The sleek bow of Stingray's 220DR gives the impression of a serious sportboat. But look closer and all the party favors expected of a deckboat are present: forward and aft boarding platforms, a huge cockpit lounge, a freshwater sink, and a head in the console. Does the 220DR's mix of sport and deck work?

Ride and performance scream sportboat. Push the throttle. The 220DR giddyups. I boogied to a 50.1-mph top speed with the standard 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha stern drive turning 4900 rpm. The ride is silky, and turns are tight and controlled. The 220DR's Z-plane hull, which uses inverted chines, does its job. The notched transom allows the drive to be mounted higher to reduce drag. Think this speed won't cause enough windburn? Upgrade to the optional 300-hp MerCruiser 5.7L Bravo Three ($3,500).

The helm is well situated and visibility is unencumbered. With the flip-up bolster in the down position, rest your arm on the ledge behind the throttle. Comfortable. Even with the throttle jammed wide open, your fingers aren't crushed into the console. High-end faux-wood trim surrounds white-faced gauges. Switches are illuminated and easy to reach. Hot day? Open the old-style vent window.

The port console conceals a head compartment with screened vent port. The two-piece lidded hatch didn't fly open, even when I slammed across wakes. Abaft are the wetbar and 25-quart removable cooler. When it's time to bow-in to the beach, you can bring your cold drinks ashore. Plush filler cushion turn the U-shaped aft seating area into suntan central. No sun? Congregate around the removable cocktail table, which can be placed in the fore or aft cockpit.

The transom door? Since a deckboat's mission is to provide maximum seating for the crew, Stingray opted for a larger lounge instead. The stern platform is accessed through a cutaway aft of the centerline seat and over the transom trunk. There, as on the bow platform, you'll find a shower.

Daniel W. Long
Boating Magazine