What does a family-owned boat company have to do to stay in business more than 100 years? Stay with the times and evolve to meet market demands, especially in times like these. Plus, you have to take care of your customers so they come back decade after decade. Starcraft shoots and scores with its latest runabout, the Limited 2119 I/O RE, a bowrider that's as much fun at anchor as it is ripping across the lake.
Unique Factor
The most eye-grabbing feature, other than its contemporary styling, is the ginormous swim platform that's cleanly integrated to look like it belongs. There's a recessed boarding ladder to keep toe-stubbing-related screams from intruding on your peace and quiet.
The stern sunpad has some interesting convertibility features and stretches the entire width of the boat, which measures 8 feet, 3 inches at the transom and 3 inches wider farther forward. To starboard, there's a sectional that you can prop up to create a roomy recliner for two with an ergonomically correct amount of recline that's somewhere between sitting and lying down.
To enter the cockpit, this backrest flips up and out of the way to reveal a wide walk-through into the cockpit. In the alcove is an in-deck wet storage compartment that can be pressed into duty as a cooler just in case someone on board wants a beverage. On most boats, this alleyway is left open and is wasted seating space, but the Starcraft 2119 has a filler cushion to make sure all your guests have a great seat on the stern bench, which features stylish tuck and roll-style upholstery that is replicated throughout.
Performance
Powering our test boat is the 250 hp MerCruiser 5.7 L TKS, which is a carbureted model. Although we prefer the EFI version, which puts out 300 hp, the Turn Key Start (TKS) model lived up to its name and started easily without a manually operated choke - even in temperatures down in the mid-30s during our chilly test in Northern Indiana.
Thanks in part to the twin-prop Bravo III outdrive, we hooked up beautifully, getting on plane in just 2.6 seconds and reaching 30 mph in an outstanding 5.3 seconds. We had very little bowrise and the horizon remained in view at all times. Top speed at 4800 rpm read 51.8 on the GPS, and we registered a relatively quiet 92 dBA on our decibel-meter.
Dillon Donnelly
Dillon Donnelly
Handling
The best word to describe the handling of the 2119 is "neutral." Like a fully broken-in pair of boat shoes, driving this boat is a comfortable and predictable experience. The deadrise on the reverse chine hull is 17 degrees, which is a "tweener" that gave us decent slicing ability in the chop, but also provided good side-to-side stability at rest.
On test day it was cold and windy, but the 2119 ran very level as we tracked across the rippled lake. Its happiest cruise speed was at 3000 rpm, which netted us 30 miles per hour. We were especially impressed with its cornering; we were able to crank the wheel to its stop without blowing out, and the power steering gave just the right amount of assist while still giving us some feel.
Best Uses
Skiing and other watersports are obviously high on the agenda thanks to features such as the standard oversized swim platform where skiers can comfortably boot up for a run. The standard ski tow sits high on the transom and is suitable for traditional watersports like kneeboarding, slaloming and tubing. If wakeboarding is in the picture, upgrading to the sports tower is the way to go. Another useful add-on is a transom shower for spritzing off after a run. Sitting on the centerline is a giant ski locker that lifts from the rear and stays open thanks to twin hydraulic rams.
The Limited 2119 is a good boat for parents with toddlers, with its cockpit depth of 32 inches and a rear-entry alcove that is blocked off when the sunpad recliner is down. Up front, forward-reclining passengers have a recessed bowrail to hang onto when the driver explores the outer extremes of the boat's handling capability. Starcraft designers opted for more legroom so those over 6 feet tall can fully stretch out, although it comes at the expense of limited backrest recline.
Preferred Setup
The option list contains a few must-have items, such as snap-in carpeting for comfort. An upgraded stereo package gives you a six-CD changer and satellite radio capability along with a transom remote control. To extend your boating season, a canvas enclosure package including a visor, side panels and an aft enclosure will keep the family cozy.
The helm is compact, comes standard with a tilt sport wheel and has all the needed gauges set in an easy-to-read configuration. The shiny white gelcoated dash shows up prominently as a reflection in the windshield - easily remedied with a dark towel.
Adding a depthfinder and a tachometer with an hourmeter is about the only instrument change that's needed. For a high-performance sound and feel, there's a Silent Choice exhaust option that allows you to control the audible attitude your 2119 exudes. If the lack of a head compartment is a deal breaker, a similarly styled 21-foot version is available with this amenity.