Stingray 269 DC Review

Building on its shining reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance runabouts, bowriders and deck boats, Stingray Boats has taken a bold step forward for 2020 with its all-new Stingray 269 DC.

Built for big water, the Stingray 296 DC features an all-new hull with a Carolina-style bow to deal with steep seas and blowing spray. With plenty of freeboard all the way back to the swim platform, the 269 DC just looks like it was made for fun on the open water.

That’s even more apparent when you step aboard and get comfy. All Stingray models get a completely new upholstery upgrade for 2020, utilizing a lush, super-soft vinyl with an attractive pebbled finish that suggests a classic sports car. Available in tan, grey or coal finishes, the new seating gives all of the boats a modern, contemporary look but nowhere more than on the big 269 DC. Our test boat was furnished with the stunning grey upholstery, which perfectly complemented its Seaside blue hull. On the transom, a pair of Yamaha F200 outboards stood at the ready.

The spacious aft cockpit includes seating, storage and a galley.

With its generous freeboard the easiest way to board the Stingray 269 DC is via its deep, full-width swim platform, which features a transom pass-through into the cockpit on the starboard side. It also neatly conceals a retractable boarding ladder, hinting at the fun ahead.

Attention to detail includes stainless steel drink holders throughout, both USB and 12-volt outlets and an incredible stereo system by Fusion Audio.

As you enter the cockpit the attention to detail in this new boat is impressive. The spacious aft cockpit features plenty of seating, a large in-floor storage compartment, a pair of Fusion Audio stereo speakers and several stainless steel drink holders. In-gunnel fishing rod storage, flush-mount stainless rod holders atop the gunnel and an 18-gallon live well will all be welcomed by the anglers in the family, while additional drink holders and push-down cleats and a new ski tow please everyone. But the most impressive cockpit features is the Stingray 269 DC’s standard galley, located on the starboard side. Our review boat came fully loaded with options, including the addition of a Kenyon grill up top and a fridge in the galley base.

Our review boat included an optional galley refrigerator, and a Kenyon grill.

The passenger console, complete with foot rest, a stainless steel grab handle and a couple more Fusion Audio speakers, conceals a spacious and well appointed head compartment, complete with a Dometic porcelain toilet, a sink, a residential-style faucet and an attractive solid-surface countertop.

Set in a contrasting blue fiberglass, the helm features a fresh, modern design.

The helm console is very neatly designed, with a large Garmin flat-screen display, a Yamaha display for the engine data, and an audiophile Fusion RA-770 stereo with Wi-Fi streaming capability. Wi-Fi streaming provides much greater dynamic range than Bluetooth, so it doesn’t clip the highs and lows the way that Bluetooth does, providing a much greater concert hall-like sound.

The helm also includes USB and 12-volt power outlets, controls for the Bennett trim tabs, a stainless steel cup holder and nice stainless steel steering wheel with a turning knob. Backlit rocker switches control electrical accessories like the trim tabs, freshwater bilge, docking lights, courtesy lights and navigation lights. Both the helm and passenger seats have flip-up bolsters, which is a nice touch.

The 269 DC features a huge amount of storage space, including in-gunnel rod racks.

Spanning the two consoles is a tall wraparound windshield, complete with an air dam below it that allows users to completely close off the cockpit, which is much appreciated on those cool mornings or when operating early or late in the season.

Bow seats wrap all the way around for versatile seating. Adding filler cushions converts the space to an appealing sun pad.

The bow seating is quite spacious and comfortable, with the Stingray 269 DC’s size contributing to the roomy seating dimensions. Twin forward-facing loungers with fold-down arm rests wrap completely around the bow, while adding a filler cushion gives the seating full continuity and converts the space to a nice sunning area. Coaming on the sides is very tall, allowing occupants to sit facing any direction they choose with equal comfort and support. No less than four stainless steel drink holders ensure a cold beverage is always within easy reach, while two more Fusion Audio speakers keep the music pumping. There’s even USB and 12 volt-outlets on each side to keep cell phones fully charged at all times.

Twin Yamaha F200 outboards give the 6,200-pound 269 DC plenty of get-up-and-go.

With twin Yamaha F200 outboards, the Stingray 269 DC will do 53 mph at wide-open throttle, which is plenty fast for a boat of this size. More importantly, it runs beautifully, with the new hull simply lifting onto plane as you pour the power on, without any significant bow rise to obscure your view. The deep-V hull gives the 269 DC excellent turning ability, while the two big Yamaha’s deliver excellent fuel economy.

Stingray’s 269 DC will reach 53 mph at wide-open throttle with the twin 200s.

Looking for a nicely made boat that will accommodate the whole family in comfort? the Stingray 269 DC demands a closer look with its tasteful appointments, pleasing performance and incredible value.