This new RX 25 Q proves that Starcraft produces high-end pontoons as well as it produces affordable boats. This pontoon will catch the eye whether cruising or at the sandbar. With a Yamaha 300, top speed is 44 mph; it launched to 30 mph in 6.1 seconds. The RX proved responsive to steering and throttle, banks slightly in hard-over turns, and cruises over lake chop with aplomb. Fuel economy? Our most economical cruising speed was 19 mph, where the Yamaha 300 burned 6.2 gph for 3.1 mpg. That’s 168 miles of range from the 60-gallon fuel tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve.
Underneath, the boat’s tri-toon HMX Performance Package features triple 25-inch-diameter logs with lifting strakes and a full-length underskin to help smooth the way over the water.
From the dock, the new perimeter surround gives the RX a sleek, molded appearance. The painted fiberglass panels with clear coat have a brilliant shine designed to last many years. The wraparound sculpted bow panels feature custom lighting pods that hold the navigation and docking lights. Color-matched pontoons really stand out—they’re a must-have option.
Flooring is teak weave, an optional upgrade. The light-tan soft-touch pillow-top seating surfaces and diamond-weave insets work together for a plush look and comfortable feel. All seating features roto-cast bases, water-diverting channels built in to keep stored gear dry, and recessed toe kicks for moving about in the cockpit easily. Hinges can articulate at the rear, so there’s no lifting from there or leaning over open cushions to access stored gear.
Dual consoles with framed safety-glass windshields envelop the cockpit crew; digital Yamaha gauges and a touchscreen Simrad dash with digital lighted switching help the captain keep tabs on the engine and the boat’s electric systems.
The aft portside lounge features a reversible seatback to allow for forward- or aft-facing lounging in multiple positions. A stainless-steel safety railing keeps riders aboard while underway. An extended aft deck with a watersports tow bar and LilliPad boarding ladder makes boarding and watersports prep easy and accessible.
High Points
- Optional in-floor storage is cavernous.
- Heavy-duty extruded rails cap the fiberglass panels and are replaceable without ordering an entire rail.
- Fiberglass styling looks great.
- Color-matched pontoons look fantastic—order them.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15.5″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $153,540 (as tested); $115,618 (base) |
| LOA: | 27’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 4,300 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 13/2,770 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
