Overview
Starcraft’s SVX 211 OB won’t break the bank, but it will entertain a crowd, perform admirably, and tow your favorite watersports.
Interior and Accessories
The price is kept down by offering fewer standards and allowing buyers to option to suit their lifestyle. Still, we didn’t notice much scrimping. The fiberglass helm sports a faux-leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth-ready Jensen stereo (coupled to four speakers), and bucket helm seat with flip-up bolster. Telescoping ladders bow and stern ease water access whether nosed into the beach or anchored out. Stainless-steel grab rails, a Bimini top, and comfy Marine Mat flooring on both the bow and stern platforms were likewise included.
Options? A fishing package adds a livewell and two pedestal seats. Get fishier with a trolling motor. Watersports junkies will appreciate a ski-tow pole. Additional options include gelcoat hull striping, full snap-in Marine Mat cockpit flooring, bow filler cushions and cockpit table, and additional rear-facing speakers.
The SVX’s layout proves practical. Seating essentially rings the perimeter, starting with parallel couches in the bow and culminating in an L-shaped bench that spans the port side and across the transom. Combined with the pivoting helm seat, that makes 14 seats. Lone interruptions include a step onto the forward platform, starboard-side transom walk-through, and a simple portside galley with sink and cup holders. Option up for the freshwater tank and pump faucet system.
Engine
A Suzuki 200 powered our test boat, an upgrade from the base 115 hp engine. It planed in 4.3 seconds, powered past 30 mph in 7.6, and peaked at a respectable 46.6 mph. The 200 offers welcome growing room as a novice boater’s skill and comfort levels increase. Below, a new hull design carries the load, featuring a dihedral V with a stern pad that promises to improve performance and maximize fuel economy by delivering water to the prop with less resistance. At 3,500 rpm, we noted a 6 gph fuel burn while running at 25 mph.
How We Tested
- Engine: Suzuki 200
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 21.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 34 gal. Crew Weight: 340 lb.
High Points
- Affordable price point doesn’t mean a bland, single-color interior. Choices include cognac, tan or gray.
- In-floor ski locker is supersize, with a wide access hatch to accommodate larger items.
- Deep bow and swim platforms are ideal for fishing, coving and watersports, as well as boarding at a dock or beach.
Low Points
- Storage liner is not fully finished above the gas tank, leaving gaps that may swallow up smaller items.
- Outboards may be visible, but novice captains would still benefit from a standard trim position gauge.
- Pull straps would make it easier to open the hinged seat cushions that conceal stowage within.
Toughest Competitor
NauticStar’s 203 SC (promotional pricing of $32,269 with a Yamaha 115).
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $38,170 (with 115 hp) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 20’11” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’11” |
| Displacement: | 2,685 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 14 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 4’0″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 45 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 200 |
| Available Power: | Single gasoline outboards to 200 hp |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Starcraft Marine – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2950; starcraftmarine.com
