Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,550 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 13/1,825 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gal. More Information: starcraftmarine.com Bill Doster
Starcraft’s new SCX 230 OB is the answer to water-sports enthusiasts’ desires for a craft that will turn heads for both its appearance and its performance. Offering a selection of hull, interior and tower color schemes, as well as graphics options, the look of the new SCX 230 OB for 2016 is fully customizable.
From the distinctive forked bow to the broad step-down swim platform at the stern, the SCX 230 OB offers a boatload of amenities. There are boarding ladders bow and stern; the latter accesses a double-decker swim platform topped with SeaDek cushioned nonskid. Overlooking the rear platform, a double-wide seat with a convertible backrest offers fore- and aft-facing options that can also drop into position to form a large sun pad for lounging.
Starboard of the convertible seat is a walk-through to the cockpit where a pair of deep bucket seats face the helm and passenger consoles topped by large windshields that connect with a folding center panel to block wind and spray. The port console hides a large compartment that can be used as a changing room; the helm console flaunts a smart-looking dash with a full appointment of gauges and controls for standard accessories, such as a Bluetooth-enabled Infinity stereo system with matching speakers illuminated by LED lighting. Between the two consoles is a large, in-floor storage area.
The bow seating area is roomy, thanks to the beam-forward hull design, and it’s convertible as well, offering seating for four or a pair of lounges with the addition of filler cushions. Storage compartments are located beneath each seat.
The pickle-fork hull design provides stability at rest and while underway. We attained speeds up to 46 mph during our tests of the Yamaha F250-powered SCX. The running surface allowed tight turns and heady hole shots; we noted on-plane times of 4.4 seconds and 0-to-30 mph runs in a fleet 8.3 seconds.
High Points
*Large bow seating area due to beam-forward design
*Customizable colors and graphics
*Large two-step integrated swim platform
*Forward- and aft-facing cockpit lounge also converts into an expansive sun pad.
How We Tested
Engine: 250 hp Yamaha F250 XA
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 50 gal.
Crew Weight: 370 lb.
Price
$ 60,399 (as tested)
