Even though this rig is nearly 27 feet long and will accommodate a huge family party with room to spare, it looks like a speedy performer — and it didn’t disappoint when it was time to strut. Top speed exceeded 46 mph. Despite its heft and horses, the Yamaha drank sparingly; we noted 3.6 mpg at 17.5 mph. It’ll pull boarders and skiers too; acceleration from a dead stop to 30 mph was dramatically quick at just 5.8 seconds. Performance is enhanced by new HMX performance lifting strakes and a PR25 center pontoon with a built-in 60-gallon fuel-cell and storage compartment. Handle it did: The stable ride in calm conditions with big passing boat wakes was matched by dry, even cornering, with little banking and zero drama.
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/btgbg18_pon_starcraft_sx_25_c_dc_07-1024x684.jpg)
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/btgbg18_pon_starcraft_sx_25_c_dc_09-1024x684.jpg)
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/btgbg18_pon_starcraft_sx_25_c_dc_10-1024x684.jpg)
The sleek outward appearance of the SX is complemented by what Starcraft designed aboard. The bow section is extra-large and wide; no one will feel cramped up there. Two plush center-facing loungers cover abundant storage below the seat cushions. No jagged edges underneath either; everything’s nicely finished, and even the molded seat bases make storage neat, with integrated drains to ensure nothing stays wet. The console and dash layout are well-executed and easy to view, with Yamaha digital instruments and a Simrad information display, along with a precise Yamaha binnacle control. A Kicker sound system with subwoofer and amp is standard fare. A pop-up changing room is standard, as are docking lights and RGB (red green blue) adjustable mood lights throughout the cockpit. The co-pilot gets the same royal treatment as the captain; both chairs are plush, slide and swivel, and have high backs. Just behind the driver is a food-prep station with sink, mini fridge and wine rack; astern, a smaller settee fits a few passengers who can ride and gab with the driver and co-pilot.
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/btgbg18_pon_starcraft_sx_25_c_dc_21-1024x684.jpg)
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/btgbg18_pon_starcraft_sx_25_c_dc_25-1024x684.jpg)
At the stern, the beefed-up transom holds the Yamaha outboard securely. The rigging is tight and neat, with plenty of unobstructed room to sit and don a wetsuit or just jump in and swim. A stainless-steel telescoping boarding ladder and optional ski-pole tow complete the utility for watersports.
High Points
* Super-sleek appearance afforded by sculpted consoles, swept-back windscreens, glossy-black side panels, and matte-black finished pontoons produces a futuristic look. While there’s no mistaking it for a ‘toon, it’s surely one of the better-looking designs we’ve seen.
* Comfy high-end, diamond-pleated, pillow-topped upholstery completes the look and feel of a pricey rig, without the high price. Starcraft nails this look cold.
![Starcraft SX 25 C DC](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/starcraftsxspecs.jpg)
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke 300 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 16″ x 15.5″
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.
Price: $104,516 (as tested)
More Information
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com