Stingray 208 CR Review

The all-new Stingray 208 CR blends sport boat handling with the comfort and convenience of a cuddy cabin for overnight trips.

Closed-deck runabouts aren’t as common as they once were, but that might just change if Huntsville, South Carolina-based Stingray Boats has any say. The company recognizes that not every buyer needs or wants the additional seating of a bowrider. Some boaters would prefer to use this forward space as a cuddy cabin instead, enjoying secure storage for bulky gear and comfortable accommodations for the occasional overnight trip.

Enter the all-new Stingray 208 CR – a sleek, nicely made performance runabout that blends sporty handling with the practicality of a cuddy cabin.

At the dock, the Stingray 208 CR looks elegant with its smoothly flowing lines and graceful sheer. The full-width swim platform flows seamlessly aft providing a convenient boarding point, allowing an easy transition over the sun pad and into the main cockpit.

The main cockpit features twin bucket seats at the consoles and a near full-width stern bench, only the center portion interrupted for the transom walk-through.

Our review boat was finished with Stingray’s two-tone Coffee interior treatment, with dark grey trim offsetting primarily tan upholstery. The stitching work on the seating was first-rate, hinting at the boat’s quality overall. The driver and companion are treated to supportive sport bucket seats, each with a flip-up bolster cushion for enhanced visibility when negotiating tight marina channels and narrow passages. Main cockpit passengers enjoy a near full-width stern bench seat, only the center portion interrupted for the transom walk-through. Lifting the seat cushions provides access to substantial storage lockers, the port-side one partially occupied by a removable 24-quart Igloo cooler.

Storage beneath the aft seat cushions accommodates bulky gear, like the supplied 24-quart Igloo cooler.

No matter where you sit in the 208 CR, you’ll find at least one stainless steel cup holder within easy reach, and all but the helm seat were provided with stainless steel grab handles for extra security when underway. A pair of stereo speakers in the main cockpit make the most of the Marine Audio MA100 Bluetooth stereo.

The main cockpit floor is fiberglass non-skid, a sensible choice that’s durable and easy to clean. The inner gunnels are upholstered to match the seating, for added comfort and a clean, finished look. Overhead, a full Bimini top keeps the mid-day sun at bay, while courtesy lighting provides a little added security after dark.

The driver and companion ride on comfortable bucket seats with flip-up bolster cushions for enhanced visibility when approaching docks or confined passages.

The Stingray 208 CR comes with a full walk-through windshield for easy access to the bow deck if required. Two stainless steel railings are a thoughtful touch here.

The helm console is very attractive, with a beefy, soft-touch steering wheel that feels great in hand. The throttle is perfectly positioned, coming to hand easily and without having to reach.

A sporty chrome-on-black steering wheel accents the neatly designed console, with classic round gauges providing all the relevant information in a glance.

The passenger console offers a stainless steel cup holder and a well-placed grab handle, while both consoles include a nice raised footrest with a non-skid finish. Between the consoles, a bi-fold door opens to access the cuddy cabin.

The cuddy cabin is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. With the filler cushions installed, the entire area converts to an inviting bed.

You wouldn’t expect the cuddy on a 20-foot runabout to offer much, but this is where Stingray hits a real home run. Not only is the cabin space in the 208 CR much larger and brighter than one would expect, but it’s more than comfortable enough for the occasional weekend away. The seating wraps around a central table, normally serving as a great dining space. Remove the table and install two cushions and the space quickly converts to a surprisingly comfortable, near King-sized bed. Mesh pockets for small item storage, a pair of stereo speakers, excellent ventilation via an overhead round hatch and a Porta-potti make this an attractive space for weekend getaways.

Our review boat came equipped with a Volvo Penta 200 horsepower V6, a compact, quiet and fuel efficient engine that’s known for its performance.

While its accommodations, fit and finish are all superb, what really sets the Stingray 208 CR apart is its performance. Alone in the boat and with a half-tank of fuel, the 200-horsepower Volvo Penta V6 puts the boat on plane in a little over three seconds. At wide-open throttle, it reached 53 mph on my GPS with the Volvo turning at 5,900 rpm. Talk about a pocket rocket!

The real fun comes when running the boat in sweeping turns and slaloms. It responds to the steering wheel instantaneously, behaving far more like a sportscar than a boat. It goes where it’s pointed, easily and willingly, without bogging down or ventilating in the turns. Handling is, in a word, delightful.

The Stingray 208 CR was a joy to drive, hitting 53 mph on the GPS while delivering crisp, precise handling.

For those who need more than a bowrider, the Stingray 208 CR really delivers. This is a fast, sporty, great looking and well equipped runabout with the versatility to manage overnight trips in comfort.