Starcraft’s SVX 230 IO defies simple characterization. In profile, it possesses sportboat sleek lines, with a windshield stripped of side wings, a graceful sheerline and crisp hullside contours. Viewed from above, a deck-boat influence becomes apparent as hullsides carry nearly all the way forward to maintain rather than crunch the space in the cockpit. Stepping within, the interior will surprise you with its deep, secure feel. That it seats 11 people should make those who boat with a large crew cheer.
The interior layout offers a variety of seating options to suit the needs of different boat buyers. Two lounging guests can stretch out on the pair of 3-foot-6-inch couches that run parallel in the bow cockpit and choose from either forward- or rear-facing backrests. Sit up straight and as many as six can socialize in this space. Aft, captain and co-captain enjoy individual high-back chairs; pivot them aft and join in with the crew on the L-shaped lounge. There’s room for one more on a bench behind the helm. Most all of the seat bottoms hinge open to reveal space for the crew’s gear. Sunbathers will enjoy a 4-foot-4-inch-by-3-foot-4-inch sun pad aft. Stretch out flat or pivot up the ratcheting backrest to enjoy five separate angles of recline.
Details include a clean helm design, with a central analog gauge cluster and stylish tilt wheel. Below, an almost hidden shelf keeps items like phones within reach. A sink and glove box are featured in the port console. A small cooler is under the step to the bow. Both bow and stern platforms are covered in brushed EVA nonslip and feature four-step telescoping ladders under hinged covers. The 2-foot-10-inch-deep swim platform will prove a great spot to hang out when not underway and offers the space to gear up for watersports.
Our test boat was powered by a 250 hp MerCruiser 4.5-liter sterndrive that pushed this 23-foot hull onto plane in 3.8 seconds, past 30 mph in 7.4, and peaked tenths shy of 50 mph. Starcraft’s dihedral-V hull design performed as expected, combining a deep-V along the centerline with reverse chines for an agile, stable and responsive ride.
High Points
- Fit out for fishing, water-sports or both.
- Additional storage located under both consoles.
- Standards include stainless steel bow rails, in-sole storage locker, JL Audio Bluetooth sound system, Bimini top and tilt steering.
How We Tested
- Engine: 250 hp MerCruiser 4.5L
- Drive/Prop: Mercury
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 160 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $78,865 (with 200 hp MerCruiser 4.5L) |
| LOA: | 23’4″ |
| Draft (max): | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 2,685 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/1,875 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
