Walking through the Starcraft Limited 2000 IO, I sat down on the sun pad, looked out over the water behind the transom and imagined the possibilities. Could I kick back and cultivate a tan? Watch kids dive off the integrated swim platform? Use it as a staging area to put on a ski? Step through the transom walk-through to handle dock lines or pull fenders out of the dedicated stowage? To every scenario, the answer proved “yes.”
The 2000 ably fulfills the deck-boat mission statement to be an aquatic sport utility vehicle, offering a mix of space, performance and versatility to cover almost any type of day on the water. As a tow vehicle, the 2000’s vented chines and shallow deadrise help it quickly pop on plane. Plus, it can hold plane and make sharp turns at 15.6 mph and 2,600 rpm, great numbers for whipping tubers and towing boarders.
With a single side-console layout, the 2000 is able to maximize bench space, with a U-shaped lounge forward and bench seating carried along the port side. The portside bench has a forward-facing backrest, so a passenger can stretch out and watch the action off the bow or sit sideways to converse with the driver. The helm station features an adjustable bucket seat with a flip-up bolster. While driving, I felt comfortable sitting, standing or leaning against the bolster. I had a clear view of all the analog gauges and had no issues with glare.
Not to be forgotten is the oversize bow platform; at anchor there’s room up front for two kids to jump off and perform synchronized cannon balls. Bow to stern, the 2000 has your activity list covered.
Extra Points
The sun pad over the engine hatch doubles as a tow-sports prep station.
Large bow platform is great for stepping on and off the boat when beached.
Convenient fender storage is located on the transom to starboard.
There’s a pressurized sink in the side console forward of the helm.
Test Drive
» Test Engine: Mercruiser 190 HP 4.3L TKS Alpha
» Test Prop: Mercruiser 14½” X 18″ Four-Blade Aluminum
» Test Load: People (180 LB.); Fuel (45 GAL.)
» Top Speed: 42.7 MPH @ 4,850 RPM
» Time to Plane: 3.7 sec.
» Time to 30 MPH: 7.7 sec.
» Minimum Planing Speed: 15.6 MPH @ 2,600 RPM
Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 20’4″
» Beam: 8’6″
» Dry Weight: 2,325 LB.
» Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/1,700 LB.
» Fuel Capacity: 51 GAL.
» Max HP: 260
» MSRP: $25,560 (w/ test power)
» NMMA Certified
