Boats

2021 Starcraft CX 23 DL Bar

The CX 23 DL Bar is a great mix of entertainment options and energetic performance.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: December 2, 2020

After Starcraft introduced the DL Bar last year and listened to customer feedback, it improved the model in user-friendly ways. There’s a new starboard-side galley with a built-in storage locker, and the bar stools have a better storage rack along the starboard-side. There are six new lighted cup holders, nonskid footrests underneath, and the bar is easier to convert. Convert into what? When you don’t want to sit and sip, you can pull a couple of levers, store the bar stools, and convert the bar into a huge (64-by-64-inch) aft lounger, complete with an extended deck and stainless-steel perimeter safety railing. A stainless boarding ladder and ski tow help to make this a full-on watersports platform.

Starcraft CX 23 DL Bar running shot overhead

Top speed with the top-rated Yamaha F250 outboard power was 45 mph. Tom King

There’s a full-wrap console with windscreen and a complete gauge set with a GPS speedometer. Tom King

Performance-wise, the DL Bar features the HMX performance package, which is three 25-inch tubes complete with lifting strakes on the outsides of the outer tubes, and both sides of the center tube. These provide great lift and a dry ride, with solid cornering. Top speed with the top-rated Yamaha F250 outboard power was 45 mph at 6,200 rpm; while that’s no slouch, even more impressive was the rocket ride from dead idle to 30 mph—5.6 seconds made it a ripper. The DL Bar is fitted with a 60-gallon tank, which provides a 212.3-mile range at a best cruise speed of 23.2 mph and 3,500 rpm. There it’s burning 5.9 gph and nearly 4 mpg. It’s a party cruiser for sure; even the throaty 250 on the transom was quiet at cruising speed (77 decibels means normal conversation is possible).

The aft conversation pit is a plush L-shaped lounger. Tom King

Starcraft makes black painted tubes and side rails a dress-up option that really heightens the look. Ours also had the optional in-floor storage and raised pilot’s console. The bow features twin facing loungers with wraparound soft-touch vinyl, hinged to roto-cast plastic seat bases underneath. The stereo speakers are installed with speaker and wire protectors, so stowed gear won’t damage them. The pilot’s helm chair faces a full-wrap console with windscreen and a complete gauge set with a GPS speedometer. Concealed mood lighting surrounds the deck. The aft conversation pit is a plush L-shaped lounger with a removable snack table.

You convert the bar into a huge aft lounger. Tom King

High Points

Four-person bar complete with bar stools makes the CX 23 everyone’s party platform.
As-tested price of under $81,000 proves this boat is a great value.
Optional Kicker Bluetooth sound system offers plenty of punch for sandbar parties.