TOPIC: Manta Ray questions ???

What is the differance between a Manta Ray Runabout & Premier?

I see a number of Manta Rays in the catalog pics that have a port helm. Was that a factory option?

Thanx.

Runabout was one of three Manta Ray models made; Racer, Skier, and Runabout. Premier was how it was finished out; lots of vinyl on the interior, lots of trim. Most of these early dashboards were mirror images. You could install the wheel to port or starboard, whatever the buyer wanted. Counter rotating often had wheel to port where clockwise rotating were mounted to stbd to help balance driver and torque.

C.F. : Old time dealers will usually say customers wanted the control / shift box on the side of the boat to feel more secure with their stronger arm .. Most people are right handed , thus Starboard side. . Late 50's early 60's general public were getting 1st boats , try teaching your wife to use her Left hand to shift a Mercury pistol grip shifter ...! ."Dock-Buster"....

the mantaray runabout was the only model to offer front and rear bench seating.

Manta Ray and Sting Ray shared the same top hence same seating options:

Factory photo (Sting Ray)

Thanx for the input guy's. The pics in the library show the dash curved at the end. The classy lil red & white Dave posted looked like mine, I was wondering if it was a modified dash or vinyl & padding.

Sounds like the helm side was a dealer/buyer thing, as it was not listed as an option.

they were vinyl and padding.