Stingray 205LX 2008 vs Stingray 230SX 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Stingray 205LX 2008 or the Stingray 230SX 2005?

For trailering, the Stingray 205LX 2008 has the edge at 2 850 lbs dry weight versus 3 557 lbs for the Stingray 230SX 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 205LX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Stingray 230SX 2005 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Stingray 230SX 2005 measures 96" wide, compared to 93" for the Stingray 205LX 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Stingray 205LX 2008 or the Stingray 230SX 2005?

The Stingray 230SX 2005 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Stingray 205LX 2008. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Stingray 205LX 2008 and Stingray 230SX 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Stingray 205LX 2008 and the Stingray 230SX 2005 are built by Stingray. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Stingray 205LX 2008 vs Stingray 230SX 2005

Stingray

Stingray 205LX 2008

2008

View full specs →

Stingray

Stingray 230SX 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Stingray 205LX 2008 vs Stingray 230SX 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Stingray 205LX 2008 vs Stingray 230SX 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Stingray 205LX 2008 and Stingray 230SX 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeStingray

Model205LX

Model230SX

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam93 in. (236 cm)

Beam96 in. (244 cm)

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches93

Beam - Inches96

Bridge clearance - Detail47 in. (119 cm)

Bridge clearance - Detail52 in. (132 cm)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.19

Bridge clearance - Meters1.32

Bridge clearance - Inches47

Bridge clearance - Inches52

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches20

Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.79

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches31

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail2,850 lbs. (1,293 kg)

Weight - Detail3557 lbs. (w/ 6.2L MPI engine)

Weight - kg1292.74

Weight - kg1613.43

Weight - lbs.2850

Weight - lbs.3557

Length - Meters6.4

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet21

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 2 in. (6.4 m)

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 8 in. (6.9 m)

Length overall - Meters6.45

Length overall - Meters6.91

Length overall - Inches254

Length overall - Inches272

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 4.3 CARB 190 SX

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (133 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,700 lbs. (771.1 kg)

Maximum capacity1850 lbs. (839 kg)

Maximum people8

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity3 gal. (11 l)

Stingray 205LX 2008 vs Stingray 230SX 2005 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Stingray 205LX 2008 or the Stingray 230SX 2005?

For trailering, the Stingray 205LX 2008 has the edge at 2 850 lbs dry weight versus 3 557 lbs for the Stingray 230SX 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Stingray 205LX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Stingray 230SX 2005 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Stingray 230SX 2005 measures 96" wide, compared to 93" for the Stingray 205LX 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Stingray 205LX 2008 or the Stingray 230SX 2005?

The Stingray 230SX 2005 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Stingray 205LX 2008. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Stingray 205LX 2008 and Stingray 230SX 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Stingray 205LX 2008 and the Stingray 230SX 2005 are built by Stingray. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Stingray 205LX 2008 full specs ← Stingray 230SX 2005 full specs