STINGRAY 269DC
For decades, Stingray has been building family runabouts and deckboats with fun fishing features, but with the introduction of its new 269DC, the boatbuilder adds to its repertoire and sets a course toward fishing.
Sure, all the accoutrements of a fun rec boat are in the 269DC. The style, after all, is a saltwater-hardened bowrider with the comfort of forward seats, posh interior cockpit seating and a walk-through windshield. Dual-console versatility is the primary asset that has driven the category’s growth over the past five years, and we are glad to see Stingray in it. The seating is firm, with multidensity foam, durable rot-proof stitching, and stainless-steel hinges and hardware. The portside passenger seatback hinges fore or aft to create a sun lounge or back-to-back seats ideal for watching tube and board riders over the transom. The boat has an optional tow pylon for that.
Aft seating on the transom is wide enough for two and forms a conversation cockpit, which is useful while the quiet twin Yamaha 200s propel the boat forward at up to 50 mph. The hull’s sharp deadrise cleaves wakes and created a smooth test ride for our team.
Lifting that aft seat reveals the spacious bilge area with unfettered access to fuel filters, pumps, seacocks, and the four batteries (two starter batteries and two house batteries) that are standard in this boat.
For fishermen, there’s a deep 25-gallon livewell with a powerful pump that keeps the tank topped off and the bait safe in rough water. A fish box on the floor is ready to stow the catch, and then chill it while the crew chills on their way home.
That trip can be easy-peasy if they opt for the Yamaha Helm Master EX system with full maneuverability package, which includes autopilot and joystick steering. This integrated system uses hydraulicsfree electric steering and electronic throttle and shift, and puts AP controls, both on the AP panel and the joystick, to set and hold course. Or just tap a fish point to hold station over your favorite grouper hole.
The 269DC is Stingray’s first entrée to serious saltwater anglers, and the builder hit the nail on the head with it.