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2021 Velocity 230 SC

The 230 SC looks as fast as it runs.
Velocity 230 SC running wide open
The 230 SC provides a comfortable ride at 70-plus MPH. Tom King

Overview

With an arrowlike closed bow, low-profile smoked Lexan windscreen, go-fast painted graphics, and a Mercury Racing 300R outboard bolted to the transom, the Velocity 230 SC looks fast—even before it leaves the trailer, as the saying goes.

Engine

The 230 SC hit a top speed of 77.8 mph during our testing, before the pucker factor prevented me from adding in more trim, lift and throttle to the Mercury Racing 300 R outboard. In different water conditions, and with an experienced person at the helm, particularly one with time aboard the 230 SC, reliable sources peg that number as closer to 82 mph. I buy that completely. If you’ve got the goods, the 230 SC is one speedy, eye-catching ride.

Velocity 230 SC helm
The helm is stylish and outfitted with the primary hull color. Tom King

With a steep 31-inch-pitch prop, our test boat might not have exactly leapt out of the hole, but once on plane, it took off like a rocket, with precious little of the hull touching the water at speed.

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It also excelled in the turns. Though that hull may be seemingly designed for straight-ahead speed runs, it handles the corners with both aggression and confidence, tracking precisely without once losing its bite.

Velocity 230 SC carving turns
There is a 5-foot-8-inch-wide individually ­bolstered ­three-passenger aft bench. Tom King

Design

Like a number of Velocity models, the 230 SC is based off a hull design that has laid claim to multiple speed records over the years. It features a deep, knifelike entry, a notched transom to reduce bow rise, and a pad bottom that generates lift, reducing fuel consumption and smoothing the ride.

Velocity 230 SC skimming across the lake
The 230 SC is built atop a record-setting hull design. Tom King

Interior and Accessories

Though performance is the obvious selling point, Velocity doesn’t overlook creature comforts, nor the target buyer’s demand for a high level of trim. Dual high-back helm seats feature stylish fiberglass surrounds molded in-house. On our test boat, they were paired with two-tone, metallic-looking vinyl featuring plenty of attractive, diamond-pattern accent stitching. The primary hull color is carried throughout, showing up as an accent color on the Livorsi wheel, throttle and tab-indicator housing, grab handles, dash, and standard SeaDek cockpit flooring. Accommodations include a 7-foot-4-inch-deep V-berth under the bow and 5-foot-8-inch-wide individually-bolstered three-passenger aft bench.

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Velocity 230 SC helm seat
Helm seats feature stylish fiberglass surrounds and beautiful diamond-pattern accent stitching. Tom King

How We Tested

  • Engine: Mercury Racing 300
  • Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Bravo 1 FS 15.25″ x 31″ 4-blade stainless steel
  • Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

  • Construction features include a high-density, linear core for the transom, stringers, bulkheads and floor; lightweight infusion construction; quad-axial fiberglass; and vinylester resin.
  • Features include standard hydraulic steering, a Wet Sounds stereo system, battery with beefy offshore mounts, Mercury VesselView display, and a four-blade, stainless-steel lab-finished prop.
  • Cabin includes V-berth bed cushion, hideaway portable marine toilet, and interior lighting

Low Points

  • Speaker-mounting screws protruded into underbench storage and were simply dabbed in caulk, and upholstery staples weren’t always covered in trim. Velocity says all will be addressed.
  • Exposed fasteners slightly detract from the otherwise attractive, color-matched dash panel.

Toughest Competitor

Look at Checkmate’s Pulsare 2400 (suggested retail price of $105,009 nicely equipped with Mercury Racing 300R).

Pricing and Specs

Price: $130,336 (with 300 hp test power)
LOA: 22′11″
Beam: 8′0″
Draft (max): 1′5″
Displacement: 3,100 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 22 degrees
Bridge Clearance: 3′8″
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.
Max Horsepower: 400
Available Power: Single gasoline outboards to 300 hp, twin outboards to 200 hp

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Velocity 230 SC performance data chart
Velocity 230 SC Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Velocity Powerboats – Sanford, Florida; 877-345-1159; velocityboats.com

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