NauticStar 19-XS Review

They say the simplest things are often the best, and that certainly seems to apply to boats. As much fun as it is to explore luxury yachts with every modern amenity, sometimes the most fun of all are simple skiffs that are easy to run, easy to maintain and, most importantly, easy to afford.

Perhaps that explains the enduring popularity of the NauticStar 19-XS, a compact and straightforward center console skiff that focuses on the essentials to keep boating fun. Even so, for its size the 19-XS actually comes with a fairly impressive standard feature list, so let’s take a closer look at this intriguing center console.

Its compact size and versatile layout make the XS-19 an ideal boat for couples or new boaters.

Stretching 18 feet, 7 inches in overall length and riding on a healthy 96-inch beam, the NauticStar 19-XS still comes in at a respectable 1,900 pounds which confirms this skiff is no lightweight. NauticStar might have made a smaller boat in the 19-XS, but the company didn’t cut any corners or scrimp on anything in the process. This is still a boat built to NauticStar’s well-known quality standards, so we’re already starting off on the right foot.

Step aboard, though, and things start to get even more interesting.

A folding transom seat preserves floor space for fishing, diving or other activities.

For starters, the NauticStar 19-XS makes the most of its compact dimensions with innovative furniture arrangements that provide seating when needed, then fold out of the way when open deck space would be preferred. There’s an available two-wide folding bench at the transom that retracts nearly flush when collapsed, yet extends to a full-depth seat with a raised back rest when deployed. This is no meagre jump seat either, it’s nicely upholstered with plenty of padding in the seat, clearly confirming it’s meant to be a primary passenger seat when the boat is underway.

The helm seat features a reversible back rest, allowing forward-facing or aft-facing seating.

Facing it is a helm leaning post with a reversible back rest, allowing forward-facing seating when underway or face-to-face seating with the stern bench when anchored. Lift the seat cushion and there’s a 72-quart insulated Igloo cooler underneath.

The transom top houses a 20-gallon live well to the port side of the engine splash well, and a three-step retractable boarding ladder to starboard. A walk-through notch on the starboard side of the transom makes passage to and from the ladder easy.

The versatility of the cockpit seating arrangement gives the 19-XS a lot of appeal with young families.

Atop the gunnels there are flush-mount stainless steel rod holders on each side of the boat, with horizontal rod storage holders on the gunnel insides on each side of the cockpit.

In typical NauticStar fashion, all the hardware on the 19-XS – from the rod holders to the drink holders to the cleats, ladder, through-hull fittings, latches and rails – is stainless steel for a lifetime of corrosion protection. The hull itself uses wood-free construction with a fully integrated fiberglass stringer system that’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

The neatly designed helm console provides plenty of room for mounting aftermarket electronics.

Attention to detail is clearly evident throughout the boat, from the self-bailing cockpit with molded non-skid flooring for minimal maintenance, the custom stainless steel steering wheel at the helm, and the offshore-grade electrical system, complete with stainless toggles and circuit breaker protection.

The helm of the NauticStar 19-XS is smartly designed with a clear gauge cluster mounted overtop of the steering wheel, leaving plenty of space to the right side of the console for installing electronics. The quick-release windshield is a thoughtful touch, as are the standard Lenco trim tabs, LED lighting and 750 gph auto bilge pump. A large console storage locker provides a secure space to stow valuables on the water.

The front face of the console provides a seat with a cooler in its base. The cooler can be upgraded to a second live well if desired.

The forward face of the console provides a comfortable forward-facing seat with a cooler in its base, which can be upgraded to a 15-gallon live well if desired.

Adding an optional bow cushion and coaming pad set converts the bow from the standard raised casting deck to a comfortable lounge seat, allowing the XS-19 to perform double-duty fishing with the guys on Saturday mornings and taking the kids for picnics on distant islands in the afternoon. A low profile bow rail provides a little extra assurance when seated up front.

The bow features a raised casting platform with twin fish boxes beneath. An optional cushion set converts the space to comfortable seating.

Lift the lid on that raised casting deck, by the way, and you’ll spot the twin 35-gallon insulated fish boxes, each with overboard drains.

The NauticStar 19-XS comes well equipped from the factory, though the company does offer some attractive options worth considering – starting with an aluminum folding T-top that provides sun protection, yet collapses for easy passage under bridges.

Compact and easy to handle, the 19-XS is a charming skiff that doesn’t need maximum power to provide excellent performance.

While the NauticStar 19-XS is rated to accommodate engines of up to 150 horsepower, the efficiency of its deep-vee hull makes it a good match to a lighter-weight 115. With the 386-pound Yamaha 115 for example, the NauticStar 19-XS will still plane in a snappy four seconds flat, hit 30 mph in under nine seconds, and top out at over 40 mph. While moving up to a 150 gives you 35 extra ponies to play with, it also adds a solid 100 pounds of weight right on the transom, so improvements in planing times and top speeds are minimal while fuel consumption increases.

For those who appreciate the simpler things in life, the NauticStar 19-XS checks a lot of boxes. Take one for a spin at your own risk, because it’s easy to be captivated by the appeal of this wonderful little skiff.