Starcraft SLS3

December 2014 Boat Test Monday

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

With the SLS series you have two options with similar layouts—the only difference is the SLS5 is two feet longer. For our test we got behind the wheel of the SLS3 and had to look twice when we saw the large outboard on the back. It’s easy to reach the maximum horsepower rating of 250 for this particular model with the standard third pontoon and HMX performance strakes package, which we’ll get to in a minute. Just know that after driving this ‘toon we were thrilled with the performance.

The Highlights

The new stainless steel, four-step telescoping boarding ladder really catches your eye, so let’s start in the stern. Not only is the ladder easy to use, it almost looks like a piece of art and it flows well with the massive ski/tow bar. Also in the stern is a Sea-Weave deck flooring that is soft on your wet feet as you towel off before coming inside the rear gate.

Two of the most comfortable places to relax can be found in the rear-facing lounges that provide plenty of room to stretch out, but they’re also just as comfortable as a bench seat when you need the extra seating for more people. Also included as standard features are the dual tall-back helm chairs.

At the full fiberglass helm are chrome-accented gauges on the dash panel with lighted toggle switches for easy access. The Infinity stereo is mounted on the side of the helm stand so everyone onboard has access, plus we love the USB 12-volt as well as the MP3 jack for the music lover in your family. Also worth noting is the sink just forward of the helm and the two chaise lounges in the bow. Built into the back of the port lounge is a pop-up changing room that includes a cutout for a portable toilet.

Overall we love the look of the interior with its great use of neutral colors, like the deep dark grey, that is used throughout as an accent color. If we had to be picky, the all-black door that provides storage access below the helm stand seemed out of place. Of course black goes with anything so it’s not a big deal, but there’s not a lot of black onboard to tie in with it. But in no way does it take away from the beautiful high-end look and feel of the interior.

Inspection Notes

Three 25-inch diameter pontoons are the base of this pontoon. The standard HMX package includes a third pontoon with lifting strakes on both sides and lifting strakes on the insides of the two outer pontoons. Translation: she banks beautifully and is a lot of fun to drive. This Starcraft earned high marks for its fit and finish work and overall construction, as well as for its family-friendly safe design. And it comes standard with Starcraft's Lifetime plus 6 warranty.

Performance Evaluation

The blistering zero to 20mph time of just 4.6 seconds immediately caught our attention. With the High Output Evinrude E-TEC 250hp outboard we reached a top speed of nearly 50mph at full throttle, which of course put big smiles on our faces. She handles well and at no time did we not feel we were in complete control, which again only added to our high safety rating.

Our Take

The Starcraft pontoon as tested has a lot going for it from a design and function perspective. Not only does it look high-end, but it performs well too. Packed with a lot of great “must-have” type amenities, there’s a lot to love on this SLS3.

Number of Occupants 15

Maximum Speed 47.0 mph

Wild Ponies 250hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.6 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 9” deep

Why we love this boat…The performance was a great addition to the high-end and luxurious feel of this ‘toon that is packed with a lot of great features.

Just being picky…The black door for the helm storage compartment stands out a little compared to other colors used for the interior.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full fiberglass console w/ chrome-accented gauges (lighted and fog-free), HMX performance strakes w/ third tube, 4-step telescoping ladder, Sea-Weave rear floor deck and 2 high-back helm chairs.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Ski/tow bar and in-floor ski locker.

VITAL STATS

LOA 24’ 10”

Beam 8’ 6”

Hull Design Three Pontoons

Dry Weight 2280 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 30 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine Evinrude 250 H.O.

Cylinder Type V6

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 210ci/250hp