When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012 and the Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 measures 23,9 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012 at 20,4 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 tips the scales at 4 175 lbs — 3 926 lbs less than the Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012 at 249 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012 carries a rated maximum of 150 hp. Engine data for the Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 carries 57 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Stingray 204LR Sport Deck 2012 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Stingray 235CR Sport Deck 2011 could be the deciding factor.