NauticStar 231 Angler

December 2015 Boat Test Monday PDB Staff

This article originally appeared in our 2015 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

Center console fishing boats are not a new concept to the boating industry; however, it is unique when the layout is merged into a deck boat platform with actual seating for the entire family. We expected this 231 Angler from NauticStar to be loaded with great fishing amenities and it didn’t disappoint, but what did surprise us is just how family-friendly it is as well.

The Highlights

We’ve seen enough center console fishing boats to know that most are geared towards the serious angler and not really designed with the family in mind. That’s what makes this new-for-2015 deck boat version so unique. Starting in the bow, there is a nice casting platform and then as you step down into the boat you’ll discover bench seating with unique storage below that includes two 15-gallon insulated fish boxes with an insulated cooler just below the center step. These boxes are all molded into the fiberglass mold so everything is smooth and well-finished inside.

Just forward of the helm is another seat and below is one of two livewells that can be found onboard, with this one holding 20 gallons. Also in the bow are removable back rests so your passengers have the option to lie back if they want to.

Forward of the center console is a standard head compartment that is plenty deep and the actual helm includes a new gauge panel, an optional Lowrance Elite 7 DHI color sonar/GPS, toggle switches, Infinity stereo controls and a solid spoke stainless steel steering wheel. For the captain is a leaning post/seat with a 94-quart Igloo cooler positioned below.

Behind the helm are three flip-up jump seats that we love for a lot of reasons. There is a stainless steel bracket on top that you simply press to open the seat, which means no thin straps to deal with. To close, you just fold down the seat and it automatically locks into position. We also like the storage below each jump seat, including the 27-gallon livewell below the center seat. Other amenities worth noting include the rod storage on both sides and a two-rung boarding ladder in the stern.

Inspection Notes

The 231 hull design features the exclusive NauticStar “S-T-A-R” Performance system, which includes a (S) shallow water draft, (T) Tow boat due to aft dead rise and transom width, (A) acceleration due to the planing pods and air assist chine and (R) ride utilizing the sharp entry V-hull forward. Up top the fit and finish work earned high marks from our inspection crew as we found this boat to be both well-built and family-friendly.

Performance Evaluation

We nearly hit the 50-mile-per-hour mark at full throttle, which says a lot about the fuel-friendly 4-cylinder Yamaha 200hp outboard as well as the NauticStar hull. She dives well into the corners like a solid V-hull should and really is fun to drive. Behind the tall center console we felt very safe and protected from the elements. At a cruising RPM of 3500, you’ll use around 5.3 gallons of fuel per hour or 4.9 miles per gallon.

Our Take

It is possible to merge family-style pleasure boating with serious salt and freshwater fishing and the proof can be found in the 231 Angler from NauticStar. This is a great all-around deck boat that because of its versatility will appeal to a lot of different families and anglers.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 10

Maximum Speed 48.4 mph

Wild Ponies 200 hp

No. of Gates 0

0-20 MPH 5.23 seconds

Ladder Measurement 2’ deep

Why we love this boat…The versatility is amazing. You can easily go from hard-core fishing to cruising and pulling the kids on a tube. It’s a great multi-purpose deck boat.

Just being picky…Not a big deal, but we’d like to see a sink or wash down included as a standard feature to really complete the package.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Star performance hull, 3 rear flip-up jump seats, 2 livewells, 2 insulated fish boxes, 15-ga. Cooler, leaning post with 94-qt. Igloo cooler, Sunbrella bimini top with ball socket hardware, center console with head compartment, swim platform, and Infinity stereo with Bluetooth and presets.