Starcraft MX 25 LP

March 2016 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

You should feel welcome and at home whenever you’re on a high-end luxury pontoon, but this Starcraft takes it to a different level, completely raising the bar and continuing to set our expectations higher and higher. It seems like every aspect of this boat from its comfort amenities to the performance capabilities are designed to invite you in to stay.

The Highlights

Really the best place to start is at the new helm console and built into the dash is the optional Murphy touch screen. Even the buttons for the screen menu have all been recessed into the faux wood grain dash, creating a solid high-end look. The captain now has full access to everything onboard through this touch screen, and there are also a couple of gauges and buttons along the dash to complete the clean look. Just below the engine throttle is the Polk Audio stereo controls, which are ideal for the captain who has control issues and likes to choose the music. Worth noting, everywhere we looked we found angled speakers that have all been positioned to get the most out of the upgraded sound system.

We love that the helm chair—that slides, swivels and reclines—is identical to the first mate chair and that on this particular model there are two more captain’s chairs on the portside bow for a total of four. Between the bow chairs is a great built-in cooler and directly across is a comfy chaise lounge with storage below.

Throughout the boat is a solid faux grey teak weave vinyl flooring that not only looks attractive, but is also easier to clean and maintain. In the stern are two over-stuffed rear loungers and outside the rear stainless gate is one of the largest swim platforms we’ve seen on a pontoon boat. There is plenty of room for kids to jump off the boat and play and with the four-step telescopic boarding ladder with tall handholds, getting back on the boat will be a breeze. Really the only thing missing in the stern is a ski/tow bar, which is available as an option but with this hull and power it really should be standard. This Starcraft is already designed for water toys, especially considering the large in-floor ski locker that is 7 feet long and 12 inches deep.

Inspection Notes

Included on this boat is the HMX PR25 package, which incorporates Starcraft’s HMX tubes with the brand new PR25 center tube. Each of the three 25-inch diameter pontoons are made from .100 gauge aluminum with lifting strakes and there is a full performance shield below. Above deck we noted the rail height ranges from a very safe and family-friendly height of 28 to 30 inches tall around the perimeter.

Performance Evaluation

It’s easy to see why Starcraft is so excited about its new HMX tube system. Powered with a Mercury 300 Pro outboard, the center tube allows the pontoon to lift and plane across the water with sport boat style, speed and handling. At full throttle we comfortably reached speeds in the mid 40-mile-per-hour mark, and our zero-to-20-mph time of just less than five seconds really impressed us.

Our Take

We’re not sure if we should classify this MX 25 LP as a sporty pontoon with high-end amenities or a luxurious boat that just happens to perform well too. Either way, we consider this to be a well-built, all-around great pontoon that is fun to drive with plenty of amenities to keep everyone onboard happy.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 14

Maximum Speed 45.4 mph

Wild Ponies 300 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 4.82 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…With the floor plan with rear loungers, four helm chairs and a ton of standard and optional features, there’s just something very inviting about this design.

Just being picky…Even though it’s available as an option, with this hull and a 300hp engine, a ski/tow bar really should be included as a standard feature for this model.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Docking lights, full fiberglass console, black anodized rails, stainless steel 4-step ladder, high-back helm chairs, and front port high-back helm chairs.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Prestige pkg. (stainless grab handles, stainless gate, Polk stereo, Murphy touch screen) and HMX PR25 pkg. (performance shield, PR25 center tube, 60 ga. gas tank, ski tow, hydraulic steering, and full gray teak weave).