When a boat is classified as a cuddy cabin, people tend to assume that it lacks the sophistication and performance of a bigger, more expensive overnight cruiser. Nothing could be further from the truth where Stingray's new 240CR is concerned. This new-generation cuddy cabin combines an amazing amount of living space with sportboat performance and big-boat amenities.

A heavy dash of creative effort was put into the design of the 240CR, and the hard work of Stingray's engineers is first evident at the center transom step-through that eliminates the wasted space created by the traditional walk-through configuration. Passengers can simply remove a portion of the engine hatch cushion and follow the steps from the swim platform to the cockpit. To further enhance efficiency, the steps leading up to the foredeck have been integrated into the dash console.

As a result, the 240CR's layout is exceptionally practical and provides more interior room. In addition to being able to fit more passengers, there's also enough space to fit in all those "extras" that help make a long day on the water more comfortable.

The cockpit features a built-in sink with a 25 quart carry-on cooler to port, and an additional built-in cooler behind the helm seat. The wrap-around aft cockpit seating with sunpad filler cushions creates a cozy atmosphere for lounging. You can also quickly install the cockpit table for entertaining and snacking.

The cabin provides sleeping accommodations for two — with adequate headroom for sitting — and it also houses some cool hidden features, including a portable butane stove with an inverted starboard mounting surface, and a portable head. It seemed that every time we lifted the boat cushion there was another surprise waiting for us.

It doesn't take much to start feeling cramped in tight quarters, which is why Stingray's designers made sure to include portable items, such as the cooler and stove. This makes it easy to move the party ashore anytime.

Efficient and stylish designs have always been the goal of Stingray Powerboats, which has built 22 award-winning models since its inception in the late 1970s.

Under the leadership of Al Fink, the Hartsville, South Carolina-based company has also distinguished itself in the marine industry with its technical orientation, which has been demonstrated by its computer design and manufacturing capabilities. The company was one of the first to use computer-aided design (CAD) for boats, which led to the creation of its patented Z-plane hull — Stingray's claim to fame.

The Z-plane hull design essentially incorporates hull strakes into the bottom of a deep-V, in order to eliminate added volumes or surfaces. Previous designs featured strakes that appeared as external appendages, which were added on after the hull surface was completed.

Z-planes act as horizontal planing faces when submerged, and when they are very near the water's surface, their outside edges act as a spray release. The hull passes through the water with no bubbles or vortices formed by the hull shape, creating a smooth flow of water that enables the propeller to get a better bite during both straight-line speed and hard cornering maneuvers.

However, improved handling is not what catapulted Stingray's sales following the introduction of the Z-plane. When tested against the competitors, Stingray boats have consistently achieved some of the fastest top speeds with stock engine packages in virtually every size category.

We took the 240CR out for a ride on South Carolina's Lake Robinson, with two adults and 3/4 a tank of fuel on board. Our test boat was equipped with a 280 hp Volvo Penta 5.7 liter Gi MPI with a Duoprop stern drive, featuring twin counter-rotating propellers on a single axis.

The 240CR has a moderately deep 21 degrees of deadrise, which provided good hole shot. The twin-prop drives helped lift the stern and brought the boat on plane in less than 5 seconds, without much bow rise. It also enabled us to maintain a comfortable cruising speed of 20.5 mph at a low 2,500 rpm.

The counter-rotating props kept the hull from listing as we changed the trim angle, which provided a secure feeling even at high speeds. The boat gripped the water in tight turns, without any prop blowout.

We experienced no front-end porpoising at wide-open throttle (52 mph at 5,100 rpm). The Z-plane hull's notched transom allows the drive to be mounted higher — to reduce drag.

A well-appointed helm station added to the enjoyment of the ride. Woodgrain inlays added a touch of elegance to the ergonomic dash, which comes with color-coordinated, backlit gauges. A tachometer with an integrated electronic engine hour meter is included in the instrumentation.

As we continued across the lake, we turned up the volume on the Kenwood CD audio system and music filled the cockpit.

Stingray didn't forget to include some fun features for all you sports enthusiasts. There's a large swim platform with an anti-skid surface and a fully integrated multi-sport swim ladder. Optional equipment includes a transom shower.

Anglers may opt for the fish-and-ski package, which includes a casting platform with pedestal seating, tackle storage, a trolling motor panel with a dual battery box, and a livewell.

The 240CR is ideal for entertaining, taking the kids waterskiing or harbor hopping on weekends. It's also a boat that will satisfy your craving for performance.

If you want a craft that you can take out overnight but you can't quite afford a small cruiser, the 240CR makes an attractive option. For a compact, affordable cuddy cabin, the Stingray 240CR proves to be much more boat than meets the eye.