Stingray 198 LX

Typical used values

Ranges interpolate 3 hand-anchored years at 7%/yr depreciation off-curve. Hours and saltwater service further adjust; a full Deal Report scores those for a specific listing.

Known issues to check (2)

• High Standard sterndrive checklist dominates: bellows, gimbal bearing, manifold/riser age, and — the segment classic — winterization history. A freeze-cracked block is the hidden total loss.
• Low Stingray's Z-plane hull runs efficiently with modest power, so many examples are base-engined; sea-trial loaded before assuming performance.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

1. Sterndrive service history: bellows age, gimbal, riser/manifold receipts.
2. Block and manifold freeze-damage inspection on any northern boat.
3. Upholstery and cockpit sole condition — the price levers at this tier.

Typical engines (1)

• MerCruiser sterndrive (gas, 4.5L–6.2L) sterndrive · gas · base score 70/100 · high-use ≥ 100 hrs/yr

  The most common inboard/outboard in US bowriders and cruisers. The engine itself (GM-based) is reliable; the maintenance burden is the drive and exhaust. Bellows, gimbal bearing, U-joints, and — in any saltwater service — exhaust manifolds and risers are the recurring costs.

  Bellows/gimbal every ~5 years; manifolds/risers every ~6–8 years (or 3–4 in salt) at $2.5–4K. Pull the drive on inspection — deferred drive service is the classic hidden cost.

Resale liquidity (75/100)

Family-owned South Carolina builder with a loyal value-segment following; trades slightly above Bayliner/Tahoe money on build reputation, below the big mid-tier names.