NauticStar 193 SC

 This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.  

First Impression

If you did a double take after first seeing the price as tested, believe me, you’re not alone. Designed to compete in the under 20-foot entry-level market, this new-for-2017 model is off to a great start.   

Breakdown

Starting with the exterior, the blue and white color combo looks beautiful on the water, especially when it turns sharp and shows off the bottom of the hull. With an outboard in the back, often the bow of a deck boat becomes the swim platform for jumping off the boat so we especially like all the room on the front deck. The setup includes a telescopic boarding ladder and an anchor locker that actually comes with an anchor. A lot of deck boats come with anchor storage but don’t include the anchor, so we love to see it as part of the long list of standard features.

As you step down inside the boat there is over 9 feet of deck space and the in-floor ski locker is an impressive 14 inches deep and nearly 5 feet long—clearly capable of storing all your water toys.

This 18-footer is rated for up to 10 passengers, with plenty of comfortable seating for everyone. Below the seats are lined fiberglass storage compartments, all part of the 100-percent wood-free design of the entire boat.

At the helm is a simplistic console with four large gauges with access to your stereo controls. Also part of the dash layout is a USB/Auxiliary port along with a 12-volt outlet below the panel of lighted rocker switches. For the captain is a sturdy bucket helm seat and directly across between two chaises is a small sink and faucet area with two of the eight cupholders found onboard.     

Before stepping out onto the rear deck you pass the L-shaped seating area with additional storage space below. On the back deck is a solid stainless steel ski/tow bar along with a second telescoping boarding ladder similar to the one on the bow with each secured in its own compartment. 

Other key features worth noting include the dual battery switch below the rear step, full Bimini top and a self-bailing cockpit with a solid non-skid floor.

Inspection

The one-piece molded fiberglass stringer system is flotation-foam-filled and the NauticStar STAR performance system hull has some interesting design features such as Aft Planing Pods that resemble permanently affixed fiberglass trim tabs and help push the bow over during holeshots. 

Inside the boat the freeboard stands over 31 inches tall, earning the boat high marks for a safe and family-friendly design. 

Handling

Included with the base package is a 90hp outboard, but as-tested we got to feel the power of the Yamaha 115hp four-stroke. From a standstill we gradually climbed on plane and once on the move we just missed the 40 mph mark at full throttle. However, we were more impressed by how responsive she is, especially in the tight turns. The performance of this NauticStar is sure to put a lot of smiles on drivers this summer.  

Final Thoughts

The number of fiberglass boats declined a little during the past recession, but thanks to models like this one it’s rebounding and coming back as strong as ever. Designed to compete with other entry-level models, this NauticStar was built to do just that and then some. We see a lot of value with the new 193 SC and feel at this price point it should do very well this year.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants            10        

Price As Tested With Power   $27.9 K 

Maximum Speed                     39.0 mph                    

Wild Ponies                             115 hp

No. of Gates                           2

0-20 MPH                               6.84 seconds  

Ladder Measurement             2’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…It’s all about the value and this well-priced deck boat provides all the tools you need to get out on the water where you and your family belong.  

Just being picky…We’d like to see some type of a helm console compartment so the captain has a place to store smaller items. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

No Feedback steering, molded anchor storage w/ anchor, stainless steel gunnel rails, stainless steel rub rail, 8 drink holders, 4 stainless cleats, forward and aft boarding ladders, color-matched Bimini top, horn w/ stainless steel grill, padded foot rest w/ NauticStar logo, 25-quart cooler, stereo w/ Bluetooth preset capability and 2 speakers, LED navigation and courtesy lights, LED docking lights, ski locker w/ shocks and slam latch, galley w/ sink, hinged bow and cockpit seating w/ storage, and a lifetime hull warranty.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Dual battery switch, 4-speaker upgrade, stainless prop, stainless steel ski/tow, and stainless steel cupholders.

VITAL STATS

LOA                  18’ 9”             

Beam                 8’ 6”

Hull Design       V-Hull

Dry Weight       2,100 lbs.

Fuel Capacity    32 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine                                                             Yamaha F115XB

Cylinder Type                                                 Inline 4

Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower           111.8ci/115hp

Lower Unit Gear Ratio                                   2.15:1

Propeller                                                          13 1/2 X 16

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A

1000                3.0                     77

1500                3.8                     81

2000                5.2                     90

2500                7.1                     92

3000                8.1                     98

3500                11.3                   95

4000                19.7                   95

4500                26.8                   100

5000                30.0                   99

5500                32.8                   102

6100                39.0                   108

Amory, Miss.

662-256-5636

www.nauticstarboats.com