Starcraft Starstep 229 CC

Starcraft has as much experience building deck boats as any company on the landscape. They also specialize in big-water fishing boats. The new Starstep 229 CC brings together Starcraft’s expertise in both fields. The result is a runabout-quality deck boat with space for families to recreate, but with the bonus of open traffic areas around the center-console helm for people who like to fish.

At full throttle we found this 22-footer, which Starcraft built for nearshore ocean and big-lake fishermen, to be surprisingly nimble. It’s surprising because we’d describe many wide-bottomed deck boats as “deliberate” in maneuvers rather than nimble. The center console enhances the control and visibility for the captain. Yet the boat still has a wide enough footprint to ensure tracking and stability, even at a top speed of 50 mph with a Yamaha 225.

The boat’s comfortable ride is due to its new after-plane hull, which extends 22 inches past the transom and results in a longer running surface for faster planing and less bow rise. Just as a longer wheelbase smoothens the ride in an automobile, a longer running surface smoothens the ride in a boat, especially in rough water.

Visibility is good from behind the center console, which has clear, easy-to-read gauges. Our most avid angler on the test team liked the 18-gallon livewell in the bow. Another smaller well is located at the stern, which also has a bait-cutting station with flaps mounted at an angle toward the rear. Two washdown hoses are on board to wash the debris into the transom well. The cutting station folds into its own compartment when not in use, at which point the Starstep turns back into a family deck boat. We’d outfit the bow with the snap-in cushions to further that personality.

At A Glance…
This center-console deck boat caters to families who engage in multiple activities on big bodies of water.

Vital Stats * Length Overall: 22′ * Beam: 8’6″ * Dry Weight: 2,800 lb. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 13/2,500 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 50 gal. * Maximum HP: 250 hp * MSRP (w/ Yamaha 255): See Local Dealer * NMMA Certified: Yes

Notable Features * Bow seating includes one chair that removes to clear the casting platform. * Head compartment is finished in vinyl for a clean, contemporary look and easy maintenance. * Three-tube rod storage is recessed into the port gunwale, making it simple to grab or stow a rod. * Big in-floor storage compartments can hold gear for fishing or water sports. * Flip-up bait cutting station at the transom tilts down for easy washdown.

Test Drive * Test Engine: Yamaha 255 hp Four-Stroke * Test Prop: 13.75 X 19 Reliant * Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (15 gal.) * Top Speed: 50.2 mph @ 6,200 rpm * Time to Plane: 3.5 sec. * Time to 30 mph: 8 sec. * Minimum Plane : 18 mph @ 2,900 rpm

Power Curve

RPM MPH Sound Level (db)

Idle 2.6 61

1,000 4.6 65

1,500 6.2 66

2,000 7.7 70

2,500 9.4 74

3,000 18.4 80

3,500 25.0 82

4,000 29.0 83

4,500 33.1 91

5,000 37.7 90

5,500 42.6 93

6,200 50.2 93