Starcraft’s RX 23 is part of its new flagship pontoon series, pampering family buyers with plush furniture and performance. Rather than traditional aluminum panels or molded fiberglass, Starcraft debuts industry-first acrylic-capped ABS plastic panels over an aluminum framework that are durable, being UV- and impact-resistant. The system also features a high-gloss, mirrorlike finish. Another advantage? ABS is lighter than fiberglass, adding to the RX’s overall performance and fuel efficiency.
As promised, the interior indeed pairs plush seating and an equally eye-catching style. Plump couches line the port and starboard sides of the boat from bow to stern, with pillow-top uppers and generous thigh bolsters to cradle and secure passengers. Lumbar regions feature attractive diamond-pattern stitching, and each individual couch offers a recessed nook containing a pair of cup holders, and USB and USB-C charging ports. Roto-molded bases are wrapped in vinyl and offer plenty of low-maintenance storage potential below. Fiberglass helm and passenger consoles sit atop 3-inch-raised MarineMat-topped platforms that add a welcome increase in visibility forward. Check out their individual Taylor Made windshields. They’re rimmed in wide black frames and further enhance the boat’s individual character. Overhead, choose a standard power canopy or an optional cladded Sport Arch or Wake Tower, both with integrated Biminis, that offer shade and style.
Belowdecks, Starcraft’s HMX PR25 Performance Package features a trio of 25-inch-diameter tubes with individual lifting strakes and belowdecks aluminum skirting. It also adds hydraulic steering, a heavy-duty understructure and a stainless-steel ski pylon. The pontoon configuration, available in an optional black paint for those all-important style points, provided spirited handling at speed, with confident stability. Outboard motors are available from Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki or Honda from 150 to 300 hp. Our Yamaha 300 pushed the RX onto plane in 4 seconds, reached over 30 mph in just over 8, and topped out at 46.5 mph.
High Points
- Standard JL Audio MM50 Bluetooth stereo, Simrad NSS7, CZone digital switching and pop-up changing room.
- Welded transom and ¾-inch marine plywood deck, with a limited lifetime warranty on the floor, deck, tubes and transom.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha F300 XCB
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ¼” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| MSRP: | $114,668 (with Yamaha F300) |
| LOA: | 25’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,150 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 13/NA |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
