This new Starcraft deck-boat model features dual consoles and a full windshield that greatly enhances passenger comfort, especially in cooler climates where that wind protection can extend the season in spring and fall. Both consoles are part of a one-piece fiberglass liner that also forms bench seat bases and is designed to maximize interior room. Inwales are thin and smooth, with no stowage, but there is stowage space in the port and helm consoles, plus a ski locker and underseat stowage. There’s also a small glove box in the port console, which is also topped by a small sink.
Seating consists of loungers in the bow with backrests at the consoles, a pair of bucket seats with flip-up bottom bolsters at the helm and to port, and an L-shaped lounge stretching from amidships to the stern. The cockpit deck is molded with a texture that looks like leather and offers good traction. We like the long stainless-steel grab rails around the bow seating area, and the long, covered bow boarding ladder will make it easier to disembark and reboard at the beach. The aft platform is a generous 3 feet, 10 inches deep, with plenty of room to mount an optional ski tow, as well as for another wet-gear locker.
The helm features tilt steering, and analog instruments with snazzy chrome bezels. A Simrad multifunction display is offered as an option. The standard JL Audio system features four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. You can dress up this boat with optional LED-lighted drink holders and docking lights, and add bow filler cushions to expand the lounging space, along with a soft-touch EVA snap-in mat to cover the cockpit deck. There is also an available fishing package that adds two fishing seats and a livewell.
This outboard-powered model is equipped with BayStar easy-to-turn hydraulic steering. With 14 degrees of deadrise at the transom, this boat can skim smartly over flat water, and a Yamaha F200 pushed us to an invigorating 47.6 mph. The boat was stable and steady in a stiff lake chop, on the type of day that we were happy to tuck in behind a tall windshield.
High Points
- Tall windshield keeps passengers from becoming windblown.
- Stowage hatches have soft gaskets that resist water and eliminate rattles.
- Bow and stern platforms are covered with a soft EVA traction mat.
Specs
LOA: 20′9″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft: 3′0″
Dry Weight: 2,685 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/1,875 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 60 gal.
Price: $44,640 (with base power)
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F200
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Reliance 17″ x 14.25″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Fuel Load: 45 gal.
Crew Weight: 190 lb.
More Information
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
