Surfing has moved inland, and Starcraft rides this latest wave by turning to a wakesurf-friendly Volvo Penta Forward Drive to power the SCX 231 Surf Edition. Unlike a conventional sterndrive, Forward Drive positions the prop at the front of the gear case to protect surfers in close proximity to the boat’s transom. The big kahunas of this surfin’ safari, however, are the wake-boosting combination of surf tabs, Zero Off speed control and 1,400 potential pounds of onboard ballast. Together, they build and shape a wake with an impressive pocket and plenty of push. Transitions between a left- or right-focused wake are quick enough that an experienced rider can cross over on the fly. Controls for all of these features are conveniently grouped into a Murphy touchscreen display, which also allows the owner to create up to five rider profiles.
The SCX’s single-console, deck boat-influenced design might not seem like the typical surf-and-wake boat, but its open, passenger-friendly layout works for this more-the-merrier crowd. Seating spans the perimeter, starting in the roomy, squared-off bow and continuing down the port side before culminating in a dual-position aft bench. In the bow, filler cushions remove to transform the twin benches into four individual seats. Aft, pivot the shared backrest flat and you have a spacious sun pad adjacent to the swim platform. Throughout, a deep freeboard inspires passenger confidence. Add the optional wake tower for function, style and sound. Tower speakers ensure even your wake riders will be jammin’ to the tunes.
The SCX console has been updated for 2017 with a vinyl brow to prevent dash glare, as well as upscale lit aluminum switches neatly arrayed to either side of the steering wheel. That wheel picks up the hull accent color for added style points. Underway, our test boat’s Volvo Penta 5.3 pushed a lightly loaded hull onto plane in 4.8 seconds, peaking at 46.5 mph. The dual prop allows for crisp handling.
High Points
* The Murphy display allows the creation of five rider profiles, which makes setup for multiple riders easy.
* Standard Kicker KMC10 Bluetooth-ready sound system; upgrade to KMC20 with amp and subwoofer.
* Two worthy upgrades? The optional extended swim platform, as well as the innovative snap-in MarineMat.
How We Tested
Engine: Volvo Penta 5.3L V8-300-C-G
Drive/Props: Volvo Penta Forward Drive/K4 Propset
Gear Ratio: 1.95:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 320 lb.
Price
$57,669 (with test power)
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
