The SVX series deck boat has proven one of Starcraft’s most versatile platforms. It combines a stable reverse-chine hull that excels in a variety of water conditions with a rectangular profile topside, which maintains beam width nearly all the way forward to maximize interior space. Within, a deeper-than-average cockpit provides a secure feel for passengers and the confidence to venture into larger waters. If those features sound like they’d make the SVX 231 OB a great center-console fishboat or coastal explorer, we agree. Our test boat even looked the part, decked out with the pastel hull colors now popular in the offshore fishing segment.
Center-consoles work well for tasks such as fishing because they offer uninterrupted access to nearly all of a boat’s perimeter, but family boats aren’t battlewagons. The SVX 231 balances the needs of both audiences with a versatile layout, featuring a doublewide leaning post for the captain and mate, a U-shaped bench wrapping the spacious, rectangular bow cockpit, and a solo seat in front of the console. Aft, a transom seat carries two more passengers. An optional pop-in ski pylon is ready to pull family members on their choice of towables.
Ready to fish? Fold up that transom seat to clear the deck aft. A standard livewell waits to port. Its clear acrylic lid stays open while accessing the contents within thanks to friction hinges. A recessed tray on the gunwale is a perfect spot for lures. Pull-out Plano tackle boxes reveal themselves in drawers amidships, along with storage for multiple rods in each inwale. Remove the forward bow cushion, and the MarineMat-covered forward deck doubles as a casting platform. An additional livewell can be added below the revealed step. Other potential options include a trolling motor and plug, pedestal fishing seats and a console hardtop.
Underway, our test boat handled with the agility we’ve come to expect from the SVX hull, carving aggressive corners at speed and easily handling lake chop. The 300 hp Yamaha outboard on the transom pushed the boat onto plane in a scant 3 seconds and to 30 mph in 5.9, and topped out at a speedy 50 mph.
High Points
- Stainless-steel bow rails and MarineMat flooring on the bow and stern platforms.
- Storage compartments finished with Gatorshield for durability.
- Privacy curtain with a portable toilet, and JL stereo upgrade are options.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha F300 XCB
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15¼” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 335 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| MSRP: | $83,291 (with Yamaha F300) |
| LOA: | 22’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,263 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/1,900 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
