STINGRAY 250LR
Stingray's largest bowrider is designed to please the most discerning boaters.
Big, bold, and beautiful may be overused words to describe a new model, but in the case of Stingray's 250LR,
they may understate the truth.
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| LOA: | 25'0"/7.6m |
| Beam: | 8'6"/2.59m |
| Dry Weight (popular eng): | 4056 lbs/1844 kg |
| Deadrise: | 21 degrees |
| Draft (drive down): | 34"/.86m |
| (Drive Up): | 17"/.43m |
| Fuel Capacity: | 68 gal/257 L |
| Power as Tested: | Volvo 8.1L Gi DP 375hp |
| Base Price: | $48,924 (US) |
| Price as Tested: | $53,295 (US) |
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With its LOA of 25 feet, beam of eight feet, six inches, an inside bow depth of 39 inches and cockpit depth
of 36 inches, this boat is safe for the whole family. In addition to its bold colours and features, this year
the 250 sports new jet-black graphics, a shear line that sweeps from bow to stern, and an interior of moulded
components to offer easy access throughout.
The 250 was introduced for the company's 25th anniversary in 2005. This year, at a special introduction at
its headquarters in Hartsville, South Carolina, Power Boating Canada was given the chance to test the
2006 model and we jumped at the opportunity.
Boarding the 250 is a breeze with its very large, integrated, extended platform. It comes complete with a
concealed stainless steel boarding ladder, three handrails, a recessed tow eye, transom cold water
shower/washdown and stereo remote. There's also a draining storage compartment that doubles as a non-skid step
up to the notched center section of the transom for access to the cockpit. The center (of seven) cushions of
the U-shaped lounge also removes for easier entry. Under the other six upholstered cushions, which feature
extra heavy-duty 36-ounce vinyl treated with PreFixx for easy cleaning, is carpeted and fiberglass finished
storage space. There are dedicated retainer clips to store the cockpit table that can also be used in the bow.
Two additional filler cushions convert this seating arrangement to a large sun lounge.
Port and starboard refreshment centres separate the aft lounge from the driver and passenger Avenir, swivel
bucket seats. They are adjustable and feature flip-up bolsters. The port refreshment centre features a
moulded sink with cold water, drink holders, and dedicated storage for the portable 25-quart Igloo cooler. The
starboard refreshment centre has a huge top loading, draining cooler, trash compartment, more drink holders,
plus a moulded recess for a fire extinguisher.
Located forward of the passenger bucket is a lockable door for the head/change room. This room highlights a
Porta Potti with pumpout, screened port window, and Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo with a standard dash-mounted remote
control. Just ahead of the helm is a dry, storage compartment for the bow and stern filler cushions, PFDs, and
other gear.
The helm features all the standard large and small gauges on a non-glare moulded dash with backlit,
weatherproof rocker accessory switches. A custom Dino stainless steel tilt-wheel, Ritchie compass, and dedicated
mounting spots for a digital depthfinder are also included. A large flat area to the right of the wheel is
designated space for electronics. Our test boat also sported the optional Lenco trim tab controls with digital
tab position indicators. All controls came readily to hand and visibility through the high windshield (with
opening side vents) was excellent.
Beneath the wide, opening section of this windshield is a scuppered, draining in-floor storage area large
enough to stow water toys, skis or wakeboards. The spacious bow features curved side lounges with padded
backrests and storage beneath the seat cushions. A non-skid bow step, which houses a draining cooler, leads
up to a bow locker with anchor mounting brackets.
Our test boat was equipped with one of the several engine packages for 2006, a Volvo Penta 8.1L Gi DP
producing an impressive 375 hp. Volvo Penta's official test results reveal zero to 30 mph in just 7.9 seconds.
At 2,000 rpm, the 250 can reach a speed of 22.6 mph with a fuel consumption of 8.6 gph. At 3,000 rpm, the 250
can attain speeds of 38.6 mph and while at 4,000 rpm it'll hit 55 mph. At full throttle, the Volvo/Stingray
package can offer a whopping speed of 62 mph at 4,500 rpm. The most efficient cruising speed would appear, from
these test results, to be from 2,500 to 2,800 rpm at 30-plus mph with a fuel consumption of approximately 10
gph.
Since there are approximately 12 combinations of MerCruiser or Volvo Penta sterndrive power options, speak
to your local dealer about your particular needs before you buy. I doubt there are many who will want or need
a 375 hp 8.1L engine. But the fact that it's available demonstrates the versatility and capabilities of this
boat. Not only is the 250 big, bold, and beautiful, it's lightning fast too.
Richard Crowder
Power Boating Magazine
Boat Test Annual 2006 issue
Volume 20, Number 6 - Dec 2005
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