Stingray 172SC Review

The affordable and capable Stingray 172SC proves that you don’t need to be rich to own a great boat.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the world today is that boaters are all ultra-wealthy people who spend their time on the water choking down caviar and champagne. Yet the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, new data from the US Coast Guard confirms that 68% of boaters in the US have a household income of $75,000 of less. What’s more, almost half of US boaters have a household income of $50,000 or less, proving beyond all doubt that boating really is for everyone.

Stingray’s 172SC is a versatile and affordable bowrider that’s designed to be easy to own, easy to care for, and focused on fun.

Stretching 17 feet, three inches in overall length and stretching a full 90 inches wide, the Stingray 172SC takes the best from traditional bowrider designs and adds in a bunch of modern features to give it greater versatility and more interior space.

For starters, the boat features Stingray’s Z-Plane hull design for sporty handling and performance. The Z-Planes incorporated into the hull surface act like full-length fins when the boat is at idle, helping it to climb onto plane quickly and effortlessly when you apply the throttle. With the boat up on its running surface, the Z-planes help control spray for a quieter, drier ride. The smooth flow of water generated by the Z-Plane design is also said to give the propeller a cleaner bite, in both straight line acceleration and hard cornering maneuvers.

Stingray’s 172 SC is a wide boat for its length, and that’s really clear when you look at how much floor space it offers. That full-length passageway is even wider than the big bow lounge seats! Also note the neatly integrated drink holders and in-floor storage locker.

That wide hull design also means a lot more space, both inside and outside the transom. When you walk up to the boat it’s hard to miss the fact the Stingray 172SC has a full-width swim platform – unusual on an outboard-powered boat of this size. There’s even a retractable stainless steel boarding ladder on the starboard side, which is a nice touch.

Also unusual for a boat of this size is the Stingray’s full-width swim platform, with plenty of space to pass from side to side in front of the engine.

Step inside and the cockpit offers plenty of seating space with a large, U-shaped wrap-around bench that extends forward along both sides. This seat provides cavernous storage compartments in its base, including a dedicated space along the centerline to stow the removable 25-quart cooler. This is a much better arrangement than a built-in cooler, since it’s far easier to fill it at home.

A removable 25-quart Igloo cooler fits under the big U-shaped cockpit seat.

The port-side seat features a removable back rest about halfway along its length, allowing it to be used for either forward-facing or stern-facing seating, and is protected by a neat console with its own bubble windshield.

Both the passenger and driver consoles feature plenty of storage space and a thoughtful integrated footrest. The small bubble windshields work surprisingly well to deflect the wind when underway.

The matching helm console is neatly laid out with a swiveling bucket seat for the driver, an attractive padded steering wheel with tilt functionality, and twin multi-function gauges up top. A small, mesh-sided storage tray in the helm holds sunglasses and other small items securely, yet within easy reach of the driver.

Best of all, the helm also houses a Fusion RA-55 stereo, which is a standard feature and not an optional upgrade, by the way. That’s a pretty high-end stereo for a boat that’s made to be affordable, but Stingray knows what matters to its customers and doesn’t cut any corners.

The helm is simple, but comes with a nice wheel with tilt function. Note the big, inviting space in the middle of the dash just waiting for the buyer’s choice of flush-mount touch-screen display.

As another thoughtful touch, both the passenger and helm consoles have molded-in foot rests for added comfort underway.

Between the consoles, a large in-floor storage locker accommodates all sorts of bulky gear with ease, keeping it out of the way yet instantly accessible.

The passenger side cockpit seat features an adjustable back rest that can provide either forward-facing or aft-facing seating, or be removed altogether to create a big sunning lounger.

Up front in the bow of the Stingray 172SC, a pair of long and luxurious lounge seats make this the perfect spot to stretch out and enjoy the sunshine. Look closely and you’ll spot a couple of integrated drink holders, two more stereo speakers, thoughtful gunnel padding to save elbows from bumping hard fiberglass, and even a couple of grab handles for added security when underway.

A central step up in the bow makes a convenient spot to board the boat from the bow. Look underneath its non-slip lid and there’s a handy storage compartment with a drain, allowing it to be used as a second cooler.

When the mid-day sun gets to be too much, an optional Sunbrella Bimini top provides welcome relief. Also note the optional ski tow on this boat.

Being a Stingray, the 172SC is a pure delight to drive. It’s rated to accept outboards of up to 90 horsepower, which will push this boat to near 40 mph. That’s plenty fast on the water, giving this sporty ride the performance to match its good looks.

Best of all, the entire package sells for a hair over $25,000 complete with a 90 horsepower Suzuki outboard. Broken into monthly payments, that’s definitely affordable.

So who says boating is only for the super-rich? Get in on the fun with the Stingray 172SC, and you’ll quickly agree that life really is better with a boat.