Sooner or later, almost every boater begins to entertain thoughts of spending serious time on board — not just a night or a weekend — but a week or two, or maybe even a whole month, cruising up and down the Intracoastal Waterway, or heading for an exotic port of call. That's when you start looking at cruisers, boats designed to keep you and your passengers cozy and comfy in just about any weather or water condition, for as long as you want to stay on board. A step up from a cuddy cabin and a step shy of a yacht, the cruiser is, for many boaters, the ultimate on-water machine.

Coolest feature The wide-open helm/cockpit layout adds a sense of space and roominess so the 250CS feels as accommodating as a much larger boat.
Families Will Love With an 8-foot-6-inch beam and a dry weight of only 5,025 pounds, the 250CS can be easily trailered so families can save marina fees as well as enjoy access to waters near and far.
Top Amenities Enclosed head with shower; freshwater sink; lockable cabin doors; opening cabin windows with screens; high-output bilge blower; insulated ice/storage box; stainless-steel bow rails; aluminum deck hatch with screen; and walk-through windshield with bow access step.
Best Reason to Buy The dimensions and design of the dual-cabin 250CS make it large and accommodating, but it's also trailerable.

The Stingray 250CS was one of 12 models featured in this article.

Dave Kelley
February 2007