Stingray 269 DC

Stingray Boats raised a lot of eyebrows this year with the introduction of its all-new 269 DC — an innovative and appealing dayboat that was designed specifically with open waters like the Great Lakes in mind.

The 269 DC isn’t just longer and taller than every other model in the Stingray lineup, it’s built on a brand-new hull design that features a refined Carolina-style bow, named the Carolina Flare, to deal with steep seas and blowing spray. With plenty of freeboard all the way back to the swim platform, the 269 DC looks like it was made for having fun on the open water.

The easiest way to board the 269 DC is via its deep, full-width swim platform, which features a transom pass-through into the cockpit on the starboard side. A near full-width, aft-facing seat across the transom makes the ideal spot to relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset or dry off in the sun after a swim.

Step into the cockpit and you’re greeted by a double-wide, forward-facing bench seat, looking toward an L-shaped aft-facing lounge that runs along the port side. There are oversized stainless steel drink holders throughout, while the gunnels accommodate a number of flush-mount fishing rod holders, as well as a 15-gallon aerated livewell that’s neatly integrated into the aft port corner. Along with the insulated fishbox in the floor and the under-gunnel rod storage on the starboard side, there’s a lot here to please the anglers in the family.

All the comforts of home

Stingray’s goal for the 269 DC was to deliver all the comforts of home — starting with all-new upholstery and a remarkable Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 stereo system. Powered by a 500-watt, four-channel amplifier, the Fusion system streams music directly from smartphones and tablets over its own Wi-Fi network rather than via the traditional Bluetooth connection. Where Bluetooth has a limited range of frequencies that it can handle, Wi-Fi transmits everything, so you don’t lose the highs and lows. The difference in sound quality is dramatic, and it’s something boaters will not only hear, but truly appreciate. Download the free Fusion app and you can control everything remotely with a smartphone — or even a Garmin watch.

While the high-end stereo is standard, our review boat came with a couple of noteworthy cockpit upgrades in the form of a Kenyon grill and an Isotherm refrigerator — both neatly housed in the starboard-side entertainment center. The console includes a freshwater sink with a faucet and a handy work surface, making it the ideal spot to put together tasty meals for dining alfresco.

Stingray’s emphasis on spoiling family and guests is also evident in the surprisingly spacious head compartment that’s concealed within the passenger console. A solid-surface countertop, an elegant residential-style vessel sink, a residential-style chrome faucet and a porta-potti with level indicator all come standard, while a full porcelain head and holding tank are available as upgrades.

The exterior of the passenger console provides a thoughtful footrest, stainless steel cup holders and a stainless steel grab handle. Filling out the space is a wide and plushly upholstered companion seat with a fold-down armrest and a flip-up bolster.

The driver gets spoiled

The driver’s seat is a mirror image of the companion bolster, complete with identical upholstered coaming along the gunnel for added comfort when underway. The helm console is very neatly arranged, featuring an innovative and contemporary look that really accentuates the boat’s fresh design.

The dash panel on our review boat was dominated by a large Garmin GPSMap flat-screen display — one of several single- or double-screen electronics packages available for this model. Given that our test boat came with Yamaha power, a Yamaha 6YC engine display sat next to the big Garmin screen on the helm, with the stereo below it. Nearby, both USB and 12V outlets provide power for charging cell phones and other small devices.

To the right of the steering wheel, a row of backlit toggle switches for electrical accessories sit immediately ahead of the throttles, and just above a control pad for the Bennett trim tabs. But the real highlight of the helm is the deluxe stainless steel steering wheel, which comes complete with a silky-smooth turning knob and tilt function.

The helm console includes a substantial storage compartment in its base, and between the consoles lies another massive in-floor storage compartment ideal for bulky gear. Overhead, the fiberglass top and tall, walk-through safety glass windshield provide real protection from the elements, allowing Great Lakes boaters to extend their season earlier and later into the year.

Front row seating

Moving forward to the bow, Stingray’s 269 DC continues to impress with sumptuous forward-facing loungers complete with fold-down armrests. Fully upholstered wraparound coaming allows comfortable face-to-face seating for four or five adults and creates a wonderful space for private conversations.

Neatly recessed along each side of the bow are a pair of Fusion stereo speakers and additional stainless steel drink holders. There are also two USB and a single 12V outlet on each side, allowing passengers seated up front to keep their cell phones charged and games playing as they should. It’s just another thoughtful touch that reflects the needs of today’s boat buyers and Stingray’s attention to these important details.

Stingray offers a bow filler cushion set as an available option that really enhances the forward seating area. If you have kids, you’re going to want it. And even if you don’t have kids onboard, the cushion set still adds a lot to an already inviting space.

Get up and go

Stingray’s 269 DC raises the bar in terms of comfort and onboard amenities. But it’s still a Stingray, and that means you’re going to have a lot of fun underway thanks to its high-performance Z-Plane hull.

Pour the power on and the twin Yamaha 200s on the transom of our review boat lifted it out of the hole effortlessly, without any real bow rise to speak of. As you continue pushing the throttles forward, the 269 DC quickly settles into a nice level running attitude, requiring very little trim adjustment. At wide-open throttle our test boat hit 53 mph — plenty fast for a vessel of this size — and it did so while still delivering pleasing fuel economy thanks to the efficiency of the Z-Plane hull and the miserly consumption of the lightweight Yamahas. Add in the optional ZipWake trim control system for increased performance and stability.

The all-new 269 DC is Stingray’s biggest boat to date, and it might just be their biggest hit yet. With its flared Carolina bow, versatile layout, thoughtful amenities and sporty handling, there’s a lot to like here. Families in search of a pleasing dayboat that tows easily yet is still capable of exploring the farthest reaches of the Great Lakes will find that the 269 DC checks all the boxes.