Boat Review Starcraft SCX 210 I/O By Craig Ritchie Eight different models a testament to this line’s popularity For decades the term “cottage boat” has come to mean a fibreglass bowrider in the 18- to 20-foot range. But that began to change in the late 1990s when fibreglass deckboats began gaining widespread popularity, with their ability to seat far more passengers than a bowrider could accommodate. The subsequent arrival of specialized ski boats and wakeboard boats brought even more choice, but also further complicated the boat buyer’s decision process. Little wonder that Starcraft received such a positive response 26 Muskoka life April in 2011 when the company introduced its SCX line of “crossover” powerboats that blend a deckboat’s passenger capacity with a bowrider’s sporty handling, and add a tow boat’s ability to haul skiers and boarders all in one stylish package. At the time, Starcraft said its SCX gave boat buyers the best of everything. And they were right. SCX was such a hit with boat buyers that the line has grown to include eight different models with a choice of I/O or outboard power. The new- est member of the SCX family is the SCX 210 I/O, a sporty 21-footer that packs all the great features of the SCX series into an easily towable package. The 210 SCX I/O rides on a high-performance reverse chine hull with a pickle-fork bow and generous interior depth. The hull holds its substantial 102-inch beam for almost its entire length to provide greater interior space, especially up front. Where most 21-foot bowriders can fit two adults up front, the 210 SCX seats four in comfort when you pull out the side filler cushions on its “quad pod” seats. Or leave the filler cushions in and you have plenty of space to stretch out and catch some sun. Step farther forward and the 210 SCX’s bow platform speaks to this boat’s innovation and versatility. Between the front seats a centreline walk-through leads to the bow platform, complete with a telescopic fourstep boarding ladder. You only need to pull up on a beach for a picnic once to appreciate this thoughtful and useful feature. Why can’t every boat have one? The interior depth of the 210 SCX is also impressive, and contributes to enhanced passenger comfort by providing just a touch more seating support where it really counts. The port-side wrap-around lounge backs against the passenger console, making the perfect place to spot skiers or wakeboarders. You can stretch out all along the port-side bench, or slide aft and face The port-side wrap-around lounge backs against the passenger console, making the perfect place to spot skiers or wakeboarders. Muskoka life April 27 Boat insurance. It’s what we do! Speak to a Northstar broker today. TOLL FREE AT: 1.866.717.9295 Boat insurance is our only business. We really understand the needs of boaters. Northstar covers your runabout, water ski or wakeboard boat, pontoon boat, fishing boat, sailboat, cruiser or personal watercraft. Get out on the water, knowing you’re covered. Call Northstar — it’s what we do! www.northstarinsurance.ca [email protected] 1.866.717.9295 28 Muskoka life April forward with the driver. The transom bench seat sits back-to-back with a second bench seat on the swim platform – the ideal spot to get set up for a turn on the wakeboard, or dry off after a swim. Access to the rear swim platform is through a spacious transom walk-through on the starboard side, with an in-floor compartment that neatly conceals a 36-quart removable cooler. No matter where you sit, cup holders always seem to be within easy reach, neatly integrated into the trim. Look carefully and you’ll also spot the speakers for the Infinity stereo neatly hidden away into the side panels. But if anyone gets spoiled in the 210 SCX, it’s the driver, reclining in a high back captain’s chair that sits on a sliding base, so that drivers of all heights and builds can easily position the seat for optimal comfort. The helm itself is neatly laid out with all the main gauges positioned up top where they’re easily seen, regardless of how the tilt steering wheel is positioned. Between the front consoles, a large in-floor storage compartment neatly conceals skis or other bulky gear. With such an extensive standard feature list, even the base model 210 SCX comes pretty well loaded. But there are a few fun options, most of them available in convenient packages. The Sport Package, for example, adds a wake tower with racks and speakers, a Bimini top, sport furniture and unique colours and graphics, while the LS Package offers snap-in carpet, LED-lighted beverage holders, an upgraded stereo with USB port, a sub amp and LEDlighted speakers, a sink with transom shower, and more. While the 210 SCX certainly looks sporty, it isn’t just show – this boat has the power and handling to match. That generous 102-inch beam comes into play once again, combining with Starcraft’s reverse chine hull design to lift the 2,715-pound SCX onto The LS Package offers snap-in carpet, LED-lighted beverage holders, an upgraded stereo with USB port, a sub amp and LED-lighted speakers ... and more. plane very quickly, and allow it to run on a comparatively small footprint while under way. The hull design reduces drag to such a degree that the standard MerCruiser 4.3L V6 and Alpha drive the 210 SCX delivers a truly thrilling ride, with jet-like acceleration and precise, solid handling – along with excellent fuel economy. For those who value performance above all, engine upgrades up to a 270 horsepower V8 are available. While it’s admittedly hard to be all things to all people, Starcraft’s 210 SCX I/O manages to do just that. With its comfortable accommodations, sporty handling and seating for 12, it’s a versatile performer that should prove every bit as popular as its larger siblings on Ontario’s waterways. Independently Distributed by Starcraft SCX 210 I/O LOA: 20’4” Beam: 102” Weight: 2,715 lbs. Passenger capacity: 12 Fuel capacity: 50 gal/189L Maximum Power: 270 hp Power as reviewed: MerCruiser 4.3L Alpha Retail Price (base): $48,900 Retail Price (as reviewed): $48,900 ALGONQUIN PROJECTS A Division of R. Vaughan Services Inc. Serving Muskoka & Haliburton Highlands Cottage Country 1053 Main Street Dorset 705-766-9604 12197 Hwy 35 Minden 705-286-6730 1-888-842-3769 algonquinprojects.com For more information: www.starcraftmarine.com Muskoka life April 29
© Copyright 2024 ExpyDoc
