Stingray 182SC Review

Stingray Boats has long followed a simple philosophy of building well-designed boats with a focus on fun, and that’s very much the case with their remarkable 182SC deck boat. Simple to care for and easy to maintain, the Stingray 182SC is about spending time on the water with family – not wasting it in the driveway elbow-deep in maintenance.

For starters, the 182SC is just plain fun to drive, thanks in large part to its Z-plane performance hull. The Z-planes incorporated into the lower hull surface act as horizontal planing faces when the boat is at idle, helping it to rocket onto plane quickly and smoothly once power is applied. With the boat up and running, the Z-planes continue to contribute to the fun factor by controlling spray and ensuring that the boat’s running surface passes through water that’s free of any bubbles or vortices that could reduce performance. The smooth flow of water generated by this design is said to also allow the propeller a better bite, during both straight line speed and hard cornering.

The Stingray 182SC is just plain fun to drive, thanks to the performance of its Z-Plane hull design.

Stingray’s use of computerized design in creating the Z-plane hull has taken the accuracy level of manufacturing to incredible levels – to a near-microscopic 1/1000 of an inch. What’s more, the company’s boat designers can even plant little 3D human models into the seats and up on the decks during the computer design phase, allowing Stingray to actually form the inner hull around the driver and passengers. It sounds pretty cool, but to truly appreciate the benefit of this you have to step aboard and spend some time on the boat.

The big aft swim platform includes a retractable boarding ladder.

The easiest way to board from the dock is via the deep rear swim platform, which extends for a considerable distance on either side of the outboard engine and making it more functional than you might expect on a 19-foot boat. The starboard side accommodates a retractable stainless steel boarding ladder. Also on the starboard side is a low notch in the transom, which marks the cockpit entry.

The 182SC follows a simple layout that makes the most of its interior space.

Deck boats shine with their wide-open floor plans and generous seating arrangements, giving them such incredible versatility, and the Stingray 182SC is no exception. The aft end of the cockpit features a near full-width transom seat, which faces a big lounger on each side. Lift the seat cushion and you’ll find an enormous storage compartment that’s more than large enough to accommodate the included 25-quart Igloo removable cooler, which is super-convenient. Across the top of the transom you’ll also note a couple of recessed drink holders, as well as the mounting receptacle for the optional ski tow pylon.

There’s no shortage of storage space on this boat, including space under the transom seat for a removable 25-quart Igloo cooler. Best of all, it comes with the boat.

Look down and you’ll also spot a big storage hatch in the floor, which provides access to another enormous gear storage locker. A standard, self-bailing, full fiberglass liner with overboard drains gives the Stingray 182SC self-bailing capability, ensuring that any water that does come into the boat simply runs down the floor and out the drains. It protects the boat from getting too wet during unexpected overnight rains, and makes for easy cleanups at the end of the day – just hose it down to wash out the sand, and walk away.

Throughout the cockpit you’ll find more storage space for personal items under the seats, as well as an abundance of drink holders throughout. The upholstery work on the seats is quite nice, providing a great balance between supple comfort and firm support. The seat vinyl is stain resistant and Nano-block to resist UV fading. The port-side cockpit lounge includes an aft-facing back rest, providing the ideal spot to keep a careful watch on swimmers or wake boarders.

The helm is simple and straightforward, allowing plenty of space for aftermarket electronics.

The driver of the Stingray 182SC gets spoiled with a swiveling Captain’s chair, which faces a neatly designed dash with the essentials presented on two large, backlit dial gauges, leaving space to flush-mount a multi-function display between them. The sporty chrome-on-black Italian steering wheel gives the 182SC a sharp look, as well as excellent control underway. To the inboard side of the dash is the standard Fusion RA-55 stereo system, which includes Bluetooth streaming. An integrated driver’s foot rest in the console, and a small but effective windshield complete the helm.

The bow includes a second cooler between the twin lounge seats.

Passengers riding in the bow enjoy a pair of long and sumptuous lounge seats that provide a great view when underway. More drink holders, stereo speakers, and a built-in bow cooler make the front end the boat’s party zone, so expect the kids to fight over who gets to ride up front.

The bow lounge seats are the best seats in the house when underway.

The Stingray 182SC comes with pretty well everything a buyer could want as standard equipment. But since people all have different tastes, there’s also a lengthy option list with a number of appealing upgrades and packages, including goodies like more powerful stereos, SeaDek flooring, a wake tower, and a Bimini top for added sun protection on those really hot days.

Optional upgrades like a ski pylon and a Bimini top allow buyers to customize the boat as they see fit.

Boaters in the market for a fun deck boat that requires minimal upkeep will find a lot to like about the Stingray 182SC. With its focus on fun, this is one family runabout that is very easy to like, and just as easy to afford.

Stingray 182SC