NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

NauticStar 243 DC

There is little mystery as to why NauticStar’s 243 DC delivered a solid, confidence-inspiring ride during our test. The 243 DC is built with a one-piece molded stringer grid, bonded to the hull with a special adhesive from Plexus. This is a great family boat for tubing, touring or partying in a cove. But it’s got build qualities akin to those of boats that range far offshore.

With a single 250 hp Yamaha F250 outboard motor on the transom, the 3,400-pound 243 DC whooshed us to a top speed of 51.6 mph, spinning a 20-inch-pitch stainless-steel prop. Savvy shoppers will note the vented chines that NauticStar labels as “air-assist” and should check out the planing pods on the hull while inspecting this boat at a show or dealership. During acceleration trials, we recorded a time to plane of about four seconds and consistently zoomed from 0 to 30 mph in about six seconds. Naturally, the F250’s corrosion resistance, and its ability to tilt completely clear of the water, should weigh heavily in the decision-making of any boater considering plying salty coastal waters. After all, the walk-through windshield arrangement that makes the 243 DC a great family boat also allows it to compete with sterndrive-powered bowriders and deck boats for family boaters seeking a new waterborne conveyance.

The self-bailing cockpit is another blue-water feature of the 243 DC that even boaters who never leave the bay or lake can appreciate. It makes the boat safer and less reliant on bilge pumps and makes it easier to hose out sand and snacks that hit the deck. Of course, the wraparound cockpit seating, covered in leatherlike upholstery, will probably impress your guests even more. Then there’s the fully enclosed walk-in changing room in the portside console. Aboard our test boat, an optional electric-flush marine head was installed here. Some of the other optional goodies installed aboard our test boat were the generously sized livewell, a Lowrance Elite sonar and GPS combo, and an Infinity stereo with Bluetooth and preset feature.

For coastal boaters seeking a deck boat with more shallow-draft capability and corrosion resistance than sterndrive-powered boats, NauticStar’s 243 DC ranks as a must-see. Heck, any boater seeking a deck boat or bowrider ought to check this one out just to get a baseline for the word quality.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Planing pods and chine vents help this NauticStar to literally fly.
*Changing room is roomy, and it even can feature an optional head.
*Offshore build qualities reside in a trailerable family fun boat.

Specs
LOA: 24’3″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,373 lb. (without engine)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/2,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 66 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: 250 hp Yamaha F250 outboard
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.

Price
$72,913 (as tested)

Contact
NauticStar
Amory, Mississippi; 662-256-5636; nauticstarboats.com