What You Need To Know
The sporty cross-over series of the SCX line allows you to have the performance of a runabout, but with extra space and comfort. With its sleek profile, it actually looks like it could really be moving fast, even when it's docked in a slip.
The Highlights
At the helm is a very symmetrical console with large easy-to-read gauges and a solid three-spoke steering wheel that helps to complete the sporty look. The toggle switches are also a nice touch, giving the captain complete control at the helm. There is also a compass mounted on top of the dash and on cooler days the extra tall windshield is going to come in handy.
Across from the captain is a long bench seat that includes an adjustable back rest that allows the first mate to either face forward while cruising, or lay backwards to keep an eye on the skier.
Below the seats you have plenty of great storage options, plus the nearly 7-foot in-floor ski locker provides plenty of room for tubes, wakeboards and other water toys you might want to bring onboard.
One of our favorite features is the versatility of the rear bench seat that can easily be converted into a large sundeck. While the boat is underway you have a comfy rear bench seat along with a rear-facing seat that is part of the sundeck setup. Then if you're ready to soak up some rays, the back rest folds down flat to create a very large and spacious sundeck. Also worth noting is the teak-looking composite flooring on the swim deck that includes the Starcraft logo.
Below the sundeck you can gain access to the engine compartment. When we were out cruising we thought the engine sounded quiet, but it wasn't until we opened up the compartment and noticed all the insulated and sound-damping padding that we understood why.
Other key features onboard include the snap-in carpet that makes cleanup really easy, the boarding ladders on each end of the boat as well as the ski/tow eye in the stern.
Inspection Notes
The modified Dihedral Vee hull uses 24-ounce woven fiberglass with a 6-inch overlap between the hull and deck for enhanced strength. Next is the application of 22 mils high elongated gel coat for this pickle fork design that really increases the durability.
After a close inspection, this deck boat earned high marks for its fit and finish work and quality of construction. This is a well-thought-out design with great use of space, plus the deep seating area helps earn it a high safety score as well, not to mention the great grab rails that can be found throughout the boat.
Performance Evaluation
Powered with a Volvo Penta 270hp I/O engine, we were pleasantly surprised by the burst of power this Starcraft offers. As far as handling is concerned, it's very responsive, easy to steer and really just a lot of fun to drive. We were able to reach speeds over 40 miles per hour, but it's the way this hull allows you to move with ease and make really sharp turns that we liked the most about it.
Final Thoughts
Being familiar with the SCX line of deck boats, we had a good idea of what we could expect when we opened this boat up. But to be honest, we were still pleasantly surprised by the power as well as by how well this deck really handles. The unique hull helps make the boat very responsive and a blast to drive.
Number of Occupants 12
Price As Tested With Power $45.4K
Maximum Speed 41.7 mph
Wild Ponies 260hp
No. of Gates 0
0-20 MPH 6.3 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3' 5" deep
Why we love this boat.We love that the sporty-looking boat with a unique hull performs as well as it looks. It truly is a lot of fun to drive.
Just being picky.There is a spot for a GPS/depth finder at the helm console because one is available as an option. But on a high-end boat like this it should be part of the standard features.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Rear boarding pad, convertible sun pad, stainless steel rub rail, bow/stern 4-step ladder, premium upholstery, convertible bow seating
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
LS Package(Snap-in Carpet, lighted cup holders, upgraded stereo, lighted speakers, sub, amp, 2 rear-facing speakers, Remote Touchpad, Sink w/transom shower, underwater lighting
VITAL STATS
LOA 20' 4"
Beam 8' 6"
Hull Design Modified Dihedral Cat Hull
Dry Weight 2715 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 50 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Volvo Penta 270
Cylinder Type V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 302ci/ 270hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 9.4:1
Propeller 17 X 14 1/2
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
600 3.3 80.5
1000 4.4 83.5
1500 6.2 84
2000 8 90
2500 11.3 92.5
3000 18.5 96.5
3500 27.6 101
4000 32.3 102.5
4500 36.1 102.5
5000 41.3 102.5
5050 41.7 103
New Paris, Ind.
866-772-4538
http://www.starcraftmarine.com/
