For some folks the toughest decision, when buying a boat, is whether to buy a family runabout or that fishing boat they've always wanted. With the Stingray 190FX, you don't have to decide. This boat is equally adept at towing skiers or reeling in the big one.

The Stingray 190FX features the patented ZP hull (with Z-shaped strakes), which becomes apparent in its performance. The 190 jumps out of the hole in the acceleration testing, reaching 20 mph in less than four seconds. That's more than ideal for pulling a skier. But with a top speed, recorded on the radar at 55 mph, you're also really flying down the lake.

Stingray boats have always been known for their performance, but I was really impressed at how easily the boat converted into the fishing mode. Removing the bow cushions and the rear sunpad to reveal seat mounts for the fishing chairs, I was ready to fish. On the bow an electric trolling motor is mounted allowing the boat to be manoeuvred into those inaccessible fishing holes or letting you troll along at a very slow speed.

In the bow area, there's an ingenious moulded-in two-drawer tackle box, to hold all your favorite fishing gear. An aerated livewell beneath the rear bench seat will keep your bait lively or your catch fresh.

The standard equipment includes an AM/FM cassette stereo, in-floor ski locker and well-placed drinkholders throughout the boat. The seating configuration includes two bucket seats and a lounge seat. These seats are constructed of injected moulded polypropylene cores with moulded foam inserts, which accounts for the high comfort level.

The Stingray Teleflex gauges include fuel level, water temperature, trim, voltmeter, speedometer and tachometer. Each Stingray gauge can be accessed individually for easy servicing, unlike other manufacturers who use modular gauge panels. All instrumentation is easy to read or reach.

Even though the boat has a large sunpad area at the rear which transforms into the casting platform, there is plenty of legroom at all seating positions and a wide walkthrough to the bow area. Throughout the boat there are storage areas -- along the sides in the floor and under seat cushions. At the rear of the boat is an integrated swim platform with a fold-up ladder and grab-bar allowing easy access for a skier or swimmer.

Overall, it's one of the nicest fish'n ski boats I have encountered. It performs exceptionally well as a runabout and looks like one too, with all the cushions in place. Stingray, through the use of cushions and lockers, has made the 190FX look like any other Stingray runabout. But when you want to fish it has the ability to transform into a functional fishing boat. Truly a wise buy for the family that wants to cruise the lakes and pull a skier but also has a passion for fishing.

Brian Battershell