NOTABLEFEATURES • The all-new stainless-steel hardware package is sturdy, good-looking and saltwater-resistant • Lush, supple vinyl has a durable stain-resistant finish for long-term good looks • Integrated steps from cockpit to bow make forward access safe for anchoring • A fiberglass liner cockpit adds to saltwater durability and makes cleanup easy • An awesome color selection is available in fade-resistant, high-luster gelcoats

The president and founder of Stingray Boats has a boat-building strategy we like: Make the boats as fast and exciting to drive as possible but make them so stable your grandmother can handle them. The newest Stingray, the 250CR cuddy, perfectly meets that objective.

Our test boat was equipped with a Volvo 5.7 MPI that gave it a thrilling top speed and awesome handling, carving sharp, tight turns with little blowout and plenty of speed left at the end of 270-degree maneuvers. Trimmed high, the boat reached its top speed while giving a soft ride capable of handling rougher lakes and bays. With snappy acceleration, the boat will make watersports fun whether on a tube or a wakeboard.

The 250 offers expensive and durable hardware onboard, including pull-up cleats and hinges that are all saltwater-ready stainless steel. Midship cleats make it easy to moor the boat single-handedly or hitch up a spring to handle tide changes. Aft cleats are positioned high on the transom to give easier access from inside the boat or on the dock — and to keep them clear of towlines.

The walk-through transom design is simple and functional, giving easy access from the very wide swim platform while conserving the need for hardware or hinges — making the system reliable for the long-term owner. Aft seating has filler cushions to convert it to a large sunning area, or a table can be deployed from its convenient dedicated storage for cocktail cruises.

With plenty of seating and the convenience of a freshwater sink, cooler and wastebasket, the cockpit is ideal for entertaining guests. The cuddy offers ample berth space for a weekending couple or napping children. A pumpout head is conveniently located for privacy. A shower on the transom will make swimmers happy and help keep the platform clean.

Lots of space, exciting performance and sleek stying are crowned with quality hardware and durable new vinyl to make this boat a worthwhile investment.