STARCRAFT STAR STEP 215 I/O

Starcraft’s new Star Step 215 I/O is one deckboat you might have a difficult time being content to just drive in a straight line. It features an air-injection vented-hull design that, true to its name, introduces air under the hull to reduce surface tension friction and literally “unsticks” it for better performance and handling. Our test boat was equipped with power steering and allowed us to crank the standard Gambino sport wheel over in a hurry, carving a tight turn with no ventilation.

Powered by MerCruiser’s 250 hp carbureted 5.7L sterndrive, it got on plane in 2.9 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7.5 seconds. At 4800 rpm, we were only a whisker away from reaching 50 mph (shouldn’t have had a big breakfast) and no handling issues to report. Although the V-8 features the Turn Key Starting (TKS) system, a better choice for more power and smoother performance would be the fuel-injected MPI 6.2L, which produces 320 hp – the maximum power for the boat.

With its deckboat design that carries the beam forward, there’s loads of room up front, and the bowrider chaise lounges are comfortable and feature loads of storage underneath. A nice touch is the four-step boarding ladder that allows you to hop off on the beach without having to get wet.

Despite the 215 I/O being a compact 20 feet, 4 inches, families will love the big-boat conveniences like a standard head compartment and freshwater transom shower and another in the bow so guests don’t bring the beach onto the boat. This boat comes fully loaded with a full array of electronics such as the Humminbird depthfinder and tachometer with an hourmeter.

Although the upholstery in the cockpit is well executed and has tall seatbacks for enhanced safety, the decorative piping is annoyingly large and uncomfortable to sit on.