Kids love riding forward, but the shallow depth of many bow cockpits gives parents pause. Starcraft’s 240 SCX boasts nearly three feet of nerve-soothing depth, a thing few boats can rival. The pickle-fork-influenced styling creates a generous 5-foot-by-5-foot-8-inch rectangular bow with four inviting corner seats and a removable table. Ditch the table and add side filler cushions, and those four seats become traditional port and starboard benches with room to recline.
Starcraft forgoes the traditional sun-pad-topped engine compartment for an aft bench. Another bench faces the swim platform. I found it a great spot for gearing up for water sports or hanging out while at anchor. Lower the benches’ shared backrest, and you’ve got a tanning bed. Forgoing the sun pad eases maintenance. Below the base, I found good access to the engine’s maintenance points without having to crane awkwardly over the seat.
When it’s time to play, an oversize, 1-foot-6-inch-deep ski locker swallows up the water toys. Fore and aft swim platforms feature four-stepped ladders; the extra rung aft makes it easier to clamber aboard after a ski or wake session. A starboard cockpit wet bar includes a stainless sink and solid-surface countertop. The port console head compartment offers nearly four feet of headroom.
Starcraft uses a wood stringer grid, encapsulated in glass and with foam injected into the resulting voids. Hardware is also backed with wood; captain’s chairs and ladders feature additional aluminum backing plates. Additions to the boat since our early-season test include a stainless-steel transom gate with Plexiglas door.
My test boat was equipped with Starcraft’s LS package ($2,634), an upgrade that adds snap-in carpet, lighted cup holders, underwater lighting, a transom shower and stereo with USB port, subwoofer, amp, two rear-facing speakers and remote touch pad. It’s plush but still performs. With a 300 hp MerCruiser 350 Mag linked to a Bravo Three drive, I noted a 4.6-second time to plane and agile handling en route to the boat’s 47.5 mph top speed.
Comparable model: Chaparral 244 Sunesta
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
