![Velocity 230 SC running wide open](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTG0321-Velocity-230-1024x683.jpg)
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](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTGBG21_RUN_Velocity-230-SC_11-1024x683.jpg)
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.
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](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTGBG21_RUN_Velocity-230-SC_05-1024x683.jpg)
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](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTGBG21_RUN_Velocity-230-SC_13-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![Velocity 230 SC helm seat](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTGBG21_RUN_Velocity-230-SC_12-1024x683.jpg)
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](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/09/BTG0321-Velocity-230-Specs-1024x597.jpg)
Velocity Powerboats – Sanford, Florida; 877-345-1159; velocityboats.com