Even though this rig is nearly 27 feet long and will accommodate a huge family party with room to spare, it looks like a speedy performer — and it didn’t disappoint when it was time to strut. Top speed exceeded 46 mph. Despite its heft and horses, the Yamaha drank sparingly; we noted 3.6 mpg at 17.5 mph. It’ll pull boarders and skiers too; acceleration from a dead stop to 30 mph was dramatically quick at just 5.8 seconds. Performance is enhanced by new HMX performance lifting strakes and a PR25 center pontoon with a built-in 60-gallon fuel-cell and storage compartment. Handle it did: The stable ride in calm conditions with big passing boat wakes was matched by dry, even cornering, with little banking and zero drama.
The sleek outward appearance of the SX is complemented by what Starcraft designed aboard. The bow section is extra-large and wide; no one will feel cramped up there. Two plush center-facing loungers cover abundant storage below the seat cushions. No jagged edges underneath either; everything’s nicely finished, and even the molded seat bases make storage neat, with integrated drains to ensure nothing stays wet. The console and dash layout are well-executed and easy to view, with Yamaha digital instruments and a Simrad information display, along with a precise Yamaha binnacle control. A Kicker sound system with subwoofer and amp is standard fare. A pop-up changing room is standard, as are docking lights and RGB (red green blue) adjustable mood lights throughout the cockpit. The co-pilot gets the same royal treatment as the captain; both chairs are plush, slide and swivel, and have high backs. Just behind the driver is a food-prep station with sink, mini fridge and wine rack; astern, a smaller settee fits a few passengers who can ride and gab with the driver and co-pilot.
At the stern, the beefed-up transom holds the Yamaha outboard securely. The rigging is tight and neat, with plenty of unobstructed room to sit and don a wetsuit or just jump in and swim. A stainless-steel telescoping boarding ladder and optional ski-pole tow complete the utility for watersports.
High Points
* Super-sleek appearance afforded by sculpted consoles, swept-back windscreens, glossy-black side panels, and matte-black finished pontoons produces a futuristic look. While there’s no mistaking it for a ‘toon, it’s surely one of the better-looking designs we’ve seen.
* Comfy high-end, diamond-pleated, pillow-topped upholstery completes the look and feel of a pricey rig, without the high price. Starcraft nails this look cold.
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke 300 hp
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 16″ x 15.5″
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.
Price: $104,516 (as tested)
More Information
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
