This article originally appeared in our 2014 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.
What You Need To Know
Because it is the Coastal edition, this Starcraft is built and designed to thrive in those coastal regions like Texas and Florida. However, there are plenty of great features onboard to help make this deck boat a popular choice for those in several different regions, including lake boaters who can appreciate a high-quality deck boat.
The Highlights
With the fiberglass design and full liner, it’s ready for saltwater or freshwater use. But what makes it the Coastal version, is a few key options that are included with the package such as stainless steel hardware, pressurized water system with a handheld sprayer and a ski/tow pylon. In fact, the only other option on this boat is snap-in carpeting, which means everything else you see comes standard.
A common concern with some deck boat owners is on most boats you have to step on the seats to gain access inside. Starcraft goes the extra mile by including not only removable cushions for the three different entries, but in the stern the openings include a removable back rest that doubles as a gate. This design creates a very safe and family-friendly layout, especially for those with smaller children.
In the bow is a four-step telescopic ladder that doubles as an anchor locker. There are also recessed docking lights and the two chaise lounges are very inviting. The full wrap-around windshield is a nice added touch, which flows well with the dual helm chairs that include flip-up bolsters.
Forward of the first mate chair is a large changing room enclosure with a fiberglass door and just above is a small sink with faucet. At the helm is a sporty-looking console that includes chrome-accented gauges and LED-lit toggle switches. The console gives you options for future growth by providing room for additional gauges to be added later, but if we had to be picky we’d prefer to see more standard gauges to fill this space. The Infinity stereo is built into the sidewall near the throttle so it doesn’t take up space on the helm console, yet is still fully accessible for the driver.
Also worth noting is the two in-floor storage lockers, the built-in removable cooler storage below the rear bench, as well as a second boarding ladder in the stern.
Inspection Notes
The modified Dihedral Vee hull uses 24-ounce woven fiberglass with a 6-inch overlap between the hull and deck for enhanced strength. Next is the application of 22 mils high elongated gel coat that really increases the durability.
After a close inspection, this deck boat earned high marks for its fit and finish work and quality of construction. This is a well-thought-out design with great use of space, plus the deep seating area helps earn it a high safety score as well, not to mention the great grab rails that can be found throughout the boat. And it comes standard with Starcraft's Lifetime plus 6 warranty too.
Performance Evaluation
She’s quick to plane, which only added to her high performance rating. Powered with a Yamaha 200hp outboard, we nearly reached the half century mark at full throttle. She banks well in the sharp turns like a good V-hull boat should and we had a blast cruising around.
Our Take
You don’t need to be a saltwater boater to love this deck boat. The versatility gives you options, but it’s designed to be a great fit for all regions. Because it is safe for most families, we’d feel confident in recommending it to those in search of a great all-around deck boat.
Number of Occupants 12
Maximum Speed 47.1 mph
Wild Ponies 200hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.9 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3’ 5” deep
Why we love this boat…The family-friendly layout and the great standard features will lure a lot of people to this great all-around deck boat that is a lot of fun to drive.
Just being picky…The sporty helm console flows well with the design of the boat, but more gauges are needed to help fill in the dash and make it look more complete.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Fully loaded console w/ chrome-accented gauges, dual helm chairs, head unit, 2 in-floor storage compartments and bow and stern telescoping boarding ladders.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Offshore package that includes stainless steel rubrail, pressurized water system w/handheld sprayer and ski/tow bar and snap-in carpet.
VITAL STATS
LOA 21’ 6”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Modified Dihedral Cat Hull
Dry Weight 2840 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 51 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Yamaha F200XB
Cylinder Type Inline 4-Cylinder
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 170ci/ 200hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 1.86:1
Propeller 14 1/4 X 17 SW Stainless
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
700 2.6 78
1000 3.7 75
1500 5.6 82.5
2000 7.8 87
2500 9.8 84
3000 11.1 93.5
3500 16.7 95
4000 23.6 94.5
4500 30.6 99
5000 35.9 102
5500 40.6 104
6000 45.0 114
6200 47.1 115
New Paris, Ind.
866-772-4538
starcraftmarine.com