Stingray Boats has been building exciting family boats in Hartsville, South Carolina, for more than four decades. As boaters increasingly moved toward coastal waterways, Stingray enhanced its boats to bring the company’s brand of family fun to salt water. So, it was a natural evolution to morph runabouts and deck boats with rod holders and livewells into serious fishing boats thanks to Stingray’s strong ethic of quality vessels on a family budget.
The 173CC is Stingray’s latest nod to that ethic. It’s too new to test but is planned for availability in early 2022. When equipped with a 90 hp outboard—choose your brand—it’s Stingray-exclusive and patented Z-Plane hull will give crisp tracking, a soft ride in bay chop, and good stability for battling fish at anchor or under electric trolling power. We’d definitely add a trolling-motor mount to the bow for easy boat handling. Another good option is the raw-water washdown to keep the deck clear after catching fish or bait.
Stingray’s construction is top-notch, employing high-quality materials. The 173CC is built with NMMA-certified ABYC methods for reliability and safety.
A standard livewell aerated with a sturdy 800 gph pump keeps bait fresh. Stainless-steel gunwale rod holders keep rods handy. In fact, Stingray’s stainless-steel package is standard on this boat, so virtually all deck hardware (hinges, cup holders, pull-up cleats, and bow and stern lifting rings) are all stainless steel.
A flop-back seat converts the leaning post from forward-facing for driving to aft-facing for fishing over the transom. The helm station has a plexiglass windscreen, which provides protection in weather and removes easily for stowage. A bow seating package is optionally available, and we’d definitely choose it for family comfort. Stingray uses what it calls Nano-Block stain-resistant vinyl to keep your boat looking good for years.
With 40 years of boatbuilding and 40 years of listening to its customers through the Stingray Boats forum, the company knows what fishermen want, and Stingray’s experience proves it knows how to deliver it.
High Points
- Stingray’s patented Z-Plane hull tracks well, cleaves waves easily and optimizes performance.
- The 173CC is easily towable and stowable in most garages.
- Optional tow pylon makes it naturally fun for board sports.
- Stainless-steel boarding ladder is handy and adds safety for reboarding.
- Color-matched safety rails add security to good looks.
- Optional leaning-post seat is sturdy, comfortable and good- looking.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $37,843 (with Mercury 90 hp) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 17’3″ |
| Beam: | 7’6″ |
| Draft: | 11’5″ (engine up) |
| Dry Weight: | 2,100 lb. (with 90 hp engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 7/2,000 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 30 gal. |
| Available Power: | Mercury, Suzuki or Yamaha 90 hp outboards |
Stingray Boats – Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-897-5405; stingrayboats.com
