Beam: 8’4″
Draft (max): 2’8″
Displacement (approx.): 2,600 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees
Bridge Clearance: 4’2″
Fuel Capacity: 46 gal.
Water Capacity: 3 gal.
Max Horsepower: 150
Available Power: Single Yamaha or Mercury gasoline outboards
More Information: stingrayboats.com
Applying the deck boat concept — meant to maximize interior lounging space — to a 20-foot hull is not the easiest of engineering feats. That’s why few builders attempt to pull off small deck boats. But Stringray is one that does, and if the new 192SC is any indication, it does it very well.
Stingray makes the most of the 192SC’s 8-foot-4-inch beam, especially when boarding via the molded-in steps on the port side, opposite the helm. The gunwale topsides sports nonskid, and the two integrated steps down make for easy dockside entry. The steps are molded in just forward of the entertainment center, which includes a freshwater sink and a dedicated storage space for a trash can.
On the starboard side, the ergonomic helm console features plenty of space to flush-mount electronics; an attached eyebrow protects the screen and the gauges from glare. When I throttled up during testing, I noted the unobstructed view while on plane and making lock-to-lock turns at 30 mph. The 192SC employs the same Z-plane hull that Stingray uses on all its runabouts. Instead of traditional protruding lifting strakes, the Z-plane uses recessed strakes that are “stacked” on top of one another like roofing shingles. The design increases lift and efficiency and helps the driver execute smooth, predictable turns. The fact that I could top 40 mph with a 115 hp engine speaks to this.
Back to the space: The L-shaped lounge in the aft cockpit can seat five, and with full beam carried forward, no one sitting in the spacious bow lounge will knock knees. Deploy the cockpit table for dining at anchor, or get the optional filler cushion to convert the bow lounge to a sun pad.
Our test boat included the optional fishing package — which includes a built-in livewell, rod holders and a trolling motor mount. My two favorite things? The extended swim steps. Most outboard boats have small steps to either side of the outboard — a compromise for the power choice — but the 192SC’s are massive. They provide fantastic access to the water, with the swim ladder to starboard angled away from the prop, and the acreage rivals a sterndrive’s swim platform.
It all adds up to quite a package, and a deck boat that gives you what you need.
Comparable model: Starcraft 1915 OB
