Starcraft MX 25 L

Judging by the looks of Starcraft’s eye-catching MX 25 L, black is the new, well, black. A glossy version of the color dominated the boat’s fence panels, extended onto the sculpted anodized rails, and was even picked up in the perimeter rub rail. Coupled with the rich, leathery feel of the two-tone taupe interior upholstery, the gloss gives the MX 25 L a classy appearance that’s bound to turn heads out on the water, as well as from within the boat’s confines. Much of that coloration is part of Starcraft’s Prestige package. It adds the anodized rails as well as a touch-screen dash display, 4-inch elevated helm platform, 10-foot Bimini, lighted cup holders, stainless-steel grab handles and mood lighting. Our test boat completed the picture with optional, full, seagrass-weave flooring.

Comfort is the name of the game on the interior. Forward, a 4-foot-4-inch lounge to port is flanked by a 5-foot-8-inch match to starboard. Both feature low-maintenance stowage in the roto-molded bases below, as well as two-part hinge cushions for easy access. Aft, a matched pair of luxurious, rear-facing, 4-foot-long lounges with steeply sloped seat backs invite yet more stretching out. Each features no fewer than three cup holders. Seat cushions rise on twin gas struts to access over 6 linear feet of stowage below. Amidships, the captain and mate are treated to matching high-back chairs that swivel to join the party.

Our MX 25 L test boat included Starcraft’s HMX PR 25 package. It features three 25-inch tubes with performance-minded strakes to provide better lift, less drag, and faster planing and speed, and to sharpen the boat’s handling. With a Yamaha F300 on the transom, we noted a nearly instantaneous plane, 6.4-second time to 30 mph, and 44.3 mph top speed. That center tube also paid practical benefits within. Thanks to its space, an expansive in-floor ski locker is ready to swallow up all your favorite water toys.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Generous 14-passenger capacity is split between expansive bow lounges, midship seats and luxurious aft recliners.
*Prestige package adds black fencing, rails and rub rail for a sleek appearance as well as a Murphy touch-screen helm display and an elevated helm.
*HMX option adds center tube, underdeck skin and “performace strakes” for improved ride and handling.
*A Yamaha F300 outboard propelled our test boat from 0 to 30 mph in a crisp 6.4 seconds.
*We discovered ample stowage for a multitude of water-sports and beach-going equipment inside the center tube.
*Swiveling helm and ­companion chairs help to make a great conversation pit while at anchor.

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300
Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15½” x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 150 lb.

Price
$58,295 (with test power and HMX PR 25 package)