Sun pads were once a given in the bowrider/deck-boat market, but boats like the SCX 240 I/O are breaking the mold. Instead of a boxy enclosure aft, Starcraft keeps things open and sleek, with a walk-through transom and bench. The stainless-steel transom gate features a clear acrylic door. Directly behind, a mirror-image bench faces the boat’s wake. The latter makes a great spot to gear up for skiing or boarding, as well as offers a comfortable place for socializing at anchor. Miss that sun pad? Lower both bench’s shared backrest, and you’ve got a wide-open spot to catch the afternoon rays.
The SCX is deep and roomy bow to stern. The bow cockpit leverages the boat’s pickle-fork lines into a parent’s dream, with high in-wales that offer wraparound security to kids riding forward. Four individual seats occupy each corner; convert them to parallel lounges with the included filler cushions. In the main cockpit, a starboard wet bar adds a stainless sink and solid-surface countertop. To port, a sunken head compartment within the port console features nearly four feet of headroom.
Performance? A MerCruiser 350 MAG pushed the boat to in excess of 47 mph and a 4.6-second time to plane. Handling was agile, precise and a blast.
Key Features
-The spacious bow lounge is set up with four-corners seating and room for a table.
-Bow and stern nonslip platforms include deep, four-step telescoping ladders.
-Back-to-back aft benches eliminate traditional bulky sun pad and add multiposition versatility.
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
