Starcraft SCX 230 I/O

With the roominess inherent in its pickle-fork-influenced bow, the tow potential offered by its forward-swept water-sports arch, and the family-friendly confines of an ultra-deep and secure cockpit, the SCX 230 I/O will satisfy a wide variety of masters. That pickle-fork style provides the real estate for a clever bow area. Twin lounges are status quo, but pop out the middle filler cushion and add the pedestal table, and you’ve got unique, conversation-friendly “four corners” seating. A 5-foot-wide aft bench and twin captain’s chairs at the helm and port console round out the traditional cockpit seating, replacing the L-shaped cockpit lounge of 2014. The switch adds a welcome head compartment in the port console, with 3 feet 8 inches of headroom, sink and lockable door.

Behind that aft bench is a mirror-image bench facing the swim platform, a great spot to gear up for water sports or take a swim break. Should you want to work on your tan, lower the shared backrest to complete a 4-foot-7-inch by 3-foot-10-inch sun pad. SeaDek graced our test boat’s swim platform, which included a recessed nook for a four-step stainless-steel ladder. When it’s time to stow the tow toys, a massive 78-by-26-by-17-inch lockable ski locker sits below the cockpit floor.

Like many of today’s pickle-fork-inspired bow designs, a deep-V hull is at work below. Starcraft’s dihedral-V design offers a deeper V along the centerline, combined with reverse chines on the outer sponsons for added stability. Powered by a Volvo Penta V8-300-C, the 230 jumped onto plane in 3.8 seconds, passed the 30 mph mark in 7.5 and topped out at a brisk 49.8 mph. The Duoprop drive also offered good control in reverse, making for precision control around a crowded dock area.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Thanks to pickle-fork-inspired design, the bow offers exceptional room; a clever seating layout easily transitions from parallel lounges to four-seat dinette.
*New portside console design offers space for a head compartment, changing room or lockable stowage.
*Versatile aft seat transitions from mirror-image benches to massive sun pad.
*Water-sports lovers are well served by the forward-swept tow arch and massive in-floor ski locker.
*Volvo Penta V8-300 sterndrive provides great acceleration and top speed, zooming the SCX 230 I/O to over 49 mph.
*This boat’s racy looks are sure to get boaters’ adrenaline flowing — even before they experience the performance on the water.

How We Tested
Engine: Volvo Penta V8-300-C
Drive/Prop: Duoprop/F5 stainless-steel propset
Gear Ratio: 1.95:1
Fuel Load: 37 gal.
Crew Weight: 150 lb.

Price
$52,675 (with test power)