Start it up, and you'll hear the unmistakable, throaty sound of speed. But the 220SX is built for more than rapid runs. This is a true family boat, with seating in the cockpit for five, a cabin that sleeps two adults and efficient, yet peppy, stern drive power.

Smooth Ride
We tested the Stingray 220SX on Lake Robinson, near the Stingray manufacturing facility at Hartsville, South Carolina. This proved to be a true 60 mph boat that handles quite nicely. We performed a variety of on-the-water maneuvers - including a series of tight turns at 40mph, with terrific cornering ability. We maintained a soft ride, and the 220SX felt solid throughout.

Our boat's standard power steering was very responsive through even the tightest maneuvers. The hull tracked straight, without continual adjustment at the helm.

The 220SX features Stingray's high-performance zp hull with a race-oriented notched transom, allowing the engine to be mounted higher for less drag, enhanced fuel efficiency and better top speed.

Powered by a 300 hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI Alpha 1 stern drive, our test boat planed quickly without a lot of throttle, and the bow did not rise noticeably.

The 220SX's fully instrumented helm features backlit Teleflex gauges, illuminated switches, a 12v outlet and a Teleflex tilt steering wheel. The gauge array, accented with stainless steel bezels, looks like something out of a classic luxury speedboat - but the console's contemporary ergonomic design has all the convenience of the present, with generous leg room and conveniently arranged controls.

Swiveling helm and companion seats have two-level bolsters that adjust for maximum comfort. Both helm and companion bucket seats are fully adjustable fore and aft, and the seats are built on injection-molded polypropylene cores instead of wood, for longer life.

The port side console has a compact cold storage locker for beverages and a covered AM/FM cassette stereo - or an optional Sony CD stereo, as on our test boat - with four speakers.

Drink holders and courtesy lighting are among the many other convenient features in the cockpit. Aft, there's a bench seat with room for three adults, plus ample storage underneath.

Behind the aft seat, there's a wide upholstered sun pad that lifts to reveal the engine compartment. The compartment not only provides good access to the powerplant, it has a designated area in which to stow the boat's Bimini top - with a boot for protection and carpeted storage dividers.

At the transom, there's a ski tow eye and a wide integral swim platform with a fold-out boarding ladder.

Overnight Sensation
Forward, the 220 SX's cabin is accessible through lockable doors between the helm and passenger consoles. The doorway is adjacent to a fold-out step that makes for easy access to the bow.

Inside the cabin, there's a large V-berth with a portable head concealed underneath. At eye level, the V-berth is surrounded by convenient side storage pockets that will hold everything from a tiny tube of sunscreen to a big fluffy comforter.

A large round, translucent overhead hatch provides natural light for the cabin, while maintaining privacy. It opens to offer flow-through ventilation.

Additional cabin features include a freshwater sink and an alcohol stove. The cabin is fully fiberglasslined and well finished.

Boats of the Future
Stingray's South Carolina plant has become well known for its technologically advanced manufacturing process. The company produces bow-riders, cuddy cabins and deck boats that offer sporty performance and durable construction - at affordable prices.

Every Stingray is designed, built and tested using advanced computer design and manufacturing programs, and a multi-axis milling machine produces three-dimensional parts from computer specifications. A computer-controlled water-jet cutting machine uses a stream of water .007 of an inch thick - firing at more than 50,000 psi - to cut quickly and neatly through material. And the company's lamination process combines robotics and skilled craftsmanship.

Each Stingray hull is constructed of hand-laid fiberglass with Klegecel and Coremat cores for a high strength-to-weight ratio. And Stingray backs every model it produces with a five-year owner protection plan.

With a track record of 12 years in computer-aided design and 11 years of producing Stingray's patented z-plane hull system, Stingray's cutting edge technology is well proven on the water.

If you're looking for the styling and excitement of a high-tech speedboat, but the practicality of a family cruiser, the 220SX truly offers the best of both worlds.

The Go Boating Test Team
October 1999