PDB Shootout StarCraft Pontoon

First Impression
For starters, the color combination with the black exterior panels and black tubes paired with a grey interior provides a confident yet luxurious look that we truly love. Throw in the optional Sport Arch and you’re now looking at a sporty high-end pontoon.  

Highlights

The “C” in the model names stands for the cruise layout, which comes standard with a large galley behind the helm chair. Besides ample storage and optimum counter space, the layout includes a freshwater faucet and sink, plus a wine bottle holder. Directly across from the galley is an angled L-shape seating area in the stern with a removable table that follows the same contour. To access the large swim deck just slide the rear gate which then leads to the four-step telescoping boarding ladder. Also in the stern is the optional ski/tow bar as well as an angled lounge and below this seat we found a hidden pop-up changing room that is easy to use and stands an impressive 5 1/2 feet tall when open.

Dual consoles (DC) help complete the sporty look as both are on raised platforms with identical tall back captain’s chairs. The dash is centered on an array of lighted multi-function gauges with well-labeled rocker switches on the left and the optional Simrad screen on the right. Below the rocker switches is the Kicker stereo unit and on this particular model the system had been upgraded and includes a total of seven speakers for an amazing sound.

Other key highlights on this revamped model for 2019 include recessed cupholders built into the bench seats, a deep in-floor ski locker and comfortable seating for up to 14 passengers.

Inspection

With the HMX Performance package you gain lifting strakes and a full-length center pontoon, which at 25 inches in diameter for all three provide a very solid foundation. There are lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes.

From a safety standpoint, we like that the railing is mostly 27 inches tall around the boat, yet even at its lowest height in the stern is still 24 inches tall. Overall the MX 25 C DC earned high marks for its quality fit and finish work and construction. 

Performance

Color-matched panels on the Evinrude G2 250 High Output engine help tie in the look and the powerful outboard didn’t disappoint. She was quick to plane (zero-to-20 mph in 4.5 seconds) with a top speed in the mid 40s. The added third pontoon and lifting strakes with the HMX package allowed the pontoon to turn sharp in tight corners and overall provided a smooth and comfortable ride.

Parting Thought

For all that is included, both standards as well as options as tested, we would have guessed a little higher on the suggested retail price. As the cost on luxury pontoons has continued to increase over the years, so have the quality and amenities and we see a lot of value in this high-end model with a lot of innovation and space-saving features.

For more information:
New Paris, Ind.
574-831-2103
www.starcraftmarine.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 14
Price As Tested With Power: $77.8 K
Maximum Speed: 44.0 mph
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 2
0-20 MPH: 4.5 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 8” deep

Why we love this boat…Starcraft has recently taken its high-end luxury models to a new level and this sporty black exterior model sets the bar high for its competition.  

Just being picky….The battery switch in the changing room is a little hard to access, but certainly not a big deal when you consider all this floorplan has to offer.   

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full fiberglass console, luxury soft-touch furniture, upgraded stereo w/ Bluetooth and interior LED lighting.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Premium sound pkg., Sport Arch, black exterior panels and tubes, in-floor storage, cell phone holder, playpen cover, full Sea Weave flooring, Simrad unit and HMX Performance Package (third tube, lifting strakes, ski/tow bar, 60-gal. gas tank). 

VITAL STATS
LOA: 26’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: HMX Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,542 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 60 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Evinrude G2 250 H.O.
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 210ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio:1.85:1
Propeller: 15 1/2 X 16

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
500                  2.5                   74.5
1000                3.5                   76.5
1500                6.0                   82.5
2000                8.4                   86.5
2500                10.5                 89
3000                13.3                 93.5
3500                17.1                 94.5
4000                21.8                 95.5
4500                26.3                 96
5000                30.2                 102.6
5500                35.8                 101.5
5800                44.0                 106

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $77,845
Base Price (Boat Only): $56,070

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.