Our First Impression
Talk about inviting. There is just something about this
low-profile, sporty deck boat that really draws you in. Maybe it's the red and
white exterior colors or the large swimdeck in the stern that make it so
appealing. We weren't sure, but we were excited to find out.
Consumer Test
The only option on this model is what Starcraft refers to as
its LS Package. This is a smart idea at a time when consumers are
budget-conscience. Basically this package includes the most popular features
that add comfort and style, yet wouldn't necessarily be considered "must-have"
if you were looking for a specific price point. But from our standpoint, the premium
upholstery, console upgrade, stainless steel bimini top, flip-up sundeck bolster,
snap-in carpet, stainless steel rub rail and depth finder are nice features to
have.
There is a large in-floor ski locker that is easily
accessible and plenty big to hold all of your water toys. And with the ski/tow
eye in the stern, this deck boat is set up for all kinds of fun. Also in the
stern is a large swimdeck that includes a telescopic ladder as well as a
washdown to help keep sand out of your boat. The unique sundeck pad can be
tilted up for added comfort, which really helps utilize the design in this
area.
Also for comfort there is a removable back rest that
converts the bench seat opposite of the helm into a nice lounge seat.
Forward of the helm is a sink with a second sprayer, which
is always a welcome amenity on any boat. It's probably just a preference thing,
but the mostly black helm console didn't seem to flow with the white and red
interior of the boat. Yeah, we're just being picky since the console itself is
beautiful with large easy-to-read gauges with a truly sporty look and feel to
it. It's just the black dash color didn't seem to match up with the rest of the
boat.
As for the vinyl, a lot of extra effort went into making the
seats very attractive. The textured look really gives the boat a nice high-end
feel to it. Other key features include the four-step telescopic ladder in the bow
that doubles as an anchor locker, as well as the flip-up bolster on the bucket
helm chair that give the captain some added comfort.
Inspection Test
Below deck the reverse chine Starstep fiberglass hull uses
composite stringers, and the color consistency for the gel coat work is
excellent. This unique ventilated hull design is something that Starcraft
perfected years go to help with the responsiveness and control on the water.
There is nearly 10 feet of space inside the cockpit of the
boat and we found no dangerous or sharp edges up top, earning it a high
craftsmanship rating.
Performance Test
Paired up with the MerCruiser 4.3 MPI engine, this might
just be the perfect package for this Starcraft. We reached a top speed near the
50-mile-per-hour mark and she banks beautifully in the sharp turns. With the
Starstep hull the boat tracks well and overall this was a fun, low-profile boat
that is fun to drive. You feel safe as you cruise across the water and the helm
station is a great windbreak for the driver.
Who Should Buy It
You can throw out any crazy ideas that this is just a price-conscious
model. What you get is a sporty and fun deck boat that is built well that just
happens to fall around the $30K mark and that even includes the MerCruiser 4.3
MPI engine! Plus if you're willing to lose a few options you could really drive
down the price on this beauty if necessary.
Number of Occupants 12
Price As Tested With Power $31K
Maximum Speed: 47.3
mph
Wild Ponies: 220hp
No. of Gates 1
0-20 MPH 7
seconds
Ladder Measurement: 2'
6" deep
Why we love this boat.We love the
low-profile, sporty and attractive-looking deck boat that looks like it's going
30 miles per hour when standing still.
Just being picky.In a boat that is dominated by red and
white colors, the all-black helm stands out a little. The console itself is
beautiful and fully functional, it's just the dark color that feels off.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Full fiberglass liner w/large in-floor storage, premium
upgraded stereo system w/auxiliary port for MP3 player and extended multi-tow
sport platform.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
LS Package (premium upholstery, console upgrade, stainless
steel bimini top, flip-up bolster, snap-in carpet, stainless steel rub rail,
depth finder).
VITAL STATS
LOA 21' 11"
Beam 8'
6"
Hull Design Deep
V, flat chine
Dry Weight 2,325
lbs.
Fuel Capacity 51
Gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine MerCruiser
4.3 MPI
Cylinder Type V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 262ci/220hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.62:1
Propeller 14 X 18 aluminum
RPM vs. SPEED
vs. D-A
600 3.3 mph 87
1000 5.5
mph 92
1500 7.4
mph 95
2000 8.9
mph 94
2500 15.2
mph 99
3000 31.5
mph 108.5
3500 35.5
mph 111
4000 39.3
mph 113.5
4500 45.2
mph 114
4900 47.3
mph 113.5.
New Paris, Ind.
Phone: 866-772-4538
Website: www.starcraftmarine.com
