PDB Shootout StarCraft Deck

First Impression

Sporty deck boats like this one that come in at a friendly price point are what’s growing the fiberglass market right now. Quick to plane, as tested there is plenty to love about this Starstep. 

Highlights

A lot is packed into this full windshield model and the best place to start is with the lime green accent color that perfectly ties into the interior—including the steering wheel. Besides green, the accent color is also available in blue, orange or grey, but there’s just something about how the interior looks on this specific boat as is that we really like.

There are basically only two options as tested: full Marine Mat flooring throughout the boat and the LX package that includes LED color changing speakers, cupholders, underwater lights, courtesy lights, as well as a transom stereo remote and a washdown in the aft. Other than that, what you see is all part of the standard package including the extended swim deck that also has Marine Mat flooring.

To access the swim deck there is a small safety gate as you step toward the stern and this is where you’ll find one of two telescoping boarding ladders, a ski/tow eye as well as a multi-use sunpad where different cushions can be ratcheted or propped up for lounging.

At the fiberglass helm stand the multi-function chrome-accented gauges are easy to read and we especially like the look of the sporty tilt steering wheel. The push-button LED switches are a nice added touch and besides the Kicker stereo there are also a USB and auxiliary ports, plus a 12-volt outlet to help you get plugged in. Speaking of colors, to control all the mood lighting there is a panel just below the main dash that allows you to dial in basically any color in the rainbow. 

The flip-up bolster on the bucket helm chair provides a comfy seat for the captain and really all that is missing is some type of a glove box or small compartment for the driver’s personal items. Worth noting, there is plenty of storage under the bench seats as well as the in-floor ski locker with a 16-inch wide opening that is a foot deep inside and is 7 feet long.

Inspection

The Starcraft Lifetime Warranty + 6 includes a limited lifetime warranty on the hull and structure with a six-year warranty on all components, upholstery and electronics. The 24-ounce woven roving fiberglass includes a 6-inch overlap and the encapsulated pressure-treated wood stringers use flotation foam.

Our test crew rated this boat high for its safe family-friendly design (over 26 inches deep inside the boat, plus a nice stern gate), quality construction and overall fit and finish work.

Performance

We received an exhilarating ride with the Dihedral Vee hull and the 250hp MerCruiser 4.5L engine. Our zero-to-20 mph time of just over 6 seconds was impressive, but it was the way we were able to bank nicely in sharp turns that we probably enjoyed the most.

Parting Thought

The more we looked around the more we liked. This Starcraft is ideal for those wanting to get into boating, but not wanting to spend a lot to do it. As tested it’s ready to entertain and show off those creature comforts and performance capabilities.

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

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 13
Price As Tested With Power: $50.7K
Maximum Speed: 39.2 mph
Wild Ponies: 250hp
No. of Gates: 1
0-20 MPH: 6.39 seconds
Ladder Measurement: 3’ deep

Why we love this boat…Even at this price there is a high-end feel to this sporty deck boat that performs well with plenty of great features.  

Just being picky…We absolutely love the look and feel of the helm console but wish there was a lockable compartment for the captain to store keys, wallets and other personal items.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Extended swim platform, soft-touch vinyl, full fiberglass console, in-floor storage, bow and stern ladders, upgrade stereo w/Bluetooth.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

LX Pkg. (LED color changing speakers, cupholders, underwater lights, courtesy lights, transom remote for stereo and transom shower) and snap-in Marine Mat. 

VITAL STATS
LOA: 21’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Dihedral Vee Hull
Dry Weight: 2,940 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 51 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Mercury 4.5L
Cylinder Type: V6
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 275ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.62:1
Propeller: 14 1/2 X 18

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
800                  1.8                     81
1000                2.7                     82.5
1500                5.3                     85.5
2000                7.4                     88
2500                9.4                     88.5
3000                14.0                   98
3500                25.2                   103.5
4000                33.2                   109.5
4500                36.0                   114.5
5000                39.2                   117

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $50,712
Price As Tested (Boat Only): $30,033

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