Courtesy Stingray Boats

Stingray offers solid-color gelcoat -options for both the hull and deck. Ours was finished in a sort of Richard Petty blue; -together with custom black dash, black vent covers, black rub rail and custom black Stingray logo treatment, the -effect was racy yet elegant.

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Special sport upholstery, including an SX-style sun deck, matches well with twin bow loungers. A filler cushion converts the forward space into a large sun lounge.

Stingray 225SE overhead
Captain and first mate sit in comfortable yet firm, swiveling bucket seats. Courtesy Stingray Boats

Captain and first mate sit in comfortable yet firm, swiveling bucket seats with flip-up bolsters. The helm features a sporty black-and-chrome steering wheel, accented by a dash panel with full instrumentation set in racy chrome bezels. An optional depth gauge and trim-tab -control completes the setup and enhances your ability to fine-tune the ride. The port console features a large storage -compartment, mesh storage pouch and glove box.

The aft cockpit boasts a plush -U-shaped lounge and large stern sun pad, with center walk-through to the swim platform. SeaDek flooring is featured throughout the entire boat as well as the swim platform, for easy clean up, sharp looks and nonslip security.

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Stingray 225SE cockpit
Special sport upholstery, including an SX-style sun deck, matches well with twin bow loungers. Courtesy Stingray Boats

High Points

⋅Good looks, ready performance, a useful cockpit and attention to detail—all for a competitive price—are the highlights of this 40th–anniversary model from Stingray Boats.

⋅Volvo DuoProp sterndrive provides low-end punch, ripping top speed and great economy thanks to optimized combustion and the enhanced bit and thrust delivered by twin, contrarotating propellers.

⋅Performance, looks and a plush interior that will provide seating for—and thrill—your entire crew.

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Stingray 225SE performance data
Stingray 225SE Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Specs

LOA: 22′11″

Beam: 8′4″

Draft: 1′6″ (drive up)

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Dry Weight: 4,348 lb.

Seating/Weight Capacity: 10/2,080 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 56 gal.

Price: Unavailable (at press time)

How We Tested

Engine: Volvo Penta 300 V-8 DuoProp

Drive/Prop: Sterndrive/FH-7 23″ pitch 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 2.32:1

Fuel Load: 22 gal.

Crew Weight: 585 lb.

More Information

Stingray Boats – Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-383-4507; stingrayboats.com

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