The Stingray 220DR is the only deckboat the company offers, and it has one thing no other deckboat has: Stingray's patented Z-plane hull.

These Z-planes, which replace the strakes found on most other boats, act as horizontal planing faces when submerged and a spray release when the outside edge is very near the water's surface. This design works to eliminate bubbles or vortices formed by the hull, and no bubbles or vortices means a smoother flow of water to give the propeller better bite during straight line running and hard cornering.

The design also incorporates an offshore racing boat-inspired notched transom that allows the drive to be mounted higher to reduce drag and further increase performance.

Even though the Z-plane was conceived to improve performance and cornering, Stingray quickly discovered that the hull was faster and more fuel efficient than other hulls of comparable size. The numbers actually show that you can equip this boat with less power and still get nearly the same or better performance than that of a comparable boat with more horsepower. This directly translates to more dollars in your wallet both in terms of initial purchase price and operating cost.

In terms of what makes a deckboat a deckboat, Stingray has kept pace with a stylish model that includes a walk-through windshield, copious U-shaped seating in the cockpit and an integrated swim step as well as a host of interior features with a capacity that aims to please you and 10 of your friends.

INSIDE
As is common with most deckboats, you'll find a good-sized platform with a foldaway ladder at the apex of the bow along with an anchor locker. In this case the ladder is meant only to be used for climbing in an out of the bow when the boat is beached on shore—this is especially handy because the 220's forward end is a bit higher than that of other deckboats.

There are two lounges in the bow with a wide passageway in between and storage under the seats. There's also a base in between the seats for the standard pedestal table.

The walk-through windshield provides access to the cockpit, and there's an optional walk-through canvas flap that is handy for really keeping the wind out of the cockpit.

To port of the walk-through is the enclosed head area, which comes standard with a locking door, a Porta Potti, adjustable lights and a screened opening port light—a holding tank and dockside pumpout are optional.

Just aft of the head area is the refreshment center, which features a pressurized freshwater sink, two cupholders and dedicated space for the standard 25-quart portable cooler.

The driver's side features an Avenir sport bucket seat with a bolster, tilt and power steering with locking detent, a Dino steering wheel, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD, a compass and a 12v dash accessory plug.

The deck is composed of a diamond-groove self-bailing fiberglass floor liner—snap-in carpet is an option.

While earlier versions of the 220 sported L-shaped seating in the cockpit, Stingray has capitalized on the popular wrap-around U-shaped concept, which eliminates a true walk-through transom, but increases comfort and storage in the cockpit. To make up for the lack of a walk-through transom, Stingray has incorporated a step-through that accesses the swim step via a small cutout in the middle of the rear seat. It's best to remove the middle seat when using the walk-through, but it's not necessary.

There's a large raised platform in the middle of the swim step that will be useful as a place to sit while strapping on the wakeboard or skis. At the starboard side of the step you'll find another foldaway boarding ladder. You'll also find a freshwater transom shower, which has a 17-gallon tank. Those who are really serious about watersports will want to consider investing in the optional extended swim platform.

PERFORMANCE
Needless to say we were excited to see how well the Z-plane hull on the 220 performed.

Our test load included two people, no water and 5/8ths of a tank of fuel (about 39 gallons). Our power was a 280 hp 5.7Gi Volvo Penta DP spinning a set of stainless steel props. Our time to plane was a quick 4.5 seconds with barely any bow rise. Our 0- to 30-mph time was about 11 seconds.

Pushing the throttle wide open and trimming for top speed gave us a top end of 53.2 mph at 4,800 rpm—impressive. Obviously you could get even better numbers by pushing it to the limit with 320 hp, but we were happy with our 280 horses.

In the corners the Z-plane hull practiced what it preached with confident full-speed turns with no slippage and a minimal amount of rpm loss.

We also appreciated how well the craft fit our test driver. The ergonomics seemed like a glove fit for his 5-foot, 10-inch frame, which made the ride all that more pleasant.

OVERALL
If you want a deckboat from Stingray, the 220DR is the only option you have—and it's a good one if you're in the market for a 22-footer. Deckboats offer tremendous advantages in terms of space and comfort over traditional sportboats, and this one isn't remotely meek in the performance area. And thanks to Stingray's patented Z-plane hull, you're getting better performance and fuel economy with fewer horses. You can also expect a decent ride in mildly rough water thanks to the craft's 16-degree deadrise.

The 220 lists for $37,258 equipped with our 280 hp engine. Add dealer prep fees, shipping, a trailer and an option or two and you're probably looking at about $40,000 as a take-home price.

Stingray celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has earned a reputation for building boats that please while holding their value. The deckboat category is a popular and competitive one, and we're glad to see Stingray in the game with a solid option for those who like the added space, comfort and versatility a deckboat offers.

Go Boating Test Team
October 2005