When attacking the realms of fishing and skiing with a single boat, certain things
are to be expected. The boat should be fleet of foot and have the basic features that
every angler needs. Stingray's new 190FX is swift and loaded with the tools of the
angling trade, but what's surprising is how far it goes beyond the regular
expectations.
With the Stingray 190FX, you've got a range of choices for on-water activities:
fishing, skiing, cruising, or just plain letting it all out with a burst of speed.
We most enjoyed the 190FX when the wind was blowing through our hair. When it comes
to moving out, this boat will leave many in its wake.
Fast as a Jack Rabbit
The 190FX jumps to plane quickly and is tight in turns. The running was smooth at
cruising speeds. Our experience with Stingray's patented Z-plane hull has been positive
in the past, and this boat bears that out. It's rated as one of the most fuel efficient
in its size range.
We'd suggest the EFI option, especially if you're going to do some skiing. The
extra power helps get the skier out of the hole quicker. The reliability of EFI over
a carburetor notwithstanding, there's not much difference among the V-6 power
choices.
Our test boat was equipped with a 210 hp MerCruiser 4.3 liter V-6 engine with
electronic fuel injection. The other MerCruiser option available for the 190 is a
carburetor version of the same block that puts out 190 hp. Both sets are paired with
an Alpha One drive turning a 23-inch aluminum prop. There's a difference of 2 mph in
the top end between the two. Our FX was factory rated to do 56 mph.
If you prefer Volvo Penta power, you can select from a 4.3GL or a 4.3GI EFI engine
coupled with an SX drive. Top speed numbers for the V-6 Volvo Pentas are identical to
the MerCruisers.
The Basics
The 190FX is a fish and ski model with an overall length of 19 feet and a beam of
7 feet, 7 inches. The boat weighs an easily trailerable 2,590 pounds (dry) with the
base engine, so you can take it along anywhere without having to buy a monster truck
to pull it.
The cockpit handles five adults: two in captain's chairs and three on a bench. Two
more people can stretch their legs at the bow.
Storage spaces can be found everywhere — under the bench seats, in the
coaming, in the deck and in the engine compartment. The helm has full engine
instrumentation set against a standard wood-grain panel and switches to control
accessories. An optional Humminbird depth gauge and tilt steering can both be
installed, as can a Sony high-power AM/FM stereo cassette deck with four speakers.
Casting Off
Statistically speaking, fishing is one of the most popular activities among boaters,
and the 190FX is up to the task. The boat's fishing configuration is quite
versatile.
A 36-quart livewell is situated under the center section of the cockpit bench
seat. The livewell is standard, and includes the recirculating pump. There are two
lockers large enough to swallow a tackle box — one situated on each side of
the livewell.
The large hatch in the center of the cockpit sole makes for excellent ski or board
storage. It could also hold fishing rods with ease. The two-drawer tackle locker at
the bow peak will assist you in keeping your lures organized.
When you open the walk-through windshield and enter the forward seating area, you
can place a filler panel between the bowrider seats. This serves as a sunpad when
it's covered with a cushion, but it also has the base for a casting chair.
Just to port is an electrical panel with accessory switches and a power plug for a
trolling motor. It's a short reach from the casting chair. There's a pad molded into
the fiberglass at the bow for mounting the trolling motor base. When you order the
Fish and Ski option package, a second battery is included.
Double Duty
At the aft end of the 190FX, the engine hatch serves double duty in much the same way
as the bow area. The hatch serves as a sunpad when the snap-on cushion is in place.
Take the cushion off to reveal the base mount for a second casting chair.
The casting platform is carpeted — a nice touch that will go a long way
toward keeping the bottom of your feet cool on hot summer days. The same all-weather
marine carpeting runs throughout the cockpit of the boat.
As for the other watersports, the 190FX is equipped with a two-step, recessed swim
ladder on the molded-in swim platform. There's a ski-two eye in the middle of the
transom, too.
A pair of gas-assisted shock absorbers keeps the engine hatch open. This makes it
easy to stow the fishing chairs inside the engine compartment, along with the convertible
top. There's plenty of room for working on the engine, and everything is within easy
reach for fluid checks and fills.
Stingray's 190FX comes with a standard Sunbrella convertible top. You can upgrade
to a full canvas set with side curtains. A mooring cover is available for the cockpit
as well as the bow area.
No matter what your other option choices, you'll be satisfied with the bottom-line
choice of the Stingray 190FX. The boat delivers excellent performance, a host of
features and plenty of versatility — all delivered at a very affordable price.
Where else can you get a boat that will do so much (complete with trailer) for
around $20,000? Check it out. There's a lot to see.
Go Boating Test Team
Go Boating Magazine
