Stingray 212SC

We Say: The Stingray 212SC stands out as a trailerable deck boat with smart use of space. Take a look at the oversize swim steps to either side of the engine. Outboard power typically makes for a major compromise in aft water access, but the 212SC’s steps are plenty large. And the recessed swim ladder on the portside step smartly angles away from the engine’s propeller.

The side-boarding steps in the port gunwale are another sharp feature, allowing for easy entry from the dock. The two steps are big — 2 feet wide by 1 foot 1 inch deep — and a major upgrade to the typical notch on the gunwale topside. The top step hides fully lined storage, and the bottom houses a 25-quart removable cooler. A freshwater sink sits just aft. Bow seating features forward-facing backrests. The head in the starboard console has 3 feet 6 inches of headroom and a nifty top hatch with friction hinges that hold it open and prevent slamming. The five cup holders on the transom (out of 12 on board) are within easy reach from the L-shaped lounge in the main cockpit.

The 212SC is designed for performance too, with a 20-degree transom deadrise and the signature Z-plane hull providing smooth, stable handling with fantastic bite in turns — notable for a wide-body deck boat with an outboard.

Who’d Want One: Trailer boaters looking for a deck boat with outboard power and a lot of creature comforts.

Another Choice: The Hurricane 220 OB ($43,900 with a Yamaha F150).

Bottom Line: $44,464 (with test power); stingrayboats.com