Opinions on Stingray 235LR in general and its wake for skiing

[Jaegertc]

I'd appreciate any opinions from owners of 235LRs, in general how they've liked the boat, whether they think it is worth getting one of the sport decks over the Stingray bowriders, and specifically, any opinions about the suitability of the 235's wake for skiing (I get that it isn't a purpose-built ski boat, but, at skiing speeds, what kind of a wake does it have?).

My planned use: will be trailering the boat to MN lakes. Do not have a lake home/cabin, so the boat will be the base of operations on any given day. Have young kids that enjoy tubing and will introduce them to skiing and other sports when age-appropriate (soon). Grew up on a lake myself and waterskied a lot (mostly slalom). When not skiing/tubing, etc., will be on the hook swimming and enjoying not being at my desk.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jkust]

Re: Opinions on Stingray 235LR in general and its wake for skiing

Which lakes in MN do you plan to boat?

 

[Jaegertc]

Re: Opinions on Stingray 235LR in general and its wake for skiing

Which lakes in MN do you plan to boat?

I guess anywhere that I can trailer to. I'm in the Metro, so Minnetonka and Prior Lake would be on the list, Brainerd lakes or anywhere "up North" on family vacations. Minnetonka would probably be the default if we didn't want to have to think it over too much, but I'm still in discovery mode, so recommendations are welcome.

 

[jkust]

Re: Opinions on Stingray 235LR in general and its wake for skiing

I guess anywhere that I can trailer to. I'm in the Metro, so Minnetonka and Prior Lake would be on the list, Brainerd lakes or anywhere "up North" on family vacations. Minnetonka would probably be the default if we didn't want to have to think it over too much, but I'm still in discovery mode, so recommendations are welcome.

Minnetonka is a bear to get onto if you don't show up much earlier that I am willing to in order to get a parking spot. That's a good sized boat for most any MN lake. Looks like 4100lbs or so dry weight. We do several of the Brainerd lakes and have a place on Big Thunder lake and another right by Mille Lacs. We hit the Gull chain as much as we can and Cobalts and Chaparrals rule the bowrider category there from what I have seen. You will see entire lines of them in those never ending no wake zones. On smaller lakes if you ever see one, it is a suprise. I don't see many Stingray's in general and don't see many boats over 21 feet for that matter. The Stingrays aren't the best for rough water but between the dry weight and the length, I'm sure you will be just fine. I have been wanting to try out the Whitefish chain as well but haven't found the time. We had a good time on the Woman lake chain last year as well. I like the lakes that are so big it is like an adventure whenever you are out. Those are the lakes when I and mostly my wife wished we had a bigger garage to own a bigger boat. Locally, when we just want to get wet, we are 30 seconds from Weaver lake. Pretty small but the deepest in Hennepin County and better than it sitting in the garage.