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Starcraft 22 SCX OB

Performance and style join easy outboard maintenance for coastal or inshore boating.

The forward-sponson hull on the Starcraft 22 SCX creates an extremely wide forward deck and expanded lounge area, not to mention cavernous amounts of stowage underneath. That’s one thing you’ll find in spades aboard this boat — tons of storage under nicely upholstered seating. But that’s not the only thing.

Dropping the throttle, the 250 Verado outboard pushed the 22 to plane in 3.6 seconds, hitting 30 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed was 51.5 mph at 5,900 rpm. In hard turns, the SCX performed admirably, with gentle slippage that kept me feeling in perfect control. The hard chines hooked in nicely in these turns and also gave the boat a more stable feel at slow speeds and at rest.

Standard items on the Starcraft SCX include a Bimini top, swim ladders fore and aft, and a pair of rod holders in the transom. Starcraft paid close attention to detail as well — a coaming rail was designed atop the forward gunwales, and it keeps water from dripping into the upholstery. Nice touch.

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Moving aft, the boat’s windshield opened and shut easily and securely, and I appreciated the neat efficiency of the helm station, with its swiveling captain’s chair with flip-up bolster, full fiberglass dash and standard JBL stereo system. My tester was also equipped with an optional Humminbird 385 ci fish finder.

The SCX is also available in a stern-drive package. That model, the 22 SCX IO, is rigged with a standard 260 hp MerCruiser 5.0 MPI Alpha and has a nifty flip-down sun pad designed into the aft L-lounge along with a beautiful swim platform with a nonskid deck. In separate testing of that boat ($42,599 with LS package), I hit 30 mph in 11.7 seconds and topped out at 46 mph at 5,400 rpm.

Both the outboard and stern-drive models can be outfitted with Starcraft’s luxury package. This includes snap-in carpet, lighted cup holders, a remote stereo plate, two extra speakers and a Corian sink with retractable washdown. As tested, my 22 SCX OB retailed for $51,899.

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It’s extra money well spent and transforms this boat into a real competitor for the price.

Comparable model: Hurricane SunDeck SD 2200 OB

Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950starcraftmarine.com

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